October 2014

GOOD NEWS FROM THE CHURCH AND COMMUNITY

October 2014

™ $2.95 www.thepositivecommunity.com

Annual Newark Issue I Believe in Newark Municipal Council President Mildred C. Crump

Rev. Adolphus C. Lacey New Pastor at Bethany in Brooklyn

Jazz in the Church ?

Rev. Dr. M. William Howard

MEET MAYOR

Ras Baraka

0524G14N_JoeDNewspaperAd4_mm.qxp_0524G14N 10/9/14 10:14 AM Page 1

“No one can argue with the progress Essex County has made under Joseph DiVincenzo’s leadership.

I am proud to have worked with Joe as a County Freeholder and am proud of our continued relationship as Congressman. I urge you to join me in moving our county forward by re-electing Joe DiVincenzo.”

– CONGRESSMAN DONALD PAYNE, JR. n Worked closely with Congressman Payne’s office and the Obama Administration to bring needed resources to Essex County. n Increased funding for our county college and vocational schools to ensure better job training for our hard-working families. n Worked to improve our parks and recreational centers to enhance our County’s quality of life.

IN THE NOVEMBER 4TH ELECTION, VOTE FOR JOE “D” AND THE “LINE A” DEMOCRATIC TEAM.

PAID FOR BY JOSEPH N. DIVINCENZO, JR. FOR ESSEX COUNTY EXECUTIVE, INC., JORGE MARTINEZ, TREASURER, PO BOX 266, NUTLEY, NJ 07110

Jaden – fifth grade in 2014… college bound in 2022.

KNOW THE FACTS ABOUT KIPP NEW JERSEY SCHOOLS

(TEAM SCHOOLS IN NEWARK)

All students in Newark are welcome FREE & REDUCED MEALS at KIPP New Jersey.

87.5% 89.0% KIPP New Jersey

Newark Public

KIPP New Jersey serves roughly the same demographics as the

SPECIAL EDUCATION

Newark Public Schools.

KIPP New Jersey

Students stay with KIPP New Jersey.

7.4%

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

Newark Public

12.4% 16.8% Our student attrition

(2011 NJ Report Card). Student attrition is the percentage of students who leave a school within a school year.

KIPP New Jersey supports our kids to and through college.

More African American students went on to college from our high school (Newark Collegiate) than any other high school in Newark.

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

90% 78%

of seniors to college of 8th grade grads to college

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

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

2014 Charter Myths - 02.indd 1

10/7/14 4:38 PM

June 2014

CONTENTS 40

SECTIONS

MONEY ........................................16 EDUCATION ..................................44 HEALTH ........................................50 CULTURE ......................................58 Cover Photo courtesy of The City of Newark

Photo: Brian Branch Price

Features

Vonda McPherson & the Soul Experience ........16 National League of Cities Conference .............20 How to Recognize Support Call Scams ...........26

COVER STORY RAS BARAKA: NEWARK’S NATIVE SON

&

also inside

Rev. SuJay Introduces ProVoice/ProVoz ..........28 National Baptists’ Annual Session ...................29 Brooklyn’s Bethany Baptist Has Arisen ............36 ACT-SO NY National Finalists ..........................44 Ten Years after Breast Cancer ..........................50 Town Hall at New Hope in Newark ..................54

Guest Editorial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Jazz on Sunday? Vespers in Newark ................58

My View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Newark’s Office of Arts, Culture & Tourism .......60

Fitness Doctor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 Gospel Train . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67

Sonia Sanchez Celebrates 80th Birthday ........62 Rev. Renee Washington Gardner Looks Back, Moves Forward ..65 Rev. Tracey L. Brown Celebrates 15th Pastoral Anniversary ..66

The Way Ahead . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77

Rev. Robert L. Curry Marks 45 Years at Mt. Zion ..68

The Last Word . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78

Called to Serve ...............................................71

4

The Positive Community October 2014

www.thepositivecommunity.com

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10/3/14

Choice Awards Know somebody making a positive difference in the community?

As part of The Positive Community's 15th Anniversary Celebration, you can nominate someone for the Positive Community Choice Awards!

Visit thepositivecommunity.com/choice for details Sponsored by

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

T

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Agape Christian Ministries Worship Ctr. Rev. Craig R. Jackson. Pastor Antioch Baptist Church., Brooklyn, NY Rev. Robert M. Waterman, Pastor Archdiocese of New York Brother Tyrone Davis, Office of Black Ministry Berean B.C., Brooklyn, NY Rev. Arlee Griffin Jr., Pastor Bethany B.C., Brooklyn, NY Rev. Dr. Adolphus C. Lacey, Sr. Pastor Bethany B.C., Newark, NJ Rev. Dr. M. William Howard, Pastor Beulah Bible Cathedral Church, Newark, NJ Gerald Lydell Dickson, Senior Pastor Black Ministers Council of NJ Rev. Reginald T. Jackson, Exec. Director Calvary Baptist Church, Garfield, NJ Rev. Calvin McKinney, Pastor Calvary Baptist Church, Morristown, NJ Rev. Jerry M. Carter, Jr., Pastor Canaan B. C. of Christ, Harlem, NY Rev. Thomas D. Johnson, Pastor

First B.C. of Lincoln Gardens, Somerset NJ Rev. Dr. DeForest (Buster) Soaries, Pastor First Baptist B.C. of Teaneck, NJ Rev. Marilyn Monroe Harris, Pastor First Bethel Baptist Church, Newark, NJ H. Grady James III, Pastor First Corinthian Baptist Church, NY Rev. Michael A. Walrond, Jr. Senior Pastor First Park Baptist Church, Plainfield, NJ Rev. Rufus McClendon, Jr., Pastor Friendship Baptist Church, Harlem, NY Rev. James A. Kilgore, Pastor General Baptist Convention, NJ Rev. Dr. Guy Campbell, President Grace B. C., Mt. Vernon, NY Rev. Dr. Franklyn W. Richardson, Pastor Greater Abyssinian BC, Newark, NJ Rev. Allen Potts, Senior Pastor

Mount Zion Baptist Church, Westwood, NJ Rev. Barry R. Miller, Pastor Mt. Olivet B.C, Newark, NJ Rev. André W. Milteer, Pastor Mt. Zion AME Church, Trenton, NJ Rev. J. Stanley Justice, Pastor New Hope Baptist Church, Metuchen, NJ Rev. Dr. Ronald L. Owens, Pastor New Hope Baptist Church of Hackensack, Hackensack, NJ Rev. Dr. Frances Mannin-Fontaine, Pastor New Life Cathedral, Mt. Holly, NJ Rev. Eric Wallace, Pastor New Zion B.C., Elizabeth, NJ Rev. Kevin James White, Pastor Paradise B. C., Newark, NJ Rev. Jethro James, Pastor Pilgrim B. C., Newark, NJ Rev. Dr. Glenn Wilson, Pastor

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

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

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

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

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

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

Shiloh B.C., Plainfield, NJ Rev. Dr. Gerald Lamont Thomas, Pastor

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

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

Shiloh B.C., Trenton, NJ Rev. Darell Armstrong, Pastor

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

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

St. Albans, NY COGIC Rev. Ben Monroe

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

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

Ruth Fellowship Ministries, Plainfield, NJ Rev. Tracy Brown, Pastor Shiloh AME Zion Church, Englewood, NJ Rev. John D. Givens, Pastor

St. Anthony Baptist Church, Brooklyn, NY Rev. Dr. Duane E. Cooper

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

St. John Baptist Church Camden, NJ Rev. Dr. Silas M. Townsend, Pastor

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

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

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

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

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

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

Walker Memorial B.C. Bronx, NY Rev. Dr. J. Albert Bush Sr., Pastor World Gospel Music Assoc., Newark, NJ Dr. Albert Lewis, Founder

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

THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT!!!

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

MILDRED C. CRUMP GUEST EDITORIAL

Mildred C. Crump is President of the Newark City Council.

I Believe in Newark “The story of Newark is America’s story. It is the story of colonization, independence, growth and maturity. It is the story of a brave people.”

—President Lyndon B. Johnson really believe in Newark. I believe in its people, its purpose, and in its promise. Founded in 1666 by the Puritans, who were searching for a better life—free of intolerance and injustice, Newark is the third oldest metropolitan city in America. Its natural resources, particularly the water, were magnets for families and commerce, so Newark became a hub of industry and growth.

Presidents, other dignitaries and luminaries slept in the Robert Treat Hotel, and Broad Street was once known as the widest street in this nation.

Neighborhoods developed based on ethnic origin.

The North Ward was settled primarily by those of Italian descent. As wealth was accumulated, grand palatial mansions were built to reflect their influence in the city.

Today, it has become home to the majority of the Hispanic population who now call Newark their home.

The South Ward was home to the Jewish population.

There has always been a friendly rivalry between these two wards. Power and political influence were dispensed by the wards’ political bosses. Today, the South Ward is home to the predominantly African-American population in Newark. More African-American politicians live in the South Ward than any other ward.

The West Ward has always been considered the most diverse ward in the city. Immigrants made this area their home including Irish, Germans, Middle East Europeans and other ethnicities. From this ward, as with the others, their rise to power led to a more inclusive governing body. Today the West Ward is home to a new wave of Caribbean and African immigrants who are creating a new power base for that ward. The Central Ward was the one true “melting pot” in our city. It was where everybody of every nationality could find a home. In my opinion, it was the manifestation of racial and cultural affinity. Of course, there were the political bosses who made decisions from their seats of power, but in the end, lots of

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8 The Positive Community

October 2014

good things did happen. The East Ward is known for two great communities: the “Ironbound” and “Down Neck.”

This melding is representative of diversity at its best, and that diversity has led to combined political influence and power. The pioneering spirit and determination to take back their land from the swamps and contaminated land mass is the signature of this ward.

So what is the Newark of today like and what is its potential? I believe that we are on the brink of a Renaissance as never seen before. The people and the government are poised to do great things. We thank and acknowledge the bridges that brought us over to this point in our history. We survived the Rebellion of 1967, which was really a mandate for change. We are grateful to a community that joined forces and elected the first African-American mayor, the Honorable Kenneth Allen Gibson, followed by the Honorable Sharpe James.

Former Mayor Cory Booker now serves as a United States Senator for the State of New Jersey. Newarkers are overcomers and we prove that every day of our lives.

In closing, I have had the pleasure of serving this incredible city and its people for approximately 50 years.

Five decades of working with and for a unique blend of cultures, colors, languages, disciplines and ages has given me a gratifying “Run of Show.” It began in 1966 when I fried my first chicken wing for Calvin West. I, too, danced in the streets when we shut down Elizabeth and Meeker Avenues in 1970. What a time it was to live in Newark! Neighborhoods were just that and it is time we put the “neighbor” back in the “hood.” The years have come and gone—some good, and some not so good. But through it all we stayed and prayed for our city. The ebb and flow of community and political discourse is ongoing. I was fortunate to be in the midst of the conversation that set the stage for the election of the Honorable Ras J. Baraka as mayor, whom I believe was sent to govern for such a time as this. It is written in II Chronicles 7:14, “if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and I will heal the land.” www.thepositivecommunity.com

The Newark City Municipal Council

BACK ROW: Amador Augusto, Eddie Osborne, Joseph A. McCallum, Jr. and Carlos Gonzales FRONT ROW: Gayle Chaneyfield Jenkins, Mildred C. Crump, John Sharpe James, Luis Quintana and Anibal Ramos Jr.

Mildred C. Crump, Newark City Council President Amador Augusto

Council Member East Ward

Eddie Osborne

Council Member At Large

Joseph A. McCallum, Jr.

Gayle Chaneyfield Jenkins

Council Member Central Ward

John Sharpe James

Council Member South Ward

Luis Quintana

Council Member West Ward

Council Member At Large

Carlos Gonzales

Anibal Ramos Jr.

Council Member At Large

Council Member North Ward

REV. THERESA NANCE MY VIEW

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

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

Dr. Lilisa Mimms’ New Beginnings postle Lilisa Mimms is the senior pastor and founder of the New Beginnings Christian Outreach Ministries housed in the city of Paterson. The apostle seemingly has had a meteoric rise in the world of Christendom and can be found preaching in urban cities like Paterson, Newark, Jersey City, et al, and in enclaves that are sometimes off the beaten path.

The mother of four may be looking at a run for public office soon, perhaps deciding to throw her hat, as it were, in the political school board election arena. I thought about this and wondered if the Paterson and Newark school districts work in concert with each other offering shared information about how to better serve area residents. After all, Ras Baraka and Jose "Joey" Torres, mayors of the cities of Newark and Paterson respectively, recently came together to work toward trying to stem the flow of violence in both municipalities.

Granted, one size does not fit all, but it’s a thought about what could transpire.

But beyond Mimms’ flirtation with politics, she is first and foremost a servant of God and unequivocally lets it be known that the preaching comes before the politics.

She claims this writer as a mentor. I’m flattered. One of my mentors was the late Bernice Bass, Newark’s own talk show host every Sunday night on what was then radio station WNJR. Bass was the Oprah of her day.

Mimms isn’t trying to plow virgin territory or reinvent that proverbial wheel, she just thinks being involved is a good thing.

Call me crazy, but I think a number of women could succeed in politics. Mimms is the mother of four, so we assume she understands what budgeting is all about. She is a pastor of a thriving church, so we assume yet again, that she is a people person. Her focus is on the disen-

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10

The Positive Community October 2014

franchised spiritually and in the earthly realm. That’s why you can find her and her congregation sponsoring block parties for area kids, giving away turkeys at the appropriate holidays, and of course, disseminating Christmas toys for indigent families.

Her academic credentials are impeccable. There are some folks who have gone to college and ought not tell a soul. She is a graduate of the University of Phoenix, class of 2004 with a B.S. degree in marketing and also received a Master’s Degree in Religious Education with a 4.0 (all A’s) grade point average from the Alpha Bible Institute. Lastly, a Doctorate Degree in Ministry was conferred upon her in 2009 from The Christian University.

She believes in transformational leadership, meaning she is not afraid to duplicate herself.

Her greatest desire, according to Mimms, is not to simply be a concerned parent to her own children but, she said, “I am committed wholeheartedly to being part of the village link we constantly refer to so that others can pick up the mantle later, move forward by providing mentorship to those who look like us and to those who don’t.” The interest in politics is a by-product of what she’s already doing, she said. She communicates with families and edifies many with information she offers to enhance the quality of lives. She ought to be applauded for wanting to stretch beyond the confines of a pulpit.

It’s refreshing, to say the least.

Dr. Mimms’ inspiring new book, You Are Worth More Than That!

www.thepositivecommunity.com

presents

Nov. 12, 2014

Yoga Class – Mixed Level for Teens & Adults Marion Bolden Student Center 230 Broadway Newark, NJ 07104

7-8pm

Nov. 13, 2014

Dinner Club Homework Club Yoga Club John W. Hyatt Court 2 Roanoke Ave., Newark, NJ 07105

4-7pm

Nov. 14, 2014

Dinner Club Homework Club NJ Devils Street Hockey Quitman Street Community School 21 Quitman St, Newark, NJ 07103

3:30-6pm

Nov. 14, 2014

Midnight Basketball Newark YMCA 600 Broad St, Newark, NJ 07102

10pm-1am

Nov. 15, 2014

Boot Camp Dinner Club Reading Room Smith Memorial Church of God 16 Stratford Pl, Newark, NJ 07108

3-6pm

Nov. 16, 2014

Sunday of Nations Flea Market Peter Francisco Park 1-31 Ferry Street, Newark NJ

10-4pm

Nov. 17, 2014

Dinner Club Homework Club Artist’s Workshop Harmony House 278 S. Orange Ave., Newark, NJ 07103

4-7pm

Nov. 18, 2014

Theater Club New Hope Village 195 W. Market Street, Newark, NJ 07103

4-6pm

Nov. 19, 2014

Yoga Zumba Rotunda Recreation Center 75 Clifton Ave., Newark, NJ