October 2018 - The Newark Issue

GOOD NEWS FROM THE CHURCH AND COMMUNITY

â„¢ October 2018

thepositivecommunity.com

$2.95

THE NEWARK ISSUE Business, Faith, Fashion, Film, Fun, and Luxury Living Come Together in Brick City

Essex County Executive: Joseph DiVincenzo A Passion for Excellence

Oh Happy Day! Newark Episcopal Diocese Welcomes Bishop Carlye J. Hughes in Spectacular Ceremony

We New

1,000 hearts transplanted.

Countless lives touched.

rwjbh.org/he

wark.

d. d.

RWJBarnabas Health has the fifth largest adult heart transplant program in the nation.

And Newark Beth Israel is where it all began—the first and largest heart transplant center in New Jersey. Today, we celebrate more than 1,000 hearts transplanted, but perhaps more than anything, we pause to celebrate the sons and daughters, mothers and fathers, brothers and sisters and friends and relatives who have been transformed by transplant.

You are the heroes of this story. You continue to inspire us.

earttransplant

OCTOBER 2018

CONTENTS

SECTIONS MONEY ...................................20 EDUCATION.............................42 HEALTH...................................52 CULTURE ................................60

Features Billion Dollar Challenge ............................................14 Newark Is Rewarding ................................................20 NRBP Networks at Tryp .............................................22

38

Luxury at One Theater Square ...................................24 Newark Is Fashion Forward! .....................................26 Letitia James Gets Support at NAN ..........................30

ON THE COVER:

LEAP at Newark Public Library ..................................31

The Historic Consecration of Bishop Carlye J. Hughes, Newark Episcopal Diocese’s first woman and African American Bishop

Essex Urban League Celebrates 100 Years ................32

&also inside

Publisher’s Desk .................................. 8 Op-Ed ................................................ 11

Passion Fuels Essex County Exec Joe D. ....................34 Building Newark’s College Going Culture ..................42 Harlem African American Day Parade ........................44 Pillar Hosts Pastor Appreciation Event ......................50 Englewood Hospital & Healthy Game Snacks ............52 Newark Beth Alma Beatty Health Fair .......................56 University Hospital & NPS Talk Health .......................59 NIFF Brings Hollywood to Newark .............................60

Guest Editorial ................................... 12 Black Clergy Vows to Forge Own Path ........................61 My View ............................................. 18 Plainfield’s New Education & Youth Center ................62 Fitness Doctor .................................... 58 First Presbyterian Welcomes Rev. Betty Tom ..............63 Gospel Train ....................................... 68 New President at NEMBC .........................................64 The Way Ahead ................................... 70 Taking Time for Tea ...................................................66 The Last Word .................................... 73 Identifying Phishing Attempts ...................................72 Cover photo: Raymond Hagans

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Contents photo: Nina Nicholson

The Positive Community October 2018

www.thepositivecommunity.com

Teachers Village

Charter School Development

New Jersey Performing Arts Center

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COMMITTED TO NEWARK FOR MORE THAN 140 YEARS, WE CONTINUE TO SEE THE PROMISE OF PROSPERITY. Prudential Tower & Military Park

Small Business Development

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Free Ultra-High-Speed WiFi

Hahne & Co. Redevelopment

School District Reform

In 1875, Prudential founder John Dryden chose Newark as the home for an idea that would change America forever: life insurance for everyday families.

Visit prudential.com/newark

Today, we’re doing more than ever to champion the aspirations of Newark families. Through partnerships across the city, we’re creating avenues for new ideas and technologies to emerge. For businesses, nonprofit organizations and educational institutions to thrive. And to help individuals achieve the promise of prosperity for generations to come.

We began with a sense of purpose that lives on today in our commitment to Newark and communities around the world.

© 2017. Prudential, the Prudential logo, the Rock symbol and Bring Your Challenges are service marks of Prudential Financial, Inc. and its related entities, registered in many jurisdictions worldwide.

0307724-00001-00

Thursday, November 15, 2018 125th Street Between 5th & Twelfth Avenue FREE EVENT

Dapper Dan

Joins the 25th Annual Harlem Holiday Lighting as the Grand Marshall!

• • • • • • • •

Parade of Lights Community stage with live performances Children’s and Health Villages Healthfirst Karaoke In – store activities and promotions Marvel Characters Whole Foods Jazz Tent, Mama Foundations and much more…

For more information, please contact 212 – 662 – 8999 or email specialevents.125thstreetbid@gmail.com or visit www.harlemlightitup.com Download Harlem Happenings App for Holiday Lights Activities

R C

GREAT

T

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 $1.50 each or they support this publication through the purchase of advertising. Find out more by calling 973-233-9200 or email rollcall@thepositivecommunity.com.

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

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

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

Pilgrim B. C., Newark, NJ Rev. Dr. Glenn Wilson, Pastor

Abyssinian B.C., Newark, NJ Rev. Barry R. Miller, Pastor

Community Church of God, Plainfield, NJ

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

Ruth Fellowship Ministries, Plainfield, NJ Rev. Tracey Brown, Pastor

Memorial, B.C., New York, NY Rev. Dr. Renee Washington Gardner, Senior Pastor

Shiloh AME Zion Church, Englewood, NJ Rev. John D. Givens, Pastor

Abundant Life Fellowship COGIC, Newark, NJ Supt. Edward Bohannon, Jr., Pastor Aenon Baptist Church, Vauxhall, NJ Rev Alphonso Williams, Sr., Pastor Agape Baptist Church, Newark, NJ 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 Baptist Ministers Conference of Greater NY & Vicinity Rev. Dr. Charles A. Curtis, President 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. Timothy E. Jones, Pastor Bethlehem Missionary B.C., Roselle, NJ Rev. Jeffrey Bryan, Pastor Beulah Bible Cathedral Church, Newark, NJ Gerald Lydell Dickson, Senior Pastor 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

Concord B.C., Brooklyn, NY Rev. Dr. Gary V. Simpson, Pastor Convent Avenue Baptist Church, New York, NY Rev. Dr. Jesse T. Willams, Pastor Ebenezer B.C. of Englewood, NJ Rev. Jovan Troy Davis, Pastor Emmanuel Baptist Church, Brooklyn, NY Rev. Anthony Trufant, Pastor Empire Missionary Baptist Convention Rev. Dr. Carl T. Washington, Jr., Pastor Evergreen Baptist Church, Palmyra, NJ Rev. Dr. Guy Campbell, Jr., Pastor Fellowship Missionary B.C., Newark, NJ Rev. Dr. Elton T. Byrd Pastor/Founder 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

Messiah Baptist Church, Bridgeport, CT Rev. James Logan, Pastor Messiah Baptist Church, East Orange, NJ Rev. Dana Owens, Pastor Metropolitan B.C., Newark, NJ Rev. Dr. David Jefferson, Pastor Mount Calvary B.C., Englewood, NJ Rev. Dr. Ed Spencer IV, Senior Pastor Mount Calvary United Methodist Church, New York, NY Rev. Francis Kairson, 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

Shiloh B.C., New Rochelle, NJ Rev. Quincy M. Hentz, Pastorr Shiloh B.C., Plainfield, NJ Rev. Hodari K. Hamilton, Sr., Senior Pastor Shiloh B.C., Trenton, NJ Rev. Darell Armstrong, Pastor St. Anthony Baptist Church, Brooklyn, NY Rev. Dr. Duane E. Cooper, Pastor St. James AME Church, Newark, NJ Rev. Ronald L. Slaughter, Pastor St. John Baptist Church, Camden, NJ Rev. Dr. Silas M. Townsend, Pastor St. Luke Baptist Church of Harlem, NY Rev. Dr. Johnnie McCann, Pastor St Luke B.C., Paterson, NJ Rev. Kenneth D.R. Clayton, Pastor

First Baptist Church of Teaneck, NJ Rev. Dr. Marilyn Monroe Harris, Pastor

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

First Corinthian Baptist Church, NY Rev. Michael A. Walrond, Jr., Senior Pastor

Mt. Olivet B.C, Newark, NJ Rev. André W. Milteer, Pastor

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

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

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

St. Paul’s B.C., Montclair, NJ Rev. Dr. Bernadette Glover, Pastor

First Baptist Church, South Orange, NJ Rev. Dr. Terry Richardson, Pastor

Mt. Zion B.C., Westwood, NJ

St. Paul Baptist Church, Red Bank, NJ Rev. Alexander Brown, Pastor

Friendship Baptist Church, Rahway, NJ Rev. Allen Thompson, Jr., Pastor

New Hope Baptist Church of Hackensack, Hackensack, NJ Rev. Kevin Jones, Interim Pastor

St. Mark Missionary B.C., Jamaica, NY Rev. Owen E. Williams, Pastor

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

General Baptist Convention, NJ Rev. Dr. Lester W. Taylor, Jr., President

New Jerusalem Worship Center, Jamaica, NY Rev. Dr. Calvin Rice, Senior Pastor

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

Good Neighbor B.C., Newark, NJ Rev. Dr. George A. Blackwell, III, Pastor

New Life Cathedral, Mt. Holly, NJ Rev. Eric Wallace, Pastor

Union Baptist Temple,, Bridgeton, NJ Rev. Albert L. Morgan, Pastor

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

United Fellowship B.C., Asbury Park, NJ Rev. James H. Brown, Sr., Pastor

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

New Zion B.C., Elizabeth, NJ Rev. Kevin James White, Pastor

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

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

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

Harlem Congregations for Community Improvement (HCCI) Malcolm A. Punter, President & CEO

North Selton AME Church, Piscataway, NJ Rev. Dr. Kenneth L. Saunders, Pastor

Canaan B.C., Paterson, NJ Rev. Barry L. Graham, Pastor Cathedral International., Perth Amboy, NJ Bishop Donald Hilliard, Pastor

Christian Love B.C., Irvington, NJ Rev. Brandon Keith Washington, Pastor Clear View Baptist Church, Newark, NJ Rev. Curtis W. Belle, Jr., Pastor

Imani Baptist Church, East Orange, NJ Rev. William Derek Lee, Senior Pastor It Is Well Living Ministries, Clark, NJ Rev. Kahlil Carmichael, Pastor

Paradise B. C., Newark, NJ Rev. Jethro James, Pastor Park Ave Christian Disciples of Christ, East Orange, NJ Rev. Harriet Wallace, Pastor

Welcome Baptist Church, Newark, NJ Rev. Dr. Elijah C. Williams, Pastor World Gospel Music Assoc., Newark, NJ Dr. Albert Lewis, Founder

“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

ADRIAN COUNCIL PUBLISHER’S DESK

For My Friends: An Insightful Message for Our Times!

S

everal weeks ago, a friend shared an editorial from popular American radio commentator and news columnist, Paul Harvey (1918–2009). His broadcast commentary, “If I Were the Devil,” was presented to a national radio audience in 1965, over 50 years ago! To read his profound, insightful message visit: www.thepositivecommunity.com.

Also online is an Op-Ed that I had written 25 years ago, “Saving Our Own Community” It was published again, in The Positive Community’s June 2018 edition, on the occasion of this writing’s anniversary.

With that said, I once again bring to our reader’s attention that we are in the midst of a looming crisis in spirituality and culture in America today, particularly within the African American ethnic community. Our culture has been poisoned; our children are being led astray; the future is imperiled!

False Liberty

Below are the video images of the latest tracks from Kanye West and Niki Minaj. You will have to Google the link yourself: Kanye West: “I Love It” http://flip.it/B3qe-u Niki Minaj: “Barbie Dreams” http://flip.it/XO5WJS We will not defile our website with the vulgar and obscene language contained in these videos. This is adult entertainment—pornography—targeting pre-adolescent teens—12, 13–16 year-old—junior high and high school students.

Niki Minaj’s latest album, Queen features the chart-topping single, “Barbie Dreams.” As of last week, Kanye’s track, “I Love It,” peaked at number one on the Billboard charts with over 46,000,000 streams; “his biggest hit since 2015.” Both raps are delivered in child-like, nursery rhyme cadence . . . And this, my friends, is what false liberty masquerading as personal freedom looks like!

A relentless, wicked, unjust and unholy war is now being waged upon the very souls of our children! Nothing could be more evil, sinful or devastating than those who—black or white—would knowingly conspire to market this spiritual dog food to our young, our poor; mercilessly exploiting the ignorant, the innocent and the unlearned for selfish gain— individual and corporate greed. The net result of these unfair and enslaving practices: an entire generation in abject bondage to fashion and debt; disconnected from their historical antecedents in time; immune to insult!

Shame upon those amongst us—individuals, corporations, public and private institutions—who know better and yet simply choose to look the other way . . . And to think, we just buried the “Queen of Soul!”

Sacred Right

To secure the future, the African American people, must accept full responsibility for their great music legacy—all of it—Slave Work Songs, Negro Spirituals, Blues, Jazz, Gospel, Soul, R&B, Reggae and Hip Hop! No, our culture does not belong to the person or the people with the most money.

To the contrary, on matters regarding the progress of our children and cultural sovereignty, the only way we can ever be denied these things is if we deny ourselves of our own blessings!

Our music is our greatest claim on the American Dream! Indeed, through intelligent thought—knowledge and wisdom—we must do all that we can to resist those who would, suppress, obscure and marginalize our community’s immense contribution to popular culture and world progress. Together, we must resolve to move the people forward!

It is, therefore, our God-given, sacred right; our patriotic duty to this country to preserve, protect and promote our very best. Again, the progress of our children and the integrity of our African American culture, values and traditions— our collective soul—mean everything!

My friends, I believe the future of Black music in America is the issue of our times! Based on where our community was musically 50 years ago; where we are today; what legacy will we pass along to future generations? This present generation will determine that outcome!

The enemies of progress will not prevail over the people of God! . . . “The arc of the moral universe is long but it bends towards justice!”* * Quote by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

L–R: Kanye West and Lil Pump

www.thepositivecommunity.com 8 The Positive Community October 2018

Niki Minaj

POSITIVE MUSIC MATTERS!® www.thepositivecommunity.com October 2018 The Positive Community 9

Be Uplifted!

Saturday, December 15 at 8 PM

A Night of Inspiration Travis Greene | J. J. Hairston | Cantor Azi Schwartz | Richard Smallwood Bishop Hezekiah Walker | Ray Chew, Music Director | Additional artists to be announced Acclaimed composer, music director, and producer Ray Chew—along with his co-producer, Vivian Scott Chew—leads uplifting music from diverse traditions.

carnegiehall.org | 212-247-7800 | Box Office at 57th and Seventh Artists, programs, and dates subject to change. © 2018 CHC. Photo of A Night of Inspiration 2016 by Stefan Cohen.

Proud Season Sponsor

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10/5/18 5:25 PM

THE NEWARK MUNICIPAL COUNCIL Congratulations and Best Wishes to

THE POSITIVE COMMUNITY FOR YOUR 11TH ANNUAL CITY OF NEWARK SPECIAL ISSUE

Mildred C. Crump

President and Council Member-At-Large

Augusto Amador

Council Member East Ward

LaMonica R. McIver Central Ward

Carlos M. Gonzalez

Council Member-At-Large

Eddie Osborne

Council Member-At-Large

John Sharpe James

Council Member South Ward

Luis A. Quintana

Council Member-At-Large

Joseph A. McCallum, Jr.

Council Member West Ward

Anibal Ramos, Jr.

Council Member North Ward

MILDRED C. CRUMP PRESIDENT–MUNICIPAL COUNCIL NEWARK, NEW JERSEY 07102 CITY HALL ROOM 304 920 BROAD STREET NEWARK, NEW JERSEY 07102 (973) 733-8043

October 1, 2018 It is my sincere honor and privilege to submit words of gratitude in recognition and appreciation to The Positive Community as you publish your annual City of Newark issue. Your publication has become a media and cultural icon in the Newark community. Your annual City of Newark issue is significant because of the impact that your publication has made on Newark residents and countless others. The Positive Community has come to mean so much to a populace that has often found itself absent of the media resource you provide.

The Positive Community is a distinguished source of positive news and information that provides an incredible service to the citizens of Newark as well as citizens throughout New Jersey and New York. Your contributions include the thoughtful enlightenment of your readers on the tremendously relevant issues, topics and concerns regarding Arts, Culture, Education, History, Business, Government and Politics. The in-depth stories and reporting written in your publication about leaders, trendsetters and citizens from an array of disciplines that would often go underreported, unreported or totally unrecognized, provides a unique insight to so many who read your magazine. Your reporting is needed and is a mainstay on our horizon.

The information provided in your magazine has become an essential resource for the community you serve. Your publication has become mandatory reading for myself and others to ensure that we are well informed regarding the questions facing our community. The Positive Community is the standard for providing information about the events and newsmakers that are relevant and tremendously vital to our community’s ability to prosper.

Your commitment to service the City of Newark with a devotion to the highest standards of excellence has been uncompromising. The Positive Community is a superior example of the much-needed elements that are necessary for improving the quality of the life of Newark residents and all those who steadfastly depend on your publication. To the editors, writers, staff and all those that make your publication possible let me state, my sincerest “Thank You’’ for a job well done.

Respectfully and Gratefully Submitted,

Mildred C. Crump President, Newark Municipal Council

www.thepositivecommunity.com

October 2018 The Positive Community

11

Reflections Reflections Reflections on on Reflections on Reflections on By: By:Kimberly Kimberly KimberlyMcLain McLain McLain By: By: By: Kimberly KimberlyMcLain McLain Influencing Influencingstate statepolicy. policy.

Influencing state policy.

Influencing state Influencing state policy.role Through Through having having a a leadership leadership roleininthe theGovernor’s Governor’sTranTranThrough having a policy. leadership role Tran-

Through having a leadership roleGrowth in the TranThrough having aand leadership role in Governor’s the Governor’s sition sition Team’s Team’s Urban Urban and Regional Regional Growth Committee, Committee, we we sition Team’s Urban and Regional we Transition Team’s Urban and Regional Growth Committee, we we sition Team’s Urban and Regional Growth Committee, were were able able to to bring bring the the anchor anchor institution institution framework framework to to the the were able to bring the anchor institution framework to the were able to bring the anchor institution framework to the were able to bring the anchor institution framework state state level. level.

The The final final report, report, adopted adopted by by the the New New Jersey Jersey EcoEcostate level. The final report, adopted by the New Jersey Eco- to the state level.

TheThe final report, adopted by the Jersey Eco- Economic nomic Development Development Authority, Authority, cites cites aaastrategy strategy that that advances state level. final report, adopted byNew the New Jersey nomic Development Authority, cites strategy thatadvances advances nomic Development Authority, cites a strategy that advances the the commitment commitment of of local local institutions institutions and and corporations corporations to Development cites thatto advances the nomic commitment of localAuthority, institutions anda strategy corporations to thethe commitment of local institutions and corporations to hire hire local local talent talent and and procure procure from from local local suppliers suppliers in in the the citcitcommitment of localfrom institutions and corporations to hire local talent and procure local suppliers in the cithire localthey talent and procureThis from local suppliers inled thebycities ies where where they do do business. business.

This strategy strategy has has been been led by and procure local ies hire wherelocal theytalent do business.

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This examples strategy has been ledtoto by Alliance Alliance members members who are aresetting setting examples for for others others Alliance members are setting examples forhas others toled by ies where they who do business.

This strategy been Alliance members who are setting examples for others to follow. follow. follow.

Alliance members who are setting examples for others to follow.

follow.

Creating Creatingan ananchor anchortable. table.

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Creating anworked anchor table.

The The Alliance Alliance workedwith withpartners partnerstotocreate createa aspace spacededicatdedicat-

AAGlance GlanceBack.

Back.AALook LookForward Forward A Glance Back. A Look Forward AWith Glance Back.

A Look Forward With pride pride ininwhere where we we have havebeen beenand andanticipation anticipationfor for With pride ininwhere wewehave been and anticipation for With pride where have been and anticipation for where where I I am am headed, headed, it it is is with with faith, faith, courage, courage, and and a a bag bag of of A Glance Back.

A Look where I Iam headed, ititisisForward with faith, courage, and aabag ofof where am headed, with faith, courage, and bag mixed mixed emotions emotions that that I’ve I’ve decided decided to to bid bid farewell farewell to to the the With pride in whereI’ve we decided have been andfarewell anticipation for mixed emotions to totoand the mixed emotions that I’ve decided tobid bid the Newark Newark Alliance.

Alliance.that Throughout Throughout my mytenure tenure asasfarewell president president and where I Alliance. am headed, it is withmy faith, courage, and a and bag of Newark Throughout tenure president CEO CEOofofthe theAlliance, Alliance, I Iwas wasblessed blessed to to meet, meet,as collaborate, collaborate, and Newark Alliance.

Throughout my tenure as presidentand mixed emotions that I’ve decided to bid farewell and to the CEO of the Alliance, I was blessed to meet, collaborate, build buildof strong strong relationships relationships with withpeople people and and organizations organizations CEO the Alliance, I was blessed to meet, collaborate, and Newark Alliance.

Throughout my tenure asorganizations president and build strong relationships with with withwhich which we we shared shareda acommon common goal: goal: toand toand bolster bolster Newark’s Newark’s build strong relationships withpeople people organizations CEO of the Alliance, I was blessed to meet, collaborate, and with which we shared a common goal: to bolster Newark’s workforce workforce and economy now nowand andgoal: into intothe thebolster future. future.Newark’s Today, Today, with whichand we economy shared a common to workforce and economy now and into the future.

Today, build strong relationships with people and organizations asworkforce asI Iwas was when when God God first first brought brought me me to to the the Alliance, Alliance, I Iam am and economy now and into the future. Today, as I was when God first brought me to the Alliance, I am with which we shared a common goal: to bolster Newark’s excited excited about about His His next next plan plan for for my my life. life.

So So it it is is with with joy joy and and as I was when God first brought me to the Alliance, I am excited about His for my ithas with joy and workforce and economy now and intoSo the Today, anticipation, anticipation, as as I Inext continue continue on on the path path He He set setfor for me, excited about His nextplan plan forthe mylife. life.

So itishas isfuture. with joyme, and anticipation, as I continue on the path He has set for me, asthat I was when God first brought me to the Alliance, I am that I I glance glance back back to to recognize recognize a a few few of of the the achievements achievements anticipation, as I continue on the path He has set for me, that I glance back to recognize a few of the achievements excited about His next plan for my life.

So it is with joy and the the collective collective “we” “we” have have been been able able to to accomplish accomplish together: together: that I glance back to recognize a few of the achievements the collective “we” have been able to accomplish together: anticipation, I continue onable thetopath He hastogether: set for me, the collectiveas“we” have been accomplish Expanding Expanding membership. membership. that I glance back to recognize a few of the achievements Expanding membership.

United United Airlines Airlines and and Broadridge Broadridge Financial Financial are arenow now corpocorpoExpanding membership. the collective “we” have been able to accomplish together: United Airlines and Broadridge Financial are now corporate rate sponsors sponsors of of the the Alliance, Alliance, joining joining Prudential, Prudential, PSEG, PSEG, United Airlines and Broadridge Financial are now corporate sponsors of the Alliance, joining Prudential, PSEG, Panasonic, Panasonic, and and a a host host of of businesses, businesses, institutions, institutions, thought thought rate sponsors of the Alliance, joining Prudential, PSEG, Expanding membership.

Panasonic, and a ahost ofofstakeholders businesses, institutions, thought leaders, leaders,and and community community stakeholders who whorecognize recognize the the Panasonic, and host businesses, institutions, thought United Airlines and Broadridge Financial are now corpoleaders, and community stakeholders who recognize the importance importance of of contributing contributing to to Newark’s Newark’s renaissance. renaissance.

The The leaders, and community stakeholders recognizePSEG, the rate sponsors of the Alliance, joiningwho Prudential, importance ofofcontributing tocorporate Newark’s renaissance.

The mere merefact factthat that these these national national corporate giants giants have havetaken taken aa importance contributing to Newark’s renaissance.

The Panasonic, and a host of businesses, institutions, thought mere fact that these national corporate giants have taken position position to to dedicate dedicate financial financial and and people people resources resources to to makmakmere fact that these national corporate giants have takenaa leaders, and community stakeholders who recognize the position to financial and people resources totomaking ingNewark’s Newark’s economy economy strong strong isisan an encouraging encouraging signal signal toto position todedicate dedicate financial and people resources makimportance ofeconomy contributing tois Newark’s renaissance.

The ing Newark’s encouraging signal other other corporations corporations and andstrong institutions institutions toto come come on-board. on-board. ing Newark’s economy strong isanan encouraging signaltoto mere fact that these national corporate giants have taken a other corporations and institutions to come on-board. other corporations and institutions to come on-board.

12 12The ThePositive PositiveCommunity Community October October2018 2018

position dedicate financial and2018 people resources to mak12The Theto Positive Community October 12 Community October 12Newark’s ThePositive Positive Community October 2018 ing economy strong is2018 an encouraging signal to other corporations and institutions to come on-board.

TheCreating Alliance worked withtable. partners to create a space dedicatan anchor The Alliance worked with partners to create a space dedicated ed to totraditional, traditional, corporate, corporate, and andcultural cultural anchors anchors interested interested ed to traditional, corporate, and cultural interested The Allianceon worked with partners toanchors create ainterested space dedicatedcollaborating to traditional, corporate, and cultural anchors in in collaborating on strategies strategies to to strengthen strengthen their their connecconnecin collaborating on strategies toand strengthen connecto traditional, culturaltheir anchors interested in ed collaborating on corporate, strategies to strengthen their connections tions and and contributions contributions totothe thelocal local community. community.

This This burburtions contributions to the localto community.

This burin and collaborating on strategies strengthen their connections and contributions to the local community.

This burgeoning geoning Community Community of ofPractice Practice isisdesigned designed totoshare share ideas ideas geoning Community of Practice is designed to share ideas tions and contributions to the localand community.

This burgeoning Community of Practice ishiring designed to share ideas and and strategies strategies that thatpromote promote local local hiring and procurement procurement and strategies that promote local hiring and procurement strategies that promote local hiring and procurement geoning Community of to Practice is designed to share and and will will continue continue totoseek seekways ways tohave have positive positive impact impact on on the the ideas and will continue to seek ways to have positive impact on the and will continue to seek ways to have positive impact on the city. city.

Audible, Audible, Rutgers-Newark, Rutgers-Newark, and and RWJBarnabas RWJBarnabas Health Health are are and strategies that promote local hiring and procurement city. Audible, Rutgers-Newark, and RWJBarnabas Health are city.

Audible, Rutgers-Newark, and RWJBarnabas Health areon the among among the the entities entities that that have have adopted adopted and and are are implementing implementing andthe willentities continue seekadopted ways to and haveare positive impact among thattohave implementing among the entities that have adopted and are implementing this this mindset. mindset. city.

Audible, Rutgers-Newark, and RWJBarnabas Health are this mindset. this mindset. among the entities that have adopted and are implementing Leading Leading city-wide city-widecollaborations. collaborations. this mindset.

Leading city-wide collaborations.

Leading city-wide collaborations.

And And finally, finally, fueled fueledby bythe theMayor’s Mayor’sNewark Newark2020 2020Initiative Initiative––

And finally, fueled by Newark 2020 Initiative to to connect connect 2,020 2,020 residents residents to tofull-time, full-time, living living wage wage jobs jobsbyby–– And finally, fueled bythe theMayor’s Mayor’s Newark 2020 Initiative Leading2,020 city-wide collaborations. to connect residents to full-time, living wage by the the Year2020—and 2020—and bybyan anunprecedented unprecedented collaboration, led led to Year connect 2,020 residents to full-time, collaboration, living wage jobs jobs by And finally, fueled by the Mayor’s Newark 2020 Initiative – the Year 2020—and by an unprecedented collaboration, led byby the the Newark Newark Alliance, Alliance, of of employers, employers, training training providers, providers, the Year 2020—and by an unprecedented collaboration, led to connect 2,020 residents to full-time, living wage jobs by by the Newark Alliance, of employers, training providers, government government partners, partners, and andjob-seekers job-seekers working working together, together, ititisis by the Newark Alliance, of employers, training providers, government partners, and job-seekers working together, the Year 2020—and by an unprecedented collaboration, evident evident that that Newark’s Newark’s economy economy will will be be fueled fueled by by a a qualified, qualified, government partners, and job-seekers working together,ititisis led evident that Newark’s economy fueled by by the Newark Alliance, ofwill employers, training providers, competitive, competitive, local localtalent talent pool poolready ready tobe to both both contribute contribute their their evident that Newark’s economy will be fueled byaaqualified, qualified, competitive, local talent pool ready to both contribute their government partners, and job-seekers working together, time time and and talent talent to to their their city city as as well well as as enjoy enjoy the the benefits benefits ofof it is competitive, local talent pool ready to both contribute their time and talent to their city as well as enjoy the benefits evident that Newark’s economy will be fueled by a qualified, gainful gainful employment. employment. time and talent to their city as well as enjoy the benefits of of gainful employment.

Without Without a adoubt, doubt, I Ican canlook look totothe thefuture future with withcontribute certainty certainty their competitive, local talent pool ready to both gainful employment.

Without aamomentum doubt, IIcan look to future with certainty knowing knowing the the momentum for for acity astronger stronger Newark Newark workforce workforce time and talent their asthe well as enjoy the benefits of Without doubt,to can look to the future with certainty knowing the momentum for a stronger Newark workforce and and economy economy is is well-underway. well-underway.

Newark Newark Alliance Alliance has has a ameanmeanknowing momentum for a stronger Newark workforce gainfulthe employment. and Alliance has aof meaningful ingful role roletotois play ininmaximizing maximizing the the full potential the the andeconomy economy isplay well-underway.

Newark Alliance haswith aof meanWithout awell-underway. doubt, I can Newark look tofull thepotential future certainty ingful role to play in maximizing the full potential of the city, city, and and I I proudly proudly pass pass the the baton baton so so the the work work can can contincontiningful role to in maximizing full potential the knowing theplay momentum for athe stronger Newarkofworkforce city, and I Iproudly pass the baton so the work can ue ue building building on onthe the lasting legacy legacy and and solid solid foundation foundation we we city, and proudly pass the baton so the work can contincontinand economy islasting well-underway.

Newark Alliance has a meanue building on the lasting legacy and solid foundation we established established together. together. ueingful building lasting legacy and solid foundation roleontothe play in maximizing the full potentialweof the established together.

I Iwish wishthe the new newleadership leadershipteam teamatatthe theNewark NewarkAlliance Alliance established together. and Inew proudly pass the baton so Newark the work can continIcity, wish the leadership team at the Alliance blessings blessings and and success success as as you you take take the the helm helm to to continue continue doing doing I wish the new leadership team at the Newark Alliance ue building on the lasting legacy and solid foundation we blessings success asas you the helm to doing your your part partand toand tomove move this this great great city cityand and itspeople people into intoa astronstronblessings success youtake take theits helm tocontinue continue doing established together. your part totomove this city its people into aa stronger ger and and more more prosperous prosperous economy economy inin which which they, they, too, too, can can your part move thisgreat great cityand and its people into stronIfrom wish the new leadership team at the Newark Alliance ger and more prosperous economy in which they, too, benefit benefit from the the renaissance. renaissance.

Newark Newark Strong!

Strong! ger and more prosperous economy in which they, too, can can blessings and success as you take the helm to continue doing benefit from the renaissance.

Newark Strong! benefit from the renaissance. Newark Strong! www.thepositivecommunity.com www.thepositivecommunity.com

your part to move this greatwww.thepositivecommunity.com city and its people into a stronwww.thepositivecommunity.com www.thepositivecommunity.com ger and more prosperous economy in which they, too, can benefit from the renaissance. Newark Strong!

BY REVEREND DR. DEFOREST "BUSTER" SOARIES, JR.

dfree: Achieving Freedom from Debt

I

n 2005 when our church was faced with the challenge of excessively high monthly mortgage payments and utility bills, it appeared that it could be time for me to resign my position as senior pastor. I had served for fifteen years and the church had many significant accomplishments: membership had grown; community development projects included health care, education, job training, youth development, and affordable housing initiatives; and we had built a magnificent worship facility that was the catalyst for neighborhood revitalization. However, the cost of constructing our church far exceeded the original plan for many different reasons and we had borrowed more money than we had planned to complete the project. After meeting with the trustees in February of that year, I felt like the challenge was too great for me to handle.

The day I planned to resign, I had a spiritual experience in the parking lot of the church – the cars started talking to me! And it was their accents that I will never forget. The cars near mine all had foreign accents – British and German. The car behind mine had an Italian accent. The sight and sound of these late model foreign cars – BMWs, Mercedes, and a Lamborghini – reminded me of my younger years when I was driving late model cars and wearing nice clothes but had no savings, no insurance, and no capacity to help anyone or donate to any worthy cause. It also helped me understand the next focus for my ministry. I had to teach my members the strategy I used to move from being broke for the first thirteen years of my adult life to being financially secure. Without such instruction, it wouldn’t make sense to ask our members to give more financial support to the church. That’s how dfree® was born.

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The Positive Community October 2018

I often hear ministers say the offering is the part of a religious service where everyone can participate. The implication is that even if you cannot sing or speak, you can give money to support the ministry. But the truth is, not everyone has money to give to the church or anything else. If someone’s income is so low they can barely make ends meet or their spending habits are such that they pay the previous month’s bills with the following month’s check, they just don’t have any real financial capacity. Most African Americans are in one of those two categories. Until that changes, we cannot enjoy the freedoms and the opportunities our people struggled so hard to attain.

We start at the beginning with a true assessment of our current realities concerning our money. I know that because of my personal experience – having to write down every dollar I spent for a month, having to stop buying things I didn’t need, and taking every dollar I could to pay off my credit cards and other debt.

Prudential did a study of African-American financial behavior and discovered that getting out of debt is the number one financial goal of the majority of black people. That is why dfree® starts with reducing and eliminating debt. So that is why I have committed to challenging Black America to pay down one billion dollars of debt and shift that money into savings, investments, and insurance. We call this “The Billion Dollar Challenge” and to join this movement we have created a tool, www.billiondollarpaydown.com, where we confidentially set our debt reduction goals and track our progress. Until we pay as we go, pay our bills on time, and live within our means, we will never be free. www.thepositivecommunity.com

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2018 ovemBer 5, 5, 2018 2018 2018 BiBle iBle ConferenCe onferenCe * novemBer Featured Presenters: Featured Presenters:

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Assistant Professor of of Religious Religious Education Education New York Theological Theological Seminary Seminary

Professor ProfessorofofNew NewTestament Testament and and Early EarlyChristianity Christianity Howard HowardUniversity UniversitySchool School of of Divinity Divinity

AssociateProfessor ProfessorofofReligion Religion Associate TempleUniversity University Temple

“Womanist Biblical Hermeneutics: Hermeneutics: Theology and Praxis” Praxis”

minin..CCandaCe andaCe ssimpson impson m

AssociateMinister Minister Associate The Concord Baptist Church of of Christ Christ The Concord Baptist Church

ddrr. .sshanell mith hanellt.t.ss mith

9:00 aa..m 9:00 m.. -- 4:00 4:00 pp..mm..

The Interchurch Interchurch Center, The Center, Sockman Sockman Lounge Lounge 475 Riverside Drive, NYC 10115 475 Riverside Drive, NYC 10115 $30Donation Donation (lunch (lunch included) included) $30

Associate AssociateProfessor ProfessorofofNew NewTestament Testament and Christian Origins and Christian Origins Hartford HartfordSeminary Seminary

About Aboutthe theConference: Conference:

New York Theological Seminary was historically a space in which many of the Offeredasasaa2-credit 2-creditcourse course to to NYTS NYTS students students at at the the standard New Womanist York Theological Seminary historically a space in which of the Offered standard early theologians sharedwas their research and reflections on many how the tuition rate and as a Continuing Education Unit. early Womanist theologians shared theirrelate research andconstruction reflections on the experiences of African American women to the andhow practice tuition rateDr. andEfrain as a Continuing Education Unit. experiences ofand African American women relate to theasconstruction and practice Agosto, Professor of theologies ministries in the Christian tradition well as other religious Dr. Efrain Agosto, Professor of theologiesRecently, and ministries the Christian tradition as well other religious expressions. several in biblical scholars have analyzed theashistory and expressions.

Recently,theology several biblical scholars have analyzed the history and To register please call: practice of Womanist with relation to methods and sources for biblical To register please call: practice of Womanist theology with relation to methods and sources for hermeneutics. This conference presents some of their work as well as how biblical Ms. Sontaia Briggs at (212) 870-1257 hermeneutics.

This conference presents some of their work as well as how Ms. Sontaia Briggs at (212) 870-1257 Womanist hermeneutics has impacted ministry practices in religious education, Womanist hermeneutics has impacted ministry practices in religious education, youth ministry and social justice.

For additional information: www.nyts.edu/BiBle18 youth ministry and social justice.

For additional information: www.nyts.edu/BiBle18 NYTS | 475 Riverside Drive, Suite 500 | New York, NY 10115 | Tel: 212-870-1211 | Fax: 212-870-1236 | www.nyts.edu NYTS | 475 Riverside Drive, Suite 500 | New York, NY 10115 | Tel: 212-870-1211 | Fax: 212-870-1236 | www.nyts.edu

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.

Governor Seeks Better Relationships With NJ African-American Communities

I

t was a birthday celebration for the Rev. Kenneth Clayton, pastor of the St. Luke Baptist Church in Paterson, and a meeting to enlighten members of the clergy about New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy’s desire to implement better community relationships with the African-American population in the Garden State, all wrapped into one.

The Rev. Derrick Green, Murphy’s senior outreach advisor, was the catalyst that brought Attorney General Gurbir S. Grewal; Lt. Col. Patrick Callahan; Jennifer Davenport, first assistant attorney general; Major Brian Polite, head of the office of community outreach and public affairs; and a cadre of African-American state troopers who made you feel good just knowing such brothers hold such responsible positions.

The attorney general talked about the 21/21 century project—21 counties in the 21st century. He also said the “hot button topics” include officers involved in shootings, immigrant trust, and bias crimes.

Grewal also indicated the law enforcement community itself “must be held accountable,” which was music to the ears of many seated in the audience since such accountability, in the collective eye of the black community, has been lacking at best and non-existent at worst.

A new policy has also been designed to withhold video tapes of cop shootings for three weeks only and then release such footage whether the video is of a good or bad shooting, he said. Unlike past incidents, videotapes

18 The Positive Community

October 2018

of cop shootings have been withheld for some 20 days.

There will also be an audit of the entire state law public safety divisions The attorney general summed up his presentation by advising the group that he would always listen though he would not always agree. Fairness. That’s what the community of color is asking.

Lt. Col. Patrick Callahan, who leads the New Jersey State Police, offered this observation when he spoke to the clerics. “When we take off these uniforms, we’re Sunday School teachers, parents, community leaders, and just plain citizens trying to make a difference.” There may have been some disagreement regarding his next statement when he said he didn’t think that any law enforcement officer wants to pull the trigger whether it’s a good shooting or bad shooting. Needless to say, that comment spurred whispering among the participants.

In summing up his presentation, he said the state was looking to recruit African-American men (between 25 and slightly above) to become state troopers. Some of the requirements include a trainee learning how to swim and how to box. If they fail either of these tests, they will not be eligible to join the state troopers’ program.

They allowed for Q&A (questions and answer period), and Rev. Dwight Gill, pastor of the New Hope Baptist Church in East Orange, wanted to know one thing: When will police stop shooting our black men?”

I think Rev. Gill spoke for many. www.thepositivecommunity.com

Money M Photo courtesy of Eat.Play.Stay Newark

buiness, finance + work

Rutgers University–Newark student Michelle Quetant tests her “Shop Newark” cash rewards card strategy in front of her classmates in Prof. Yla Eason’s fall 2017 advertising class.

Photo: Ronald Scott

Hire.Buy.Live.Newark Rutgers on Pace to Meeting Its Goals

R

utgers University–Newark (RU-N) and Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences (RBHS) are on track to reach, and in some cases exceed, their Hire.Buy.Live.Newark goals unveiled more than a year ago. A major collective impact initiative, Hire.Buy.Live.

Newark was created to dramatically reduce poverty and unemployment in Newark and strengthen the city's economy by 2020. Organizations and individuals across the public, private, and nonprofit sectors in Newark are participating in the initiative, which entails committing to employ more Newarkers and increase procurement of goods and services from Newark-based businesses.

Perhaps no one embodies the Hire.Buy.Live.Newark initiative more than Yla Eason, an instructor of professional practice at Rutgers Business School–Newark and New Brunswick (RBS). Eason officially joined the Rutgers faculty in 2017 and moved to downtown Newark in 2018.

She teaches two undergraduate classes, one on advertising and the other on marketing for nonprofit organizations. As part of her advertising class, students have created campaigns for Forward Ever Sustainable Business Alliance, a Newark-based nonprofit, targeted at other Rutgers students to get them to sign up for a “Shop Newark” cash rewards card. Like other loyalty cards, the more a person uses the Shop Newark card to transact business at participating Newark companies and stores, the more cash back he or she receives annually. Newark homeowners can apply their cash back to deduct from property taxes while non-homeowners, visitors, employees, and students receive a check. To date, Eason’s students have thepositivecommunity.com The Positive Community October 2018

20

Leon Ellis

BY FERLANDA FOX NIXON

signed up more than 200 Newarkers.

RU-N and RBHS are searching for more people like Eason to get them closer to satisfying their collective vow to make 220 local hires in total by 2020. They, no doubt will surpass their objective having already achieved 65 percent of their goal within the initiative’s first year.

From June 2017 to June 2018, of the 2,901 overall faculty and staff at RU-N, 103 were newly hired Newark residents, and of the 3,568 overall faculty and staff at RBHS, 41 were newly hired Newarkers, for a combined total of 144 new local hires.

“Since the launch of the program in June 2017, the goal of Human Resources has been to actively engage with Rutgers–Newark and RBHS hiring departments to identify needs that translate to an excellent candidate pool. By doing so, we not only create pathways for Newark residents to become gainfully employed, but also serve the RU-N anchor mission,” said Arleska Castillo, director of Rutgers Human Resources-Newark. “UnsurBywith Glenda Cadogan prisingly, Newark is filled exceptional talent, and we are a proud partner in the hire local initiative.”

Another purpose of Hire.Buy.Live.Newark is to increase local procurement by Newark’s anchor institutions on a much larger scale than that proffered by Eason and her advertising students. Projections released last year indicated increasing local procurement from its then-current position of three percent to 10 percent would add $33 million to Newark’s economy. Consequently, to spur economic growth, RU-N Chancellor Nancy Cantor and RBHS Chancellor Brian Strom an-

Faith & Love Fuel His Vision

Summer 2017 The Positive Community 17 www.thepositivecommunity.com

To the left: Shop Newark - Use the Shop Newark card to transact business at participating Newark companies and stores to earn cash back annually.

Newark homeowners can apply cash back to deduct from their property taxes while non-homeowners, visitors, employees, and students receive a check.

Downtown Newark at dusk

nounced their intention to increase the combined local procurement of RU-N and RBHS to 30 percent by 2020.

They currently are at 23 percent.

“Through frequent meetups, we are attempting to change the purchasing culture at Newark’s large institutions by introducing, and in some cases reintroducing, procurement managers to Newark suppliers of goods and services,” stated Kevin Lyons, professor of professional practice at RBS, and director of its Public-Private Community Partnership Program. The principal investigator of extensive research into the breadth and depth of Newark’s network of more than 400 manufacturers, Lyons has been working for several years with regional collaborators to improve key business functions of Newark-based manufacturers. “Significant inroads have been made in the print and paper industries. We’re making noticeable progress in food, catering, textile, and apparel.”

To further enhance Newark’s attractiveness to potential employees and individual consumers like Eason, Hire.Buy.Live.Newark partners also have been investing in infrastructure projects designed to leverage the physical, cultural, and intellectual assets of the community.

Major capital projects initiated or completed throughout the city include: • 15 Washington Street, a restored and renovated historic neoclassical skyscraper on Washington Park that houses 330 graduate and undergraduate students and features a Great Hall for major gatherings; and Clement’s Place, a popular jazz club programmed by the Rutgers-Newark Institute of Jazz Studies, the world’s www.thepositivecommunity.com

Photo: Arthur Paxton

most comprehensive jazz archive.

• Site preparation for the innovative Honors LivingLearning Community that will house 400 students, many of whom will be from Newark and Greater Newark.

• Rehabilitation of the RU-N-owned building at 155 Washington Street for approximately 225 residential units, retail space, and more.

• The newly renovated Hahne & Company building, which includes state-of-the-art apartments, upscale shops and restaurants, and an in-house Whole Foods.

• The opening of One Theater Square with approximately 245 luxury apartments, located across the street from NJPAC and Military Park and within walking distance of Whole Foods and the arts and cultural happenings of downtown Newark.

• Two skyscraper residential complexes financed by former NBA star and Newark native Shaquille O’Neal in partnership with developer Boraie that offer more than 500 additional apartment units.

RU-N, RBHS, and other institutions and organizations are on the right track and have made significant strides to elevate the economic and living standards of Newarkers and the overall attractiveness of Newark to potential new residents. Visit procurementservices. rutgers.edu/hirebuylivenewark to learn more about the Hire.Buy.Live.Newark initiative and access a comprehensive database of Newark businesses along with a description of their goods and services. For more information about the Shop Newark cash rewards program, visit eatplaystaynewark.com.

October 2018 The Positive Community

21

An Evening of NRBP Networking At Tryp by Wyndham Wynona’s House Executive Director Dominic Prophete, J.D.

L–R: Celia King, CEO, Leadership Newark; Rod Jefferson, Newark Public Library; and Kirsten Giardi, Newark Public Library

T

Photos: Karen Waters

ryp by Wyndham sponsored a luxurious networking experience hosted by Newark Regional Business Partnership on Thursday September 13, 2018.

Newark Regional Business Partnership (NRBP) is focused on meeting the needs of members with interests in the Newark region. About half of NRBP’s members are Newark-based with the balance throughout the metropolitan area. Whether from Princeton or New York City, members are tied to business investments, advantages, and opportunities in Greater Newark. More than 435 organizations including corporations, professionals, small businesses, universities and not-for-profits are active members. NRBP is a voice for member businesses, focusing on issues that impact economic growth and vitality in the Newark business community and the region.

Following are the top industry segments represented by large and small organizations: Professional Services (Engineers, attorneys, architects, accountants), Real Estate and Construction, Banking, Financial Services and Insurance, Transportation, Hospitality and Entertainment and, Educational Institutions.

L–R: Roy B. Lee Jr., Solutions Learning, Inc.; Barbara George Johnson, executive director, John S. Watson Institute for Public Policy, Thomas Edison State University

Executive Vice President and COO Barbara Kaufmann, Newark Regional Business Partnership speaks

L–R: TPC Angela Ridenour and Massey Insurance agent Larry Barnes L–R: Maya Curry, communications director, Newark Regional Business Partnership; Humberto Baquerizo, program development specialist, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School; Olga Garcia, senior engineer, Pennoni

22

The Positive Community October 2018

www.thepositivecommunity.com

We have the energy to make things better [

... for you, for our communities and for the environment.

]

www.pseg.com

Our vision for the future of New Jersey is one where we use less energy and the energy is cleaner, more reliable, more resilient and affordable.

We make things work for you.

L–R: NJPAC CEO and President John Schreiber, Dranoff Properties President and CEO Carl E. Dranoff, Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka, and Chief Investment Officer Julia Gutstadt cutting the ribbon.

NJPAC CEO and President John Schreiber

One Theater Square

T

he ongoing revitalization of Newark took another step forward on Wednesday, October 3rd with the official ribbon-cutting of the city’s first new luxury high-rise residential building in over 50 years. One Theater Square was developed by Dranoff Properties in partnership with NJPAC; the Honorable Ras Baraka, mayor of Newark; and other stakeholders.

“One Theater Square offers luxury living to rival New York City, Jersey City, Hoboken, or anywhere else,” said Carl Dranoff, chief executive office, Dranoff Properties.

“It embodies a bold new vision of downtown Newark, adding new residents, new vitality, and a wonderful design icon for all to see.”

The 22-story, mixed-use building features studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments, including some affordable housing units. They feature high-end finishes such as granite, stainless steel, and balconies

with spectacular views of Manhattan, the North Jersey mountains, and the Newark cityscape. Other amenities include a fitness center with yoga studio, game room,culinary kitchen, outdoor deck with fire pit, and 285-car garage, as well as 12,000 square feet of ground-floor retail.

According to John Schreiber, president and CEO of NJPAC, “The opening of this remarkable building is truly a transformative moment for our city.” And Mayor Baraka noted, “One Theater Square is more than record-making steel and concrete. It represents the success of our unwavering belief in Newark’s present and future.”

One Theater Square, Newark, NJ Photos: Raymond Hagans, Risasi Dais

The Newark Boys Chorus performed at the ceremony

24

The Positive Community October 2018

www.thepositivecommunity.com

Berger Organization www.bergerorg.com

Aisha Glover, executive director, Newark CEDC and event organizer

Tai Beauchamp, Newark native and wardrobe stylist Photos: Risasi Dais

Joyce Judd with Jeremy Johnson, executive director Newark Arts,

Newark: The Next Fashion Capital?

A

ttention, Fashionistas! The City of Newark adds Newark Fashion Forward to the list of reasons many are touting it as the new cultural capital of the east coast. Essence Editor-at-Large Mikki Taylor and internationally known style influencer Tai Beauchamp were among the honorees when the city’s first fashion weekend took place September 7th–9th in partnership with Newark Community Economic Development Corporation and Greater Newark Convention Visitors Bureau.

The three-day event kicked off with Fashion on the Green: Botanica, an Inaugural Opening Reception at Military Park, located in downtown Newark. Attendees enjoyed surprise live performances, an exclusive fashion show featuring the most buzzed-about designers from the city and beyond, and other treats that delighted the senses and showcased Newark as a city of style.

On Saturday, leading Newark designers, artists, and interior designers joined forces and took over Military Park to create fashion installations at the live Fashion & Art Pop Exhibition. Sunday, September 9th, the documentary The Gospel According to André (chronicling the life and career of pioneering African-American fashion journalist André Leon Talley) was screened at the Newark Museum, followed by a panel discussion. Moderated by Mikki Taylor, panelists included fashion luminaries Tai Beauchamp, Solange Franklin, and stylist Wouri.

26

The Positive Community October 2018

Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka (center) with Julee Wilson, Aisha Glover, Mikki Taylor, and Tai Beauchamp www.thepositivecommunity.com

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Unity Day at Brooklyn Community Church

U

Photos courtesy of Brooklyn Community Church

.S. Congressman Hakeem Jeffries delivered a stirring message at Brooklyn Community Church in Clinton Hill on Sunday, September 9. The Unity Day Message, based on the 3rd Chapter of the Book of Daniel and the story of the three Hebrew boys facing the fiery furnace, encouraged worshippers to stand for truth and right in the face of contemporary injustice.

Acting Supreme Court Justice Lisa Ottley, a founding member of the eight-year-old congregation, received a special community service award.

In his remarks, Rev. Dr. Fred Lucas, senior pastor, commented: "Judge Ottley is an outstanding role model for commitment to social justice and community empowerment for all people."

Brooklyn Community Church worships every Sunday at 11 AM at The Lewis H. Latimer Elementary School in Brooklyn.

L–R: Congressman Hakeem Jeffries, Honoree Lisa Ottley, Judge Deacon L Priscilla Hall (ret.) and Hon. Robin Sheares

L–R: Hon. Cheryl Gonzalez, Hon. Sylvia Hinds Raddix, Hon. Kathy King (retired), Judge Lewis Douglass (ret.), Judge Yvonne Lewis (ret.), Hon. Olanike Alabi, Congressman Hakeem Jeffries, Hon. Lisa Ottley, Hon. Betty Staton (ret.), Judge L. Priscilla Hall (ret.), and Hon. Robin Sheares

Sugar Hill Restaurant and Supper Club Celebrates 39 years of Community Service Photo: Lem Peterkin

L–R: Clarence Norman celebrates with Eddie Freeman

E

veryone has heard of Sugar Hill. Whether it’s the Sugar Hill Gang, Sugar Hill Records, one of the two films bearing the name, or the Harlem neighborhood where wealthy black folks lived that originally coined the name. It represents the sweet life, and that’s what

28

The Positive Community October 2018

BY EULENE INNISS Eddie Thomas Freeman has enjoyed for almost forty years in his Bedford Stuyvesant restaurant and supper club of the same name.

“Take the $15 million and buy something someplace else,” he was told when presented with an offer a developer thought he couldn’t refuse, but Freeman hasn’t parted with Sugar Hill Restaurant and Supper Club, located on the corner of Dekalb and Nostrand Avenues in Brooklyn. It hasn’t always been easy, but not much for Freeman was.

Born the eldest of eight to a sharecropper in Kinston, North Carolina, Freeman migrated to New York City after high school, holding various jobs from postal worker to cab driver. In 1979, he purchased his first

piece of real estate, the Sugar Hill nightclub. Later, he seized the opportunity to expand his business when he bought the building next door. Imagination, perspiration, and renovations brought the Sugar Hill Restaurant and Supper Club in 1994, adding soul food to the drinks, dancing, and live music.

“Our longevity and our southern hospitality set us apart,” says Freeman. “A lot of people go out of business, change names, or operate under new management. We have stayed the same because our customers have shown us that they love what we are doing here. So, we will continue to serve our guests and serve the community in the manner that they have come to know and love.” www.thepositivecommunity.com

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www.thepositivecommunity.com

Celebrating 80 Years of Jazz Music

The Birthplace of Bebop Where The Legends Were Born October 2018 The Positive Community

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© ©©2016 2016 United Airlines, Inc. AllAllrights rights reserved.

2016United UnitedAirlines, Airlines,Inc. Inc.All rightsreserved. reserved. ©©2016 2016United UnitedAirlines, Airlines,Inc. Inc.All Allrights rightsreserved. reserved.

WE LOVE VEGETARIANS!!!

Letitia A. “Tish” James, candidate for New York State Attorney General

Letitia “Tish” James Visits National Action Network (NAN)

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etitia James, the first black woman to win a major party statewide nomination, received a warm welcome at a National Action Network (NAN) rally on September 22. James, the Democratic candidate for New York State Attorney General, thanked Rev. Al Sharpton, the National Action Network, and community for their support of her campaign. She faces Republican candidate Keith Wofford in the general election November 6. Hon. Letitia “Tish” James, is the first black woman elected city-wide and currently serves as NYC Public Advocate.

Photos: Lem Peterkin

Tish James with Rev. Al Sharpton

Annette Robinson formerly represented District 56 in the New York State Assembly

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The Positive Community October 2018

NYS Attorney General Candidate Letitia A. “Tish” James and National Presiding Minister Rev. Herbert D. Daughtry, Sr. www.thepositivecommunity.com

Photo courtesy of The Newark Public Library

L–R: Carole Johnson, commissioner, NJ Department of Human Services; Bernice Davis, acting executive director of NJ Commission for Blind and Visually Impaired; NJ Lt. Governor Sheila Oliver; NJ State Librarian Mary L. Chute; Newark City Council President Mildred C. Crump; and Newark Public Library President of The Board of Trustees Tim Crist

Newark Public Library Launches LEAP

T

he Newark Public Library celebrated the launch of the Library Equal Access Program (LEAP) with a ribbon-cutting ceremony in celebration of Blindness Awareness Month, October 2018. The LEAP initiative will provide basic computer skills training and assistive technology to those who are blind or visually impaired. LEAP is offered in partnership from the NJ State Library and the NJ Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired (CBVI).

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October 2018 The Positive Community

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The POWER OF 100 The Urban League of Essex County Celebrates Its 100th Birthday!

NewarkBound-FallWinter2019-Advertising.indd 48

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ne hundred years ago when Black people were fighting for racial justice, the Urban League opened its doors in Essex County (ULEC). The goal was to help newly migrated Black workers from the South find housing and employment. Today as one of the Urban League’s oldest affiliates, it continues to provide valuable services and empowering programs to improve the economic, social and moral condition of thousands of Essex County residents - young, old and in between.

“Our programs are designed to revitalize local neighborhoods,” says ULEC’s President and CEO, Vivian Cox Fraser. “As we strive into the next century, we are committed to providing the county’s most underserved with tools and opportunities to help them to not only improve their condition, but to realize their full potential.”

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10/5/18 5:19 AM

The ULEC plans to celebrate its centennial in grand style during “The Power of 100” black tie gala and award dinner at Crystal Plaza in Livingston NJ, on November 9th. National Urban League President and CEO Marc H. Morial and local community leaders will come together to commemorate the century-old league and honor several of its partners and community members including Newark Mayor Ras Baraka; James Rhee, Chairman and CEO of Ashley Stewart; Morgan DeBaun, Co-Founder and CEO of popular millennial website, BLAVITY; Dr. Joel Bloom, President of NJIT and Corporate Citizen Award winner, PSEG. The evening will include a cocktail reception and silent auction followed by dinner, awards and dancing featuring Valarie Adams and the Dimension Band.

To purchase tickets and learn more about ULEC’s programs visit https://ulec.org. www.thepositivecommunity.com

NewarkBound-FallWinter2019-Advertising.indd 48

10/5/18 5:19 AM

Leaders & Legends

Joseph DiVincenzo, Jr. Passion Fuels Essex County Executive to Seek Fifth Term

By R.L. Witter

C

atching up with Essex County Executive Joseph DiVincenzo can be a bit difficult, because you literally have to catch him. He’s always on the go, making things happen and trying to find new ways to show his constituents how seriously he takes his job. Nearing the end of his fourth term, he’s now running for an historic fifth term. “No one’s ever done this before,” he remarked proudly. There’s a definite passion for what he does. “I don’t take anything for granted. I work 365 days per year and I let my work speak for itself.”

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If elected for his fifth term, DiVincenzo (affectionately known as “Joe D”) will mark 20 years as county executive.

That’ll be an impressive feat for sure, but even more so because he didn’t see himself as a politician. “First of all, I never thought I’d be an elected official,” he chuckled. “I played for Barringer (high school) and always wanted to be a professional football player. That was my dream,” After finishing school and playing quarterback at Jersey City State College (Now New Jersey City University), DiVincenzo was drafted to the Detroit Wheels in the short-lived World Football League. When the league folded, Joe D didn’t make the cut for the National Football League, thus ending his football career.

So how did he end up in politics? Anne Marie Natoli, a girl from his neighborhood, ran unsuccessfully for District Leader more than once. She asked Joe D to be her running mate and he obliged. They “won big” as he said, but Anne Marie didn’t get to finish her term as she died of cancer six months into it. That left a mark on DiVincenzo and was the beginning of his political career.

Joe D is Jersey through and through. His unmistakable New Jersey accent conveys his passion perfectly. After working as a teacher, an athletics coordinator, and a parks supervisor, he was elected to the Essex County Board of Chosen Freeholders before being elected county executive in 2003.

“When I took over there was a $64M budget deficit. Our bond rating was junk bonds — we were compared to Orange County, California. I had to boost morale and make sure our financial house was in order,” he explained. That was no small feat, but as of 2018, Essex County boasts a AAA rating for the first time ever.

Essex County’s financial turnaround is made more impressive by the projects DiVincenzo undertook and accomplished during his tenure. “When I took over we had 17 parks, today we have 23. There’s one at the courthouse complex called Veteran’s Memorial Park and one called Riverfront Park, so two of the six parks I added are right in Newark. We put over $350M into our park system; we renovated every one of our parks,” he explained. “Everyone says, www.thepositivecommunity.com www.thepositivecommunity.com

‘Joe D—the parks person,’ but there’s a reason why I do it. It’s about quality of life in Essex County.” He continued, “It’s about economic development, because when you have nice parks you have people from other counties come and they spend their dollars in Essex County. And everybody wants to live near a park; it improves the property value…

We all have stressful lives and to me, parks are a great outlet for everyone to enjoy.”

The Essex County Park System is one of the main perks of living in the area, and the improvements at the South Mountain Reservation have helped turn the financial tide in the county. “We have the South Mountain Recreation Complex with Codey Arena for ice skating, Turtle Back Zoo, an education center, zip lines, a golf course, a restaurant, and boats on the water,” DiVincenzo boasted. “The zoo is self-sufficient and that money gets put back into the zoo...

We’re building a new plaza with sales offices, a parking deck, and lots more.”

When asked about his passion, DiVincenzo replied, “I’ve had that all my life. My father and mother were the examples; they worked hard, working two and three jobs to support us.

Everything I take on, I make sure it’s done the right way.”

L–R: Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr. (center) dedicated the Essex County Donald M. Payne, Sr. School of Technology on Monday, June 4th. Cutting the ceremonial ribbon with the County Executive are (from left) Essex County Schools of Technology Board of Trustees President Father Edwin Leahy; NJ Senate President Stephen M. Sweeney; Congressman Donald Payne, Jr., Former NJ Governor Chris Christie; Rev. Mamie Lee; Essex County Deputy Chief of Staff William D. Payne; Senator Robert Menendez; and NJ Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin. www.thepositivecommunity.com

Joe D’s passion helped complete a project others simply couldn’t. “I made it my mission,” he said of the Donald M. Payne, Sr. School of Technology. “We had to consolidate our vocational schools. Bloomfield Tech and Newark 13th Street Tech were built in 1928 & 1930. We have not only college courses, but vocational training — for carpenters, plumbers, electricians, engineers, etc. This new school is second to none; it’s probably the best school in the state of New Jersey and it’s right here in Newark.” Named for the late Congressman Donald M. Payne, Sr., the new school has a special meaning for DiVincenzo. “We both went to Barringer, we both played football, and we were very good friends.

His brother, Bill Payne, is my deputy chief of staff.”

Joe D takes pride in serving his community and is quick to note the contributions of others. “No one could do this job alone,” he said. “You have to have a great team and the 3,500 people who work for me are outstanding. This is what you want from government workers.” He also sings the praises of his home team: his wife Donna, son Joseph, daughter Kimberly, and grandkids Hailey, Cam, and Bianca.

DiVincenzo looks forward to continuing to serve Essex County residents. “Once I lose that passion, then I’ll know it’s over,” he said. “But I have the passion now and I’ll have it for at least the next four years. I love my job; I love what I do.”

Essex County Executive dedicates an 8-foot-tall bronze statue on a granite pedestal honoring Martin Luther King, Jr. outside the Essex County Hall of Records in Newark, October 2015.

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“Winter in Essex County offers many special ways for people of all ages to celebrate the season.

Come out and join us at the Zoo, the Castle and the Environmental Center.”

Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr.

Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr., Essex County Executive And the Board of Chosen Freeholders Invite you to these special winter events

2018 Essex County Holiday Lights Spectacular FREE ADMISSION!!

November 16, 17, 18, 23, 24, 25, & 30; December 1, 2; December 7 to 31 Closed December 24 & 25 5 to 9 PM Essex County South Mountain Recreation Complex Essex County Turtle Back Zoo, 560 Northfield Avenue, West Orange 973-731-5800 ~ www.essexcountynj.org Carousel Rides are $2 Sponsored by

The Essex County Parks Foundation The Zoological Society of New Jersey

Donations of non-perishable food; new, unwrapped toys; and new & gently used winter coats for the needy are appreciated.

Holidays at Kip’s Castle

Wednesdays to Sundays from Nov. 28 to Dec. 30 12 Noon to 4pm (Closed on Mondays & Tuesdays) Visit Kip’s Castle for a self-guided tour of the first floor and experience the holidays circa 1920s.

Holiday Candlelight Tours at Kip’s Castle

Dec. 6, 7, 8, 13, 14, 15, 20, 21, 22, 27, 28, 29 7pm Take a one-hour, guided twilight tour when the holiday décor shines. $8 admission.

Space is limited.

Historic Holiday House Tour

December 1 & 2 ~ Times Vary Decorated for the holidays, historic homes throughout Essex County will open their doors for one spectacular weekend.

Sustainable Homes & Habitat Gingerbread Contest

at the Essex County Environmental Center Register by Dec. 1; Drop off by Dec. 3; On Exhibit Dec. 5-15; Mon. to Fri., 9am to 5pm; Sat. 10am to 2pm Create a unique gingerbread house with natural accents and green building design features.

Paid for by Joseph DiVincenzo for Essex County Executive | PO Box 266 Nutley, NJ 07110

Glory

Hallelujah!

Newark Episcopal Diocese Welcomes Bishop Carlye J. Hughes

By Rev. Dr. Douglas Bendall, Ph.D., Vicar, St. Andrew’s Church/Newark (1995–2006) Founder and President/The Newark School of Theology 1997

Cynthia L. Black

Cynthia L. Black

38 The Positive Community

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nticipation was high and on September 22, 2018 pomp and circumstance at the NJPAC Prudential Hall, filled to capacity, heralded Carlye J. Hughes as the 11th Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Newark.

Ordained a priest in 2005 after graduating from Virginia Theological Seminary, Hughes, the first woman and African American to be elected bishop in the Diocese of Newark, was elected unanimously during a special convention on May 19, 2018. Her first call was to St. James’ Church on Manhattan’s Upper East Side. Before ordination, she worked as a corporate trainer.

Praise and worship dancers welcomed the Holy Spirit with their bodies, then bagpipes, Af-

October 2018

www.thepositivecommunity.com

Cynthia L. Black

Nina Nicholson

leaving,” the Bishop said, evoking uproarious laughter.

Her brother and sister stood by her side in David’s stead.

Bishop Hughes thanked the congregation and well-wishers for their prayers and support then said, “I want to remind us of one thing, and that is hundreds of people just prayed that the Holy Spirit will come and help me in ministry and I’ve yet to see the Holy Spirit come and help one person in their ministry. Look out, the Holy Spirit came to every last, single one of us. When you receive communion today, ask her to continue coming to you and to empower you for ministry.”

Episcopal congregations throughout the diocese welcome Bishop Hughes as our new leader in our journey toward building new relationships of love and service with all our neighbors. Our neighbors are all persons of faith, persons of different faith traditions, and those who may not identify with any faith, but yet are beloved friends.

The progress of our City in terms of higher quality of life in recent decades is sure evidence that God is seeking to bless Newark in innumerable ways. Let us pray for all our pastors and civic leaders, but now especially for Bishop Hughes, that we may be worthy to continue to receive the blessings that God has showered upon us. May the whole community welcome Bishop Hughes as she joins our larger community of faith and progress.

Reverend Michael B. Curry, The Presiding Bishop and Primate of The Episcopal Church

L–R: Rev. Michael B. Curry, Bishop Carlye Hughes, Rt. Rev. DeDe Duncan-Probe, Bishop Hughes sister Robin and brother Rob

Three bottom photos: Raymond Hagans

rican drums, and heavenly voices made a joyful noise!

The Chief Consecrator of Bishop Hughes was The Most Reverend Michael B. Curry, The Presiding Bishop and Primate of The Episcopal Church, and the first African American to serve in this office. He greeted the crowd and remarked, “Oh, happy day!” Known for his emphasis upon social justice, Bishop Curry preached his message of love and power at the Royal Wedding on May 19, 2018. It electrified the congregation and was heard by millions of people throughout the World. On this day, he celebrated the consecration of Rev. Hughes, saying, “There’s a lot of ‘Glory Hallelujahs’ going on throughout this church!”

Proclamations were read, prayers were said, and finally, it was time to hear from Newark’s new bishop. “Oh, my goodness,” Bishop Hughes exclaimed. “I thought being elected was fun—this is way more fun! Becoming Bishop isn’t something we do in a vacuum; it really and truly does take a village and there are people here from all of my villages…,” she said to cheers and shouts. Unfortunately, Bishop Hughes’ husband, David, was under the weather and unable to attend the historic occasion. “I told him this morning how much I loved him and if he watched it on television I’d be just fine, and I missed him and it seemed strange to do this without him—but I was

www.thepositivecommunity.com

Rt. Rev. Mark M. Beckwith, Bishop of Newark (retired)

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Education Photos: Raymond Hagans

the art + science of learning

Reginald Lewis, executive director, NCLC and Roger León, superintendent, Newark Public Schools

L–R: Back row: LaMonica McIver, Newark Central Ward Councilperson, Joseph DiVincenzo Jr., Essex County Executive, Mayor Ras Baraka, Nancy Cantor, Chancellor, Rutgers University-Newark, James Pedersen, Superintendent, Essex County Schools of Technology, Ben Cope, Chief External Officer, KIPP New Jersey, Didier Jean-Baptiste, Dean of Seniors and College placement, St. Benedict’s Prep; Front row: L-R: Arcelio Aponte, Chief Financial Officer, Rutgers University-Newark, Roger León, Superintendent, Newark Public Schools, Mildred Crump, Newark Council President, Antoinette Baskerville-Richardson, Chief Education Officer, City of Newark, Marcia Brown, Vice Chancellor for External and Governmental Relations, Rutgers University-Newark, Reginald Lewis, Executive Director, NCLC and Anita Clark, Turrell Fund

Building Newark’s College Going Culture

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ayor Ras J Baraka, Newark Public Schools Superintendent Roger León, Newark City of Learning Collaborative (NCLC) Executive Director Reginald Lewis, Essex County Schools of Technology Superintendent Dr. James Pedersen, KIPP New Jersey Chief External Officer Ben Cope, and St. Benedict’s Prep Dean of Seniors and College Placement Didier Jean-Baptiste announced at a press conference on Wednesday, September 19, the launch of public conversations throughout the city of Newark to increase the number of Newark residents with college and other post-secondary certificates by 25 percent by 2025.

NCLC is an initiative created to help build Newark’s college-going culture by ensuring that all Newarkers have the tools and resources needed to matriculate at and graduate from college. Accordingly, the citywide public conversations will address topics and issues derived from Post-Secondary Outcomes of Newark High School Graduates, a report produced by NCLC in collaboration with the Rutgers University-Newark School of Public Affairs and Administration that examines what college-going looks like for nearly 13,500 of Newark’s recent graduates. Covering approximately 85 percent of all Newark high school students who graduated between 2011 and 2016, the report examines college enrollment, persistence, and completion rates.

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“The good news is that we know more Newark students are enrolling in college, but we also know that far too few are persisting to degree completion,” says NCLC Executive Director Reginald Lewis. “We hope that this report will serve as a resource to better understand the experiences of recent high school graduates.”

“As both a 22-year Newark Public Schools educator and mayor, one of my life’s greatest priorities has been to provide our youth with opportunities to advance their education after graduating from high school. The City is advancing this priority by collaborating with major partners to increase the number of Newark residents with college degrees and post-secondary certificates by 25 percent by 2025. To do so, we will talk to and listen to our residents and get their input, ideas, and concerns, in making this goal a reality. It will be attained, and our residents will be both the power behind it and the ultimate beneficiaries,” Mayor Baraka said.

“The NCLC, City of Newark and Newark Board of Education are taking a monumental step in charting a new course for our beloved city,” said Superintendent León.

Representatives from all sectors of the K-12 spectrum (e.g., traditional public, charter, vocational technical, and private schools) also reaffirmed their unprecedented partnership and manifested their continued commitment to strengthen the high-schoolto-college transition for all Newark students by signing a Statement of Commitment. – Courtesy RU-N www.thepositivecommunity.com

Photos: Lem Peterkin

Healthfirst — always a community supporter WBLS’ Dr. Bob Lee and NYPD’s finest

49th Annual Harlem African American Day Parade

“T

he Mighty Marching Panthers” of Clark Atlanta University led the 49th Annual African American Day parade on Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Blvd from 111th Street to 136th Street in Harlem on Sunday, September 16, 2018. This year’s parade grand marshals were Arthur Mitchell, renowned dancer and founder of Dance Theatre of Harlem; Cheryl Wills, veteran anchor, Spectrum News NY1; Tom Joyner, Tom Joyner Morning Show, Radio 103.9; Ann Tripp, news director, WBLS and WLIB; and hip-hop artist and legend and entrepreneur Doug E. Fresh.

“Culture is Key” was this year’s theme, honoring individuals and organizations for their contributions to furthering the dignity, determination, and excellence of African American Community and Culture in the fields of dance, theater, music, movies, television, broadcasting, literature, fashion, technology, sports, and more. We are pleased to highlight those who have shown positivity through their platforms and have contributed to the success of the community.

Photos: Seitu Oronde

Local 372 Union

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The Positive Community October 2018

Parade on-lookers fill African Square www.thepositivecommunity.com

Sunday, 10/28/2018 • 11 am-2 pm • 285 Jay Street, Brooklyn NY 11201

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West in Lyndhurst, NJ

Saint Peter’s University Serving Meadowlands with New Location and Expansion of Adult Undergraduate & Graduate Program Offerings in Bergen County

E

arlier this year Saint Peter’s University opened “Saint Peter’s University at the Meadowlands,” which is conveniently located at 1280 Wall Street West in Lyndhurst.

cation will bring new program options to the area and will provide individuals who live and work in the region with an opportunity to advance their careers,” said Eugene J. Cornacchia, Ph.D., president of Saint Peter’s University.

This new location has enabled Saint Peter’s to expand its adult undergraduate and graduate program offerings in Bergen County. Plan to visit campus on November 17th, 2018 for a Family Friendly Open House event. Registration starts at 9am with introductions at 10am, a student panel at 10:30am, and academic program sessions and instant admission decisions at 11am.

The location offers graduate programs in business (M.B.A.) and education as well as bachelor completion degrees from the School of Professional and Continuing Studies (SPCS) in a number of fields including nursing and education, among others. Students are offered the option to transfer credits based on work experience, specialty tuition pricing and access to a number of amenities including a computer lab, library, full-service cafeteria and more, as the location is housed in the Bergen County Community College Lyndhurst campus.

“The University community is eager to welcome visitors to Saint Peter’s University at the Meadowlands, as this lo-

Convenient schedule The location offers late afternoon, evening, online and hybrid courses to its students, making it easier for adult students to fit studies in with busy schedules.

Adult Undergraduate Bachelor’s Degree

• 8-Week Terms

• Starting in Nov, January, March, May and June Graduate Business

• 11-week Trimester Terms

• Starting in Nov, Feb and May (Summer) Graduate Education

• 16-week Semester Terms

• Starting in Jan, May and July (Summer)

Amenities The location offers all the amenities an adult learner needs to make achieving higher education goals more convenient:

• • • • • •

Computer Lab Academic Advisement Library Dining Services Free Parking Corporate Conference Center Access

To join us at the November 17th Open House Event, please RSVP at (201) 761-7100 or online at Saintpeters.edu/meadowlands.

Saint Peter’s University, inspired by its Jesuit, Catholic identity, commitment to individual attention and grounding in the liberal arts, educates a diverse community of learners in undergraduate, graduate, doctoral and professional programs to excel intellectually, lead ethically, serve compassionately and promote justice in our ever-changing urban and global environment. To learn more, please visit www.saintpeters.edu www.thepositivecommunity.com

October 2018 The Positive Community

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The Positive Community October 2018

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Pillar College Hosts Fifth Annual Pastor Appreciation Event

P

illar College held its fifth annual Pastor Appreciation breakfast on Thursday, October 4, 2018 at the Best Western Robert Treat Hotel in Newark. Local and regional pastors fellowshipped with pillar staff and other spiritual leaders.

Pastor Jim Cymbala of Brooklyn Tabernacle presented an encouraging devotion Pillar College used this event during pastor appreciation month to thank all local pastors for the time they’ve dedicated to ministry by offering a moment aimed to refresh, inspire, and network.

Pillar College President Dr. David E. Schroeder

Pastor Jim Cymbala

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www.thepositivecommunity.com

Photos courtesy of Pillar College

L–R: Dr. Mamie Tolbert, Dr. Wayne Dyer, Dr. Joanne Noel, Dr. David Schroeder, Mrs. Betzi Schroeder, Apostle Willie Tolbert, Ms. Shelly Bell and Rev. Terry Gadson

New Jersey Institute of Technology

#1 Nationally for Student

Upward Economic Mobility - Forbes

Join Us for an

Undergraduate Open House Sunday, November 18 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Learn more, visit openhouse.njit.edu UNIVERSITY HEIGHTS

www.thepositivecommunity.com

•

NEWARK, NJ

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Health ideas for wellness

Can Healthy Snacks and Watching Football Co-Exist?

L–R: Nancy and Bruce Harper (in Jets jerseys) with guest, and Deacon Richard Stanard, CBC of Englewood at right

Englewood Hospital’s Men’s Football Night Shows How

W

hat’s more important than the thrill of the game? The state of your health. On September 20, Englewood Health hosted its first Men’s Health & Football Night in collaboration with 98.7 FM ESPN Radio, The Positive Community, and the Englewood Chamber of Commerce. Special guests Don La Greca (ESPN), former Jet Bruce Harper, and former Giants Howard Cross and Karl Nelson pregamed with viewers over healthy snacks from local vendors Blue Moon Mexican Cafe, Cassie’s Restaurant, The Good Neighbor Juice Bar, and Joe’s Crab Shack. Englewood Health experts were on hand to offer one-on-one advice about staying healthy and tackling health problems early on, with specific tips for African American men of all ages. The crowd spent the night cheering on the Jets (J-E-T-S, JETS, JETS, JETS!) while prioritizing health higher on their lists, neck and neck with Thursday night football.

Photos: Karen Waters

L–R: Anthony Orlando, Dr. Andrew Weissman, Howard Cross, Karl Nelson, Don LaGreca, Bruce Harper, Dr. Samuel Agahiu, Dr. Mazyar Ghanaat, Dr. Brian Cole, Dr. Troy Callahan, Dr. Clenton Coleman, and Harvey Weber

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www.thepositivecommunity.com

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BY BREAST CANCER SURGEON VIOLET MERLE MCINTOSH, MD englewoodhealth.org englewoodhealth.org

African American Women and Breast Health

“A

frican American women are diagnosed with breast cancer at a younger age and with more aggressive tumor biology, so early diagnosis is critical,” says Violet Merle McIntosh, MD, chief of breast surgery at Englewood Health.

“Fear prevents many women from getting screened, because they believe that a diagnosis of breast cancer is life threatening,” she adds. “The reality is that most women who are diagnosed early will survive.”

Healthgrades_PC_7x9.5.indd 1 Healthgrades_PC_7x9.5.indd 1

a strong family history of breast cancer, you need to be screened differently.”

“Many people don’t know their family history,” she adds. “Such things were not talked about in the past. Family members might have known something was wrong with Grandma, but they didn’t know what. Ask questions! Reach out and find out what this person had. I encourage all African American women to talk to the women in their lives— mothers, grandmothers, aunts, cousins.

Talk with them and get the information.”

When should I have a mammogram?

“The American College of Radiology (ACR),” says Dr. McIntosh, “recommends that women with an average risk of developing breast cancer begin annual screening mammography at age 40.

“Women at high risk of breast cancer should begin annual screening 10 years earlier than their first-degree relative (mother, sister, daughter) was diagnosed with breast cancer or a BRCA gene mutation, but not before the age of 25.

“The big message here,” she says, “is to participate in screening. Our challenge is how to get patients over the fear. It is what paralyzes most women.

Today, a large majority of women with early-stage cancer are cured—another reason for regular screening. We need to share this message: A diagnosis of breast cancer is not a death sentence.

Get screened—get a mammogram and other related tests, if needed. Just do it!”

Does what I do really matter?

“Our lifestyle can impact what happens to us. Lifestyle-related causes of breast cancer include alcohol abuse, smoking, and obesity,” says Dr. McIntosh.

“Some studies, for example,” she says, “have found that patients who gain weight after having had breast cancer are more likely to have a recurrence. We have to look at our health in general and try to work toward overall good health.”

What about my family history?

“I encourage all women to familiarize themselves with their family medical history,” says Dr. McIntosh. “If you have

What do you find most rewarding about being a breast surgeon?

“Getting to know patients personally, understanding where they are at and

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The Positive Community October 2018

Why did you decide to specialize in breast surgery?

“When I was in my first year of medical training,” says Dr. McIntosh, “I saw a lot of breast surgery. Breast surgery deals not just with surgery, but with interpersonal relationships with patients and with counseling them. You really get to know the patients. It was a good fit for me.”

what they are about. Cancer diagnoses often seem to occur at the most inopportune time—when a first grandchild is due or a patient is about to get married.

We can work with the patient, try to accommodate important events in the patient’s life, while providing the best care we can.”

Doctor’s Orders: 1.)

2.)

3.)

4.)

Take charge of your health Know your family history Follow screening guidelines Consider how lifestyle decisions can impact what happens

African American Women and Breast Cancer Facts

• The #2 cause of cancer death (after lung cancer) in African American women is breast cancer * • Black women who develop breast cancer tend to be diagnosed at a younger age than white women ** • African American women are 42 percent more likely to die from breast cancer than non-Hispanic white women, despite roughly equal incidence rates *** * American Cancer Society ** Susan G. Komen Foundation *** American College of Radiology Violet Merle McIntosh, MD, is chief of breast surgery at Englewood Health and a member of the leadership team at the Leslie Simon Breast Care and Cytodiagnostic Center and at the Lefcourt Family Treatment and Wellness Center at Englewood Hospital. www.thepositivecommunity.com

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Limitations, copayments, and restrictions may apply. Benefits, formulary, pharmacy network, premium and/or copayments/coinsurance may change on January 1 of each year. You must continue to pay your Medicare Part B premium. Out-of-network services may require more out-of-pocket expense than in-network services. Benefit restrictions apply. Fidelis Legacy Plan is an HMO plan with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in Fidelis Legacy Plan depends on contract renewal. *Fidelis Legacy Plan partners with TruHearing for discounted purchases of hearing devices.

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L–R: Marilyn Harris, VP of Community Relations at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center and Children’s Hospital of NJ with 103.9FM Personality La Loca.

L–R: President and Chief Executive Officer Darrell K. Terry, Sr., Newark Beth (center) with hospital staff, volunteers, and members of the Beatty family in attendance to support the legacy of Ms. Alma Beatty, who started the Alma Beatty health fair more than 30 years ago.

Photos: Karen Waters

Hospital employees and volunteers

Hillside Strutters and the Blue Thunder Drum line

Newark Beth Alma Beatty Health and Wellness Fair

T

his year’s Newark Beth Israel Alma Beatty Health and Wellness Fair was one of the most well-attended in recent history, with more than 600 residents at the Fair.

Representatives from over 40 medical departments were on hand providing free health care screenings, health information, nutrition and diabetes management information, as well as cooking demonstrations at the Reverend Dr. Ronald B. Christian Community Health and Wellness Center, and exercise demonstrations with Newark Beth Israel staff and community members.

Attendees were able to walk through a model colon, and see what colon cancer and disease look like.

Additional activities included special guest DJ La Loca from Radio 103.9 New York, the Newark Public Library, Newark YMCA's Y On Wheels, and Bricks 4 Kidz, Free classes and activities included The Beth

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The Positive Community October 2018

Greenhouse Tours, cooking, stretching, and stress management classes. Hillside Strutters and the Blue Thunder Drum line, a group of 25 young men and women, opened the Alma Beatty Health and Wellness Fair with a stunning performance.

Ms. Alma Beatty worked for Newark Beth Israel for more than 40 years. As the hospital’s vice president of Community Relations, she was instrumental in cultivating a relationship between the hospital and the community it serves. She coordinated health fairs throughout the city, including at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center, and initiated many of the community outreach programs still in existence, such as the hospital’s Black History Month celebration and the Adopt-a-Child program.

The Beatty family continues to support the Alma Beatty Health Fair with their attendance every year. www.thepositivecommunity.com

A Healthier Life STARTS HERE!

Take the first step. Learn how a WellCare Medicare Advantage plan can help you be a better you.

CALL NOW! 1-866-670-8187 | TTY 711 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. | 7 days a week WellCareforNJ.com

WellCare Health Plans, Inc., is an HMO, PPO, PFFS plan with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in our plans depends on contract renewal. You may enroll in the plan only during specific times of the year unless you qualify for a Special Election Period (SEP) or Initial Coverage Election Period (ICEP). WellCare TexanPlus complies with applicable Federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex. ATTENTION: If you speak a language other than English, language assistance services, free of charge, are available to you. Call 1-888-736-7442 (TTY: 711). ATENCIÓN: si habla español, tiene a su disposición servicios gratuitos de asistencia lingüística. Llame al 1-888-736-7442 (TTY: 711). 注意：如果您使用繁體中文，您可以免費獲得語言援助服務。請致 電 1-888-736-7442 (TTY:711)。 Y0070_WCM_15746E CMS Accepted 07232018

KAHLIL KAHLIL CARMICHAEL KAHLIL KAHLIL CARMICHAEL THE CARMICHAEL CARMICHAEL THE FITNESS THE THE FITNESS DOCTOR FITNESS FITNESS DOCTOR DOCTOR DOCTOR Kahlil Carmichael MAPCC, MDIV, CPT is the pastor of Live Well Church, in Somerset, New Jersey.

Kahlil MAPCC, CPT of Church, New Kahlil Kahlil Carmichael Carmichael MAPCC, MAPCC, MDIV, MDIV, CPT CPTis isisthe the thepastor pastor pastor ofofLive Live LiveWell Well Well Church, Church,in ininSomerset, Somerset, Somerset, New NewJersey.

Jersey.

Jersey.

He is aCarmichael fitness specialist atMDIV, The Fitness a fitness wellness company; and the Kahlil Carmichael MAPCC, MDIV, CPT isDoctor, the pastor of Liveand Well Church,consulting in Somerset, New Jersey.

He is a fitness specialist at The Fitness Doctor, a fitness and wellness consulting company; and He He is is a a fitness fitness specialist specialist at at The The Fitness Fitness Doctor, Doctor, a a fitness fitness and and wellness wellness consulting consulting company; company; and andthe the the author of 50 Tips for a Better You. He is a contributor to Guideposts magazine.

His first publication, He is a fitness specialist at The Fitness Doctor, a fitness and wellness consulting company; and the author of 50 Tips for a Better You. He is a contributor to Guideposts magazine.

His first publication, author author of of 50 50 Tips Tips for for a a Better Better You. You. He He is is a a contributor contributor to to Guideposts Guideposts magazine. magazine.

His His first first publication, publication, Living Living is You. available Go to www.livewellchurch.org for more information. authorLonger of 50 Tips forBetter, a Better He isnow. a contributor to Guideposts magazine.

His first publication, Living Living LivingLonger Longer LongerLiving Living LivingBetter, Better, Better,is isisavailable available availablenow. now. now.Go Go Goto totowww.livewellchurch.org www.livewellchurch.org www.livewellchurch.orgfor for formore more moreinformation. information. information.

Living Longer Living Better, is available now. Go to www.livewellchurch.org for more information.

Let’s Stop the Comparisons Let’s Stop the Let’s Stop the Comparisons Let’s Stop the Comparisons Comparisons

III

was listening to a wonderful song the other day by a great was a wonderful the aa agreat was waslistening listening listeningto to wonderful song song the theother other otherday day dayby by great singer/songwriter Jonathansong McReynolds.

The song is was listening totoaa awonderful wonderful song the other day byby a great great singer/songwriter Jonathan McReynolds.

The song isis singer/songwriter singer/songwriter Jonathan Jonathan McReynolds.

McReynolds.

The The song song called “Comparison Kills” and is about the destructive singer/songwriter Jonathan McReynolds.

The song is is called “Comparison Kills” and is about the destructive called called “Comparison “Comparison Kills” Kills” and and is is about about the the destructive destructive habit of comparing ourselves to others.

McReynolds sings called “Comparison Kills” and is about the destructive habit to McReynolds sings habit habit of ofcomparing comparing comparing ourselves ourselves totoothers. others. others.

McReynolds McReynolds sings sings of the of negative effectsourselves of comparing where we live, what we habit of comparing ourselves to others.

McReynolds sings of the negative effects of comparing where we live, what we of of the the negative negative effects effects of of comparing comparing where where we we live, live, what what we we drive, what we wear, and how we look with others.

Nothing of the what negative effectsand of how comparing where we live, Nothing what we drive, we wear, we look with others. drive, drive, what what we we wear, wear, and and how how we we look look with with others. others.

Nothing Nothing positive canwe ever come ourselves anothdrive, what wear, andfrom howcomparing we look with others.to Nothing positive can come from ourselves to positive positive can canever ever ever come come from fromitcomparing comparing comparing ourselves ourselves totoanothanothanother.

Comparison is negative; kills our hope, dreams, and positive can everiscome from itcomparing ourselves to another.

Comparison negative; kills our hope, dreams, and er. er.

Comparison Comparison is is negative; negative; it it kills kills our our hope, hope, dreams, dreams, and and self-esteem. er.

Comparison is negative; it kills our hope, dreams, and self-esteem. self-esteem. self-esteem.

In my devotional “Living Longer Living Better Body, self-esteem.

In “Living InInmy my mydevotional devotional devotional “Living “LivingLonger Longer LongerLiving Living LivingBetter Better BetterBody, Body, Body, Mind, and Sprit” I wrote: In my devotional “Living Longer Living Better Body, Mind, and Sprit” I wrote: Mind, Mind, and and Sprit” Sprit” I I wrote: wrote: If a picture is worth a thousand words, think about what Mind, and Sprit” I wrote: If aacomes words, think If Ifaa apicture picture pictureis iswhen isworth worth worth athousand thousand thousand words, words, think thinkabout about aboutwhat what what that means it to the beautiful, If a picture iswhen worth acomes thousand words, thinkglamorous, about what that means it to the beautiful, glamorous, that that means means when when it it comes comes to to the the beautiful, beautiful, glamorous, glamorous, idealized, imagestothat so often sent out that meanscelebrity when it comes the are beautiful, glamorous, idealized, celebrity images that are so sent idealized, idealized, celebrity celebrity images images that thatto are are sosooften often often sent sentout out out through mass media.

It is easy compare ourselves idealized, celebrity images that to arecompare so oftenourselves sent out through mass media.

It is easy through through mass mass media. media.

It It is is easy easy to to compare compare ourselves ourselves against these weeasy should not. Manyourselves of those through massimages, media.but It is to compare against these images, we not. against against these these images, images,but but but we weshould should should not. not.Many Many Manyof ofofthose those those whom we see looking so perfect are paid professionals against these images, but we should not.

Many of those whom we see looking so perfect are paid professionals whom whom we we see see looking looking so so perfect perfect are are paid paid professionals professionals who make a living being in front theprofessionals camera and whom we see looking so perfect areof paid who being front of who whomake make makeaaimages aliving living livingcreated being beingin inin front front ofofthe the thecamera camera camera and and have their by others.

This is not and the who make aimages living created being inbyfront of the camera and have their others.

This is not the have have their their images images created created by by others. others.

This This is is not not the the case for most of us. created We are working long hours, taking have their images by others.

This is not the case for most of us.

We are working long hours, taking case case for for most most of of us. us.

We We are are working working long long hours, hours, taking taking kids to commuting long distances, andtaking being case foractivities, most of us.

We are working long hours, kids commuting long and kids kidsto totoactivities, activities, activities, commuting commuting long longdistances, distances, distances, and andbeing being being caretakers to loved ones to name a few of the tasks kids to activities, commuting long distances, and being caretakers to loved ones to name a few of the tasks caretakers caretakers to to loved loved ones ones to to name name a a few few of of the the tasks tasks that consume our time. amname not saying those in caretakers to loved onesII to a fewthat of the tasks that consume our time. am not saying that those in that that consume consume our our time. time.

I I am am not not saying saying that that those those inin front of the camera do not live real lives that are just that consume our time.

I amlive notreal saying that those in front of the camera do not lives that are just front front of of the the camera camera do do not not live live real real lives lives that that are are just just as complicated as ours, butlive theyreal don’t live your life. front of the camera do not lives that are just as as as ascomplicated complicated complicated asasours, ours, ours,but but butthey they they don’t don’tlive live liveyour your life. life.

We often compare ourselves andon’t ideal that isyour notlife. reas complicated as ours, but to they don’t live your life.

We often compare ourselves to an ideal that is not reWe We often often compare compare ourselves ourselves to to an an ideal ideal that that is is not not rerealistic or obtainable for us. And sadly, thisthat comparison We often compare ourselves to an ideal is not realistic or obtainable for us.

And sadly, this comparison alistic alistic or or obtainable obtainable for for us. us.

And And sadly, sadly, this this comparison comparison can cause us to feel let Nosadly, matter age and alistic or obtainable fordown. us. And thiswhat comparison can us feel let down.

No what age can cancause cause cause us usto toto feel feel letlet down. down.

No Nomatter matter matter what what age ageand and and where you are in life, you can be in the best shape of can cause us toin feel letyou down.

No matter whatshape age and where you are life, can be in the best of where where you you are are in in life, life, you you can can be be in in the the best best shape shape of your life and achieve great health.

Instead of looking where you areachieve in life, great you can be inInstead the bestofshape ofof your life and health. looking your your life life and and achieve achieve great great health. health.

Instead Instead of of looking looking to belife likeand someone make the Instead decisionoftolooking be the your achieveelse, great health. to be like someone else, make the decision to be the to to be be like like someone someone else, else, make make the the decision decision to to be the the best you possible.

Accept both who you are and who to beyou likepossible. someoneAccept else, make the decision to bebe the best both who you are and who best best you you possible. possible.

Accept Accept both both who who you you are are and and who who you are Godboth does.who you are and who best younot—just possible.like Accept you are not—just like God does. you you are are not—just not—just like like God God does. to other people and We must stop comparing ourselves you are not—just like God does. does.

We must stop comparing ourselves to other people and We We must must stop stop comparing comparing ourselves ourselves to other people people and and decide to be stop the best version of ourselves.

Why are you comWe must comparing ourselves totoother other people and decide to be the best version of ourselves.

Why are you comdecide decide to to be be the the best best version version of of ourselves. ourselves.

Why Why are are you you comcomparing your 65-year-old self of to ourselves. a 25-year-old Why decide to be the best version Why person? are you comparing your 65-year-old self to aa a25-year-old person?

Why paring paring your your 65-year-old 65-year-old self self to to 25-year-old 25-year-old person? person?

Why are you comparing your 10-year-old church, ministry, or paring your 65-year-old self to a 25-year-old person? Why Why are you comparing your 10-year-old church, ministry, oror are are you you comparing comparing your your 10-year-old 10-year-old church, church, ministry, ministry, business to other ministries and businesses that have been are you comparing your 10-year-old church, ministry, or or business to other ministries and businesses that have been business business to to other other ministries ministries and and businesses businesses that that have have been been around 25 plus years? This is killing your businessfor to other ministries and comparison businesses that have been around comparison killing around aroundfor for for25 25 25plus plus plusyears? years? years?This This This comparison comparisonis is killingyour your your enthusiasm, joy, and forward progression. around for 25 plus years?

This comparison isiskilling killing your enthusiasm, joy, and forward progression. enthusiasm, enthusiasm, joy, joy, and and forward forward progression. progression. enthusiasm, joy, and forward progression.

58 The Positive Community October 2018 58 The 58The The ThePositive Positive PositiveCommunity Community CommunityOctober October October2018 2018 2018 58 58 The Positive Positive Community Community October October 2018 2018

Here are a couple of tips to be the best version of Here Here Hereare are areaa acouple couple coupleof ofoftips tips tipsto totobe bebethe the thebest best bestversion version versionof ofof yourself: Here are a couple of tips to be the best version of yourself: yourself: yourself: • Find a fitness program that speaks to the specificity yourself: •• •Find aa afitness program that to specificity Find Find fitness fitness program program that thatspeaks speaks speaks totothe the the specificity specificity your life!

Areprogram you trying do Zumba, yetspecificity you have • of Find a fitness thatto speaks to the of your life!

Are you trying to do Zumba, yet you ofofyour yourlife! life!

Are Areyou youtrying trying toto do doZumba, Zumba, yet yetfind you youhave have arthritis?

I commend you for your effort but a have fitof your life!

Are you trying to your do Zumba, yet find you have arthritis?

II Icommend you arthritis? arthritis? commend commend you youfor for for your youreffort effort effortbut but butfind findaa afitfitfitness program that is specific to your needs and physical arthritis?

I commend you for your effort but find a fitness ness nessprogram program programthat that thatis isisspecific specific specificto totoyour your yourneeds needs needsand and andphysical physical physical condition. ness program that is specific to your needs and physical condition. condition. condition.

• Be excellent on your level. Start being excellent right condition.

•• •Be on your Start excellent right Be Beexcellent excellent excellent on on your yourlevel. level. level.

Start Startbeing being being excellent excellent right right you are.on Instead of trying lift more weight,right run • where Be excellent your level.

Startto being excellent where you are.

Instead of trying to lift more weight, run where whereyou you are. are.

Instead Instead ofoftrying trying totolift liftmore moreweight, weight, run run faster, or out swim someone else, weight, run your where you are.swim Instead of trying to lift more weight, run faster, or someone else, lift faster, faster, ororout out outswim someone someone else, else, lift liftweight, weight, weight,run run runyour your your own race, and swim for the joy of swimming.

Do faster, or out swim someone else, lift weight, run your own race, and swim for of own ownand race, race, and and swim swim for forthe the thejoy joy joy ofofswimming. swimming. swimming.Do Do Doyour your your best beand your bestfor on your level own race, swim the joy of swimming.

Do your best best bestand and andbe bebeyour your yourbest best beston on onyour your yourlevel level level best and be your best on your level Remember, comparison kills so decide to stop comparing Remember, comparison kills Remember, Remember, comparison comparison kills killsso sosodecide decide decideto totostop stop stopcomparing comparing comparing yourself, so youcomparison might live. kills Remember, so decide to stop comparing yourself, so you might live. yourself, yourself,sosoyou youmight mightlive. live. yourself, so you might live.

As always, exercise consistently, eat healthier, live well.

Disclaimer: The information contained in this column AsAsalways, consistently, eat live always,exercise exercise consistently, eathealthier, healthier, livewell. well.

Disclaimer: The information contained inyour this column As always, exercise consistently, eat healthier, live well.

Disclaimer: Disclaimer: The The information information contained contained in in this this column column is of a general nature.

You should consult physician Disclaimer: The information contained in this column is of general nature.

You should consult your physician is isof ofaaa ageneral general nature. nature.You You should should consult consultyour yourphysician physician or health care professional before beginning any exercise is of general nature.

You should consult your physician or health care professional before beginning any exercise or or health health care care professional professional before before beginning beginning any any exercise exercise program changing your before dietarybeginning regimen. any exercise or health or care professional program or changing your dietary regimen. program program or or changing changing your your dietary dietary regimen. regimen. program or changing your dietary regimen. www.thepositivecommunity.com www.thepositivecommunity.com www.thepositivecommunity.com www.thepositivecommunity.com www.thepositivecommunity.com www.thepositivecommunity.com

Dr. Adam Fox explains the ‘Stop the Bleed’ program

University Hospital Partners with Newark Public Schools

Newark Mayor Ras Baraka

The Community Training Center team from University Hospital

U

niversity Hospital (UH) and the Newark Public Schools (NPS) have launched a long-term partnership to address the health of students and their families that will include medical screenings, health education, workshops, smoking cessation classes, and insurance enrollment.

The new venture kicked off at an event on August 29 at the Rafael Hernandez School with Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, Newark Public Schools Superintendent Roger León, and officials from University Hospital.

“Good health, wellness, and public safety require that health care providers form meaningful, long-lasting relationships with the communities they serve,” said Baraka.

“The new partnership between University Hospital and Newark Public Schools is a step in the right direction.”

“Schools are much more than just places of learning because they serve as community hubs where teachers and families can work together to create a better environment for our children.” León said. “Partnering with University Hospital to expand health education and access to medical services is not only good for the 55,000+ students attending Newark’s schools - it’s good for Newark as a whole.”

During the August event, school nurses and security personnel began receiving training in emergency bleeding controls from UH staff. The training program, part of a national initiative known as “Stop the Bleed,” will eventually prepare nearly 5,000 NPS employees in emergency bleeding response.

University Hospital is the region’s only Level 1 Trauma Center, and to date the only New Jersey hospital www.thepositivecommunity.com

to offer a training program of this kind. Dr. Adam Fox, a committee member on the Stop the Bleed Board and a surgeon in the trauma division at University Hospital, led the first training session.

In support of this effort, The Foundation for University Hospital is donating more than $30,000 to cover the cost of the training and to purchase nearly 550 bleeding control kits that will be distributed to each of Newark’s 66 public schools. The bleeding control kits contain tourniquets, pressure dressing, hemostatic agents, chest shields, gloves, and scissors, and can treat up to four patients each, depending on the severity of the wounds.

The Stop the Bleed campaign is funded by grants from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the New Jersey Department of Health. Stop the Bleed is designed to equip bystanders with the skills needed to assist wounded individuals in the critical period before medical help arrives. According to research conducted by the National Health Service in the United Kingdom, around 40 percent of trauma-related deaths result from uncontrolled bleeding and hemorrhaging as victims await medical attention.

University Hospital President & CEO John N. Kastanis said the hospital and its foundation were “extremely proud of this partnership with the Newark Public Schools. We believe our duty as healthcare providers extends beyond the walls of the hospital and necessitates a greater presence in the Newark community. Ensuring the health and safety of Newark’s students will help to develop a culture of health in the city.”

October 2018 The Positive Community

59

Culture

music, art + literature

STORY AND PHOTOS: RISASI DAIS

2nd Annual Newark International Film Festival A Taste of Hollywood Comes to the Garden State

L–R: Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka welcomes NIFF audience on opening night, with NIFF Founder Kenneth Gifford.

Members of the Writers Conversation panel discussion: L–R: Filmmaker/Producer Warrington Hudlin, Filmmaker Cheo Hodari Coker, Playwright/Screenwriter Richard Wesley, Actor Frankie Faison, and NIFF Founder Kenneth Gifford

T

he Newark International Film Festival (NIFF) is the first international film festival hosted in Newark. Dedicated to the art of storytelling through film, it began with a VIP red carpet reception on opening night for dignitaries, sponsors, celebrities and partners, hosted by the NIFF Committee and Celebrity Ambassador Actor Lance Gross.

The three-day festival, which took place September 6th-9th, featured screenings at Newark Symphony Hall, The Newark Museum, Newark Public Library, Rutgers University, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Essex County College, Military Park and the Cityplex Theater. There were also stunt exhibitions, pitch opportunities, auditions for TV and film, and much more.

NIFF’s goal is to provide opportunities and bring awareness to great talent in filmmaking and serves the

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The Positive Community October 2018

R–L: Actor Mario Van Peebles and his daughter, Morgana, made an appearance at the opening night premiere of Mario’s latest self-written and produced movie, Armed.

Greenleaf cast members Kim Hawthorne and Lamman Rucker

city year round in partnership with the Newark Office of Film & Television, hosting workshops, training, and job development for Newark residents in the film industry, as well as the next upcoming film festival.

Newark Symphony Hall hosted the awards show, where the Hannibal Goodwin Award for Innovation in Filmmaking, honoring Hannibal Goodwin, the Episcopal priest who invented celluloid film in Newark in1887 — a highlight of the event — was presented to Writer Richard Wesley.

With programs to encourage young filmmakers, star-studded panels that included the cast of OWN’s Greenleaf, and a screening of Mario Van Peebles’ latest film, Armed, NIFF is raising the bar on Newark’s already impressive Arts scene and heralding the arrival of Newark, New Jersey as a major player in the future of both filmmaking and extraordinary events. www.thepositivecommunity.com

L–R: Rev. Matthew V. Johnson, Sr. and Rev. Calvin Butts at the news conference

PHOTO AND STORY ADELLE M. BANKS

Black Clergy Vow to Forge Their Own Path

R

epresentatives of two black Baptist denominations, the Progressive National Baptist Convention and the National Baptist Convention USA, declared on Tuesday October 9 that they would stand apart from white liberals and conservatives alike while seeking to address a politically divided nation.

Rejecting the “politics of fear” they say has taken hold in this election season, the pastors assembled at the National Press Club said race and spirituality should not be ignored as the two sides work to get out the vote.

“As the body of Christ, we do not serve as mere mascots of the liberal left, sent by patronizing paternalists to serve as the point on the head of their ideological spear,” reads a declaration released by PNBC President Timothy Stewart and the Rev. Calvin Butts, the denomination’s social justice chair.

The Rev. Matthew V. Johnson, Sr., the Birmingham, AL, pastor who authored the declaration, earlier told Religion News Service that white religious conservatives and liberals have focused on opposite sides of hot-button issues such as abortion and LGBTQ rights while not giving race and racism enough attention.

“It’s not just about black special interests,” said Johnson, vice chair of the PNBC Social Justice Commission. “This is an issue of justice.”

“We will be asking our churches to focus on action against these banks,” said Butts, the senior pastor of New York’s Abyssinian Baptist Church. “And always remember that when this economy booms, it is usually at the exploitation of black and brown people.”

Others attending the declaration announcement included representatives of the Church of God in Christ, the Interfaith Alliance, the National African American Clergy Network, and the Ecumenical Poverty Initiative. www.thepositivecommunity.com

Jennifer Ruesta Certified Surgical Technologist

GRADUATE to a better future Read Jennifer’s story at BerkeleyCollege.edu/JenniferRuesta

October 2018 The Positive Community

61

New Innovative Plainfield Early Childhood Education and Community Youth Center Features Aquaponic Urban Farm

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62

The Positive Community October 2018

L–R: Leah Dade, Mayor Adrian Mapp, SSYD Board Chair, Rev. Ronald Thomas and dignitaries Photos: Karen Waters

lainfield Mayor Adrian O. Mapp joined Second Street Youth Center (SSYC) and developers TD+Partners and J.G. Petrucci Company to cut the ribbon on SSYC’s new early childhood education and community youth center on Thursday, September 19. The innovative facility features 14 state-of-the-art classrooms, a playground, and a 1,000 square foot aquaponics urban farm and agricultural education center that will provide the students and staff with fresh, healthy meals. The event also commemorated SSYC’s milestone 50-year anniversary.

“Education is the foundation for success, and I could not be more proud of SSYC Executive Director Leah Dade for her bold vision and commitment to excellence. This new center is a model for educational innovation,” stated Mayor Mapp. “The City of Plainfield is in the midst of a resurgence, and these types of social impact developments ensure that it benefits all of the residents, in particular our youth.

Our city is fortunate to have attracted developers such as TD+Partners and J.G. Petrucci Company, who stepped up and fully funded this project ahead of receiving New Market tax credits so this center could open its doors for our children. This is extremely rare, and I salute them.”

SSYC is a community non-profit organization founded in 1967 that provides pre-school, after school, youth leadership, and summer enrichment programs to Plainfield’s youth. SSYC is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children and serves approximately 500 children annually.

L–R Assemblywoman Linda Carter, Councilwoman Joylette Mills-Ransome, Developer Jim Petrucci, SSYC Board Pres. Rev. Ronald Thomas, Mayor Adrian Mapp, Leah Dade, Councilman Barry Goode, Union County Freeholder Rebecca Williams and Director of Early Childhood Programs Evelyn Motley

www.thepositivecommunity.com

Rev.Dr. Betty J. Tom Pastor-Servant Leader

“I

am delighted and honored to be called by God to serve at First Presbyterian Church-Newark,” said Rev. Dr. Betty Tom, the interim/transitional pastor who began her service there August 1st, 2018. “I believe God has called me to lead by teaching, preaching, and serving the people of God in ways that model Christ’s love for the church. I respect and celebrate the diversity and humanity of all people.”

Born and raised in Indianapolis, Rev. Tom grew up in the church and demonstrated a love for prayer, praise and worship, and the study of God’s Word. Her ministry is informed by Colossians 3:17, “And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” Formerly a teacher and school counselor, Rev. Tom holds a Doctor of Ministry from McCormick Theological Seminary, Chicago, IL; a Masters of Divinity from

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Christian Theological Seminary, Indianapolis, IN; a Master of Science degree in Education from Butler University, Indianapolis, IN; and a Bachelor of Science degree from Ball State University, Muncie, IN. Rev. Tom previously served at Immanuel Presbyterian Church, Indianapolis, IN and First Presbyterian Church, Mt. Vernon, NY before receiving the call to serve at First Presbyterian-Newark.

An active member of United Black Clergy and the National Association of Presbyterian Clergy Women, Rev. Tom also serves on the Advisory Board for the Presbyterian Hunger Program of PCUSA, Hudson River Presbytery’s Cross Cultural Network, and the Emerging Ministries Team; is an active supporter of Westchester Jewish Council and Interfaith Worker Justice; and is the former Convener for the Education Committee for the Interfaith Clergy for Social Action.

October 2018 The Positive Community

63

Rev. Dr. Lester W. Taylor, Jr., president of The General Baptist Convention of NJ

L–R: Rev. Dr. Carl Washington; Rev. Dr. Albert L. Morgan; and Rev. Chandra Williams, 2nd vice president, New England Missionary Baptist Convention

Rev. Dr. Albert L. Morgan, president of New England Missionary Baptist Convention

New England Missionary Baptist Convention Installs New President

G

od has done it again! On July 14th, 2018, Rev. Dr. Albert L. Morgan, senior pastor at Union Baptist Temple, Bridgeton, NJ, was installed to lead the New England Missionary Baptist Convention (NEMBC) before a church packed with congregation members, family, friends, and political and clergy leaders from nine states —many of whom were clad in African regalia.

Dr. Morgan, known as “God’s Mailman,” remarked, “I am honored to have my New England family here to witness my installation as president… As the oldest AfricanAmerican Baptist Church Convention, we must take a ‘Sankofa’ look. We must look back on the faithfulness of

God, re-examine the road the convention has travelled, and press forward to re-ignite our commitment.”

Founded in 1864, NEMBC was organized by northern black churches to assist those leaving the south and heading north. Composed of churches from Rhode Island southward, the organization acted as a type of religious railroad providing aid to travelers along the Eastern Corridor. NEMBC represents over 400 churches in the New England and Middle Atlantic States of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, and the District of Columbia. —TPC Staff Photos: Karen Waters

64

The Positive Community October 2018

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Compassion & Choices

V

Photos: Seitu Oronde

olunteers from Compassion & Choices New York staffed a table during Harlem Week events, informing fairgoers about the importance of planning for end-oflife care. Hundreds showed interest regarding the most sensitive issue about how to ensure the care they want at the end of life is available.

Compassion & Choices New York distributed care planning tools and built support for expanding endof-life options in New York State.

L–R: Volunteer, Avery Ross, Marne Lucas, Ida Schmertz L–R: Compassion & Choices New York staff: Avery Ross, Marne Lucas, and Corinne Carey

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65

Photo: Raymond Hagans

Taking Time for Tea

T

he Cushnie-Houston Funeral Home hosted a tea party on Sunday, August 26. The tea is one of several events hosted by the home throughout the year to continue its quest of supporting the community and celebrating life. Music was provided by Melvin Greenwich and his Sepia Network of NYC and the Voices of Zambia.

L–R: Dr. Gregory Hopkins, Delores Cushnie, John B. Houston

L–R: Kyla Houston and Letty de la Roza

Melvin Greenwich (cellist on right) and members of the Sepia Network

Members of the Sepia Music Network

John B. Houston and members of the Voices of Zaqmbia

L–R: Bertty Brown, Delores Cushnie, Rosemary Hughes, and Christina Bennett Pennington

66

The Positive Community October 2018

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David and Tamela Mann Say It’s “Us Against the World”

Grace & Peace Family! t’s amazing what a real, true love can turn into if both husband and wife are willing. After 30 years of marriage, The Manns are letting everyone know it’s Us Against the World! They’ve gone from singing with Kirk Franklin as “The Family” to appearing in movies, having their own television shows, and a family of their own—complete with grandkids they adore. Everything the Manns touch has a purpose and they do everything together with the family in mind. But, what about the not-so-good times? They deal with everything head-on and make no excuses about the truth—forgiveness,

I

68 The Positive Community

October 2018

faith, and God’s love play a major part in dealing with issues they’ve faced. Gospel music’s favorite power couple has finally collaborated on a 10-song CD, Us Against the World: The Love Project.

This CD hits on every aspect of their relationship with titles like the heart-wrenching yet optimistic track “I Love You O” to the Motown moving duet sound on “Good Love.”

Tamela pays tribute to not only the love of her life, David, but she also offers honor to her grandmother and mother on her song “Mason Jar.” The Manns made this project a little easier by adding their son, David Mann, Jr., as one of the producers. “We’re excited to get back out on tour with our kids this fall,” said David, executive producer of the tour.

“We’ve always been transparent about our relationship and family with fans. The whole album is an inside look at our love story and the journey we’ve been on together,” added Tamela. “So, recording this project has been really special for both of us.”

David and Tamela are not just bringing new music your way. Their new memoir, Us Against the World: Our Secrets to Love, Marriage, and Family will be available on November 13, 2018. The Manns spoke candidly about their first book.

“Ever since being part of Kirk Franklin’s The Family, fans have been asking us to do an album together. With our new book coming this fall, we thought that was the perfect time,” said David. “Our marriage is a top priority and our greatest accomplishment,” added Tamela. “As authors, we’re excited to share what we’ve learned about how to make doing life together work and how to fully love your spouse.” She continued. “In our first book we’ll tell our whole story and share our secrets to a successful marriage, it’s a family experience with something for everyone.” This is a big project coming up, rehearsals and great preparation are taking place as you read this because the journey, so far, is a 20-city tour. The Mann family will be heading out soon and they’ll perform November 9 in New York City, so get ready! www.thepositivecommunity.com

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October 2018 The Positive Community

69

MWANDIKAJI K. MWANAFUNZI MWANDIKAJI K. THE WAY MWANAFUNZI AHEAD THE WAY AHEAD

New New York York Churches Churches Press Press Governor Governor Cuomo Cuomo for for Housing Housing Improvements Improvements

O O

n a Sunday several weeks before the Thursday October 13, 2018 Democratic Partythe primary elecn a Sunday several weeks before Thursday tion, members churches belonging to elecEast October 13, 2018ofDemocratic Party primary Brooklyntion, Congregations (EBC), and other activist to church members of churches belonging East coalitions gathered. This(EBC), was a massive gathering of PeoBrooklyn Congregations and other activist church ple of Godgathered. to try to help in needgathering by petitioning coalitions This people was a massive of Peo-a relatively powerful being.in Itsneed mainby objective was toa ple of God to try tohuman help people petitioning encourage New York Statebeing.

Governor Andrew Cuomo to relatively powerful human Its main objective was to improve conditions public housing.Andrew Governor Cuomo encourage New YorkinState Governor Cuomo to eventually arrived, and agreedhousing. to do so.Governor Cuomo improve conditions in public Leaders arrived, of EBC and delineated eventually andothers agreed to do so.improvements that were needed, including major repairs, improvements alleviation of lead Leaders of EBC and others delineated that paint, and development housing for senior citizens. were needed, includingofmajor repairs, alleviation of lead God’s is superior to human One example paint, andpower development of housing forpower. senior citizens. is the liberation of superior blacks from chattel power. slavery One in theexample United God’s power is to human States (and, ultimately, the Western Hemisphere). is the liberation of blacks from chattel slavery in the Chattel United slavery of blacks was legal practiced in all 13 colonies States (and, ultimately, theand Western Hemisphere).

Chattel before, after and the practiced AmericaninRevolution.

Yet, slavery ofduring, blacks and was legal all 13 colonies during century thatafter followed, many enslaved blacks were before, the during, and the American Revolution.

Yet, liberated slavery themany workenslaved of Harriet Tubman, during thefrom century thatthrough followed, blacks were Frederick Douglass, John Brown, many other abolitionliberated from slavery through theand work of Harriet Tubman, ists—white and black—who riskedand their own livesabolitionin order Frederick Douglass, John Brown, many other to free others. ists—white and black—who risked their own lives in order Thisothers. was during the Great Awakening, when many in to free theThis United to accept Jesus Christ was States duringand thebeyond Great came Awakening, when many in as andStates Savior.andAsbeyond a result,came chattel slavery,Jesus whichChrist contheLord United to accept tradicts teachings, was overcome.

By the which end ofconthe as Lord Christ’s and Savior.

As a result, chattel slavery, Civil War, believers were singing, “Mine eyes haveend seen tradicts Christ’s teachings, was overcome.

By the of the the glory of thebelievers coming were of thesinging, Lord.” “Mine eyes have seen the Civil War, A century later, during the 1950s and 60s, I was a child glory of the coming of the Lord.” living in a Harlem development.

We “project” kids A century later, NYCHA during the 1950s and 60s, I was a child called tenements old buildings” to differentiate living in a Harlem“the NYCHA development.

We “project”them kids from projects,” which in much condition. called“the tenements “the old were buildings” to better differentiate them Today, housing livingbetter conditions somefrom “the however, projects,”NYCHA which were in much condition. times resemble those of “the old buildings.”

But that can Today, however, NYCHA housing living conditions somebe changed, andthose the Christian community, through trustcan in times resemble of “the old buildings.”

But that God and action on that community, trust, can help bringtrust about be changed, and based the Christian through in that Deterioration does notcan have to bring accompany God change. and action based on that trust, help about age multifamily housing. New housing that inchange.

Deterioration does York not City havepre-war to accompany occupied by rich folks typically in pre-war good shape beage in multifamily housing.

Newremains York City housing cause the by owners investtypically in themremains to keepinrents and market occupied rich folks good shape bevalues high. cause the owners invest in them to keep rents and market values high.

70 The Positive Community 70 The Positive Community

So when Cuomo is re-elected governor, as is generally expected, we of the Christian community should consistently So when Cuomo is re-elected governor, as is generally exremind himoftothe stick to his promise to improve conditions pected, we Christian community should consistently in NYCHA of senior remind himhousing to stick and to hisfacilitate promisedevelopment to improve conditions housing. in NYCHA housing and facilitate development of senior Remember that this past summer’s church action, dishousing. cussed herein, that is about people church in need,action, not about Remember this helping past summer’s dissupporting Democrats, Republicans, cussed herein, is about helping peopleliberals, in need,or notconserabout vatives.

Whatever we do Republicans, for the least of God’s people, we supporting Democrats, liberals, or conserdo for Him. vatives.

Whatever we do for the least of God’s people, we do NYCHA for Him.residents should also take responsibility for maintaining NYCHA housing by also monitoring their own for personal NYCHA residents should take responsibility mainand collective of us whotheir are own able personal and can taining NYCHAbehavior. housing Those by monitoring safely establish behavior. rapport (know should purposely inand collective Thoseyourself) of us who are able and can troduce NYCHA youth (know and adults to Christ, safely establish rapport yourself) shouldremembering purposely insome of NYCHA the Christians you see in church today were some troduce youth and adults to Christ, remembering of theof toughest street characters accepting Christ as some the Christians you see inbefore church today were some Lord Savior.street That’s what theybefore were saved from,Christ so pray of theand toughest characters accepting as for God’s and judgment.

Lord and guidance Savior. That’s what they were saved from, so pray for God’s guidance and judgment.

October 2018

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October 2018

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71

Identifying Phishing Attempts

F

or most of us, emails are a fact of life. We receive them all day, we respond to them all day, and we write them all day. (We even work on emails at night and on the weekends, even though we probably shouldn’t). That constant pace and presence of emails means phishing attempts continue to proliferate, turning our inbox into a mix of legitimate messages and scary spam.

A phishing attack occurs when a hacker sends you an email that tries to convince you to perform a certain action. Phishing emails are effective because they look like regular emails and are hard to identify. The aim of phishing emails is usually to gather personal information about you, generally related to your login credentials, passwords, or finances. Many phishing attempts are often so well-disguised that they escape the

scrutiny of a busy employee who doesn’t have time to closely inspect each message.

Lately, phishing attempts have taken on new attributes: fake FedEx tracking correspondences that look eerily real.

Invitations to edit Google Docs that actually spam a sender’s contact list. And a scary new scam that claims to have used your webcam to record a video of you browsing illicit adult websites. That latter example even includes personalized information purporting to know one of your old email passwords — and threatening to release the incriminating video to your family and friends if you don’t pay a hefty Bitcoin ransom.

So how can you tell whether an email is legitimate or just another attempt at compromising your personal information?

HERE’S HOW TO SPOT ONE: 1. Check to see if the sender’s email address matches up with the displayed name: An email might look like it’s coming from someone you know, but hackers can easily duplicate a display name while using a different address. Ask these questions if a message looks suspicious: were you expecting this email? Is the domain name correct? If you look closer by inspecting the details of sender name, subject line, and body copy, you might find minor mistakes or strange phrasings that wouldn’t be found in a legitimate email.

2. Beware of any email that sounds urgent: Phishing emails tend to have a sense of urgency, hackers want you to feel rushed and make mistakes. Commonly used words to look out for include “ATTENTION,” “URGENT,” “CRITICAL,” “NECESSARY,” or “RESPONSE REQUESTED.” Spotting these anywhere in an email is your first hint that it could be a phishing attempt.

3. Check the spelling, grammar, and punctuation.

Is the email easy to read? Are there lots of errors? Are any sentences or phrases written so awkwardly that you have to go over them two or three times just to understand them? If so, use caution — any legitimate email will most likely be spellchecked before it’s sent. The new webcam scam that threatens to have incriminating evidence of your browsing history may start with a personalized message and even one of your actual old emails, but the rest of it reads like a clunky, incoherent stab at a phishing attempt.

4. Use your mouse to check the URL links and see if they’re valid.

Hover over the link to make sure it is correct before you even think of clicking on it — if the words say http://www.google. com, the preview link should also be http://www.google.com. Beware of long strings of nonsensical characters or any major differences between the link in the email copy and the preview link that shows up when you hover over it.

5. Use caution with attachments: If you’re concerned about the authenticity of an email, DO NOT download any of its attachments as they could contain a virus that might install illicit malware or ransomware on your computer. In recent years, phishing attempts have employed ZIP files, PDF files, and even .WAV files masquerading as voicemails that are sent directly to your inbox. Clicking one of these infected files can cause widespread damage to your computer and any other systems it is connected to.

6. Other helpful tips: Company-wide Internet filtering and network security can stop some unauthorized phishing attempts. Employers should also take extra precautions to alert their employees when and from whom any critical communications will arrive. Also, notifying IT support staff — whether internal or external — when obvious phishing attempts do land in your inbox can also cut down on the future threat of fraud or infection. Even the best technology requires smart, savvy human beings whose insight and intelligence can help systems work properly.

The bottom line? Be careful out there! New phishing attempts emerge on a daily basis, and real security requires a proactive approach to protecting your email accounts. At CMIT Solutions, we worry about IT so you don’t have to, and our North American network of more than 200 locations and 800 technicians work 24/7 to prevent our clients from being negatively impacted by phishing attempts, scams, hacks, data breaches, malware, viruses, and more. Contact us today to learn more.

72

The Positive Community October 2018

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GOOD NEWS FROM THE CHURCH AND COMMUNITY GOOD NEWS FROM THE CHURCH AND COMMUNITY GOOD NEWS FROM THE CHURCH AND COMMUNITY

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™ ™ thepositivecommunity.com thepositivecommunity.com September 2018 Vol. 18, No. 11 Publisher September 2018 Vol. 18, No. 11

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Summer 2018

I

can’t can’t watch watch TV TV lately lately because because II can’t stomach the political can’t stomach the political ads. ads. It It seems all politicians do today seems all politicians do today is is lie lie and and disparage disparage one one another. another. They They don’t say who they are or don’t say who they are or what what they they will will do, do, just just that that you you shouldn’t shouldn’t vote vote for for the the other other candidate candidate because because he he or or she she is is aa horrible person. horrible person.

At At this this point, point, it’s it’s largely largely “Us “Us vs. vs.

Them.”

While it can be overwhelming Them.” While it can be overwhelming to to research research the the candidates candidates and and propopropositions, I know it’s necessary sitions, I know it’s necessary to to make make my my best, best, most most informed informed choice. choice. And And not not voting voting isn’t isn’t aa choice choice for for me me at at this this point. point. There’s There’s too too much much at at stake stake regarding regarding health health care, care, Social Social Security, Security, Medicare, and other so-called Medicare, and other so-called “entitle“entitlements.” ments.” Then Then there’s there’s immigration, immigration, and and oh, oh, voters’ voters’ rights, rights, civil civil rights, rights, Title Title IX protections . . .

IX protections . . .

In In the the land land of of the the free free and and the the home of the brave we think home of the brave we think we we have have real real choices choices and and are are free, free, but but the the more more closely I look, the more it seems closely I look, the more it seems to to be be an illusion.

“One man, one vote” an illusion. “One man, one vote” is is supposedly supposedly the the motto motto of of the the American American political political system, system, yet yet millions millions are are disendisenfranchised because of felony franchised because of felony criminal criminal records. records. I’m I’m all all for for punishing punishing those those who break the law, but who break the law, but does does the the punpunishment ishment fit fit the the crime? crime? We We say say people people have have “paid “paid their their debt debt to to society” society” upon upon

release release from from jail jail or or our our penal penal system, system, yet we don’t restore their yet we don’t restore their right right to to vote. vote. How How is is that that fair fair or or just? just? Voting Voting is is supposed supposed to to be be aa right, right, not not aa priviprivilege. lege. And And have have you you heard heard about about the the Native Americans in North Dakota Native Americans in North Dakota or or the the 53,000 53,000 pending pending voters voters in in Georgia?

Georgia?

Despite Despite the the majority majority of of Americans Americans being in favor of universal being in favor of universal health health care care and and ObamaCare ObamaCare being being aa step step in in that that direction, direction, our our elected elected officials officials use use every every opportunity opportunity to to jettison jettison people people from from programs programs designed designed to to help help the the least among us and then dismantle least among us and then dismantle the the programs programs for for good good measure. measure.

Whether it’s Medicare, Whether it’s Medicare, Medicaid, Medicaid, or or pre-existing pre-existing conditions, conditions, the the powers powers that that be be are are working working overtime overtime to to keep keep people sick and poor.

And denying people sick and poor. And denying coverage coverage isn’t isn’t the the only only way way to to do do that, that, tying insurance to our employment tying insurance to our employment is is another another way. way. If If you you lose lose your your job job you you don’t don’t have have coverage coverage and and can’t can’t get get medical treatment you need, medical treatment you need, so so in in essence, essence, it it keeps keeps many many from from starting starting their their own own businesses businesses or or even even changchanging jobs.

Quitting one ing jobs. Quitting one job job to to take take another another can can leave leave you you uninsured uninsured for for up up to to 90 90 days; days; and and aa lot lot can can happen happen in in 90 90 days. days.

The The mid-term mid-term election election is is merely merely days away.

How some can cast days away. How some can cast votes votes for for cruelty, cruelty, xenophobia, xenophobia, discriminadiscrimination, tion, and and corruption corruption in in the the name name of of God is beyond me.

Yet, they will.

God is beyond me. Yet, they will. And And they’ll they’ll ignore ignore or or twist twist and and warp warp every every scripture that preaches charity, scripture that preaches charity, kindkindness, ness, love, love, and and tolerance. tolerance. Proverbs Proverbs 16:33 16:33 tells tells us, us, “The “The lot lot is is cast cast into into the the lap, but its every decision is from lap, but its every decision is from the the Lord.”

Lord.” I’ll I’ll vote vote in in this this election election and and I’ll I’ll pray tolerance, kindness, and wisdom pray tolerance, kindness, and wisdom win win out. out. But But regardless, regardless, II know know God God has the last word; and there’s has the last word; and there’s blissful blissful freedom in that. freedom in that.

October 2018 The Positive Community

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thepositivecommunity.com

maze featuring frankie beverly special guest Raheem DeVaughn Sun, Nov 25 @ 7PM R&B hits with Maze featuring Frankie Beverly, plus neo-soul with special guest and 3-time GRAMMY nominee Raheem DeVaughn.

neil degrasse tyson

the hip hop nutcracker

cece winans anthony brown & jj hairston

Cosmic Collisons Wed, Dec 5 @ 7:30PM This famed astrophysicist and television host explains cosmic collisions—all the things that go bump in the night (and in the day).

special guest MC Kurtis Blow Fri, Dec 14 @ 8PM NJPAC’s holiday original is an urban mash-up that reimagines Tchaikovsky’s classic score with explosive hip-hop choreography.

MLK Celebration Fri, Jan 18 @ 8PM An inspirational, all-star gospel tribute featuring CeCe Winans, Anthony Brown & group therAPy, JJ Hairston & Youthful Praise.

patti labelle freddie jackson Fri, Feb 15 @ 8PM A romantic Valentine’s weekend concert with soulful, GRAMMYwinning diva Patti LaBelle and R&B hitmaker Freddie Jackson.

Dianne Reeves

Marcus Miller Gregory Porter

Sheila E.

Dianne Reeves & Gregory Porter Thu, Nov 8 @ 8PM

Sheila E., Eddie Palmieri, Tito Nieves & Christian McBride Congas y Canto Fri, Nov 9 @ 8PM

Antonio Sanchez: BiRDMAN LiVE Thu, Nov 8 @ 7:30PM

Marcus Miller, David Sanborn, Lalah Hathaway and more!

Sat, Nov 10 @ 8PM

Terri Lyne Carrington’s Guitar Passions with Money Jungle Sharon Isbin, Joni Mitchell’s Romero Lubambo Mingus featuring & Stanley Jordan Luciana Souza, Kate For ticketsMcGarry & full schedule visit Fri, Nov 9 @ 7:30PM and Jo Lawry njpac.org/moodyjazz Sun, Nov 11 @ 3PM

Count Basie Orchestra with Jon Faddis, Catherine Russell and Stefon Harris Thu, Nov 15 @ 8PM

Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition Sun, Nov 18 @ 3PM

Cécile McLorin Salvant Fri, Nov 16 @ 7:30PM

For tickets & full schedule visit njpac.org/moodyjazz

dance series

@NJPAC • 1.888.GO.NJPAC• njpac.org • Groups of 9 or more call 973.353.7561 One Center Street • Newark, NJ October-Positive-Community.indd 1

10/4/18 12:54 PM

Bob Hugin Will Make New Jersey Proud ★ HUMBLE BEGINNINGS Born and raised in Union City, New Jersey, Bob Hugin grew up in a diverse, hardworking neighborhood. He was the first person in his family to attend college. After graduation, Bob joined the United States Marine Corps where he served as an active duty infantry officer. Bob spent the last 19 years as a leader and advocate for modernizing healthcare, most recently as CEO of an innovative biotech company.

★ QUALITY EDUCATION Bob is a product of Union City public schools. He believes the path to real economic opportunity begins with a quality education. New Jersey has some of the best schools in the nation, but still too many children are left behind.

Bob supports investment to make high-quality preschool available to every child.

★ EQUAL OPPORTUNITY Bob believes every American should have equal opportunity to pursue the American Dream free from any discrimination in employment, housing, medical care, and education.

Diversity strengthens our society and discrimination has no place at any level.

/HuginForSenate @BobHugin www. BobHugin .com Paid for by Bob Hugin for Senate, Inc.

Democrat for New Jersey

We need Bob Menendez fighting back against Donald Trump and protecting our rights. When you stand with Bob this November, you are standing for: Excellent public education, and a bill to make 2 years of community or technical college tuition-free

Affordable and high-quality health care by protecting and expanding Pres. Obama's Affordable Care Act Equality under the law for every person, regardless of race, gender, religion or identity Safe communities and common-sense gun safety laws that protect our children and families Criminal justice reform that ends racial profiling and discrimination

Learn more and get involved!

MenendezforNJ.com @BobMenendezNJ @MenendezforNJ PAID FOR BY MENENDEZ FOR SENATE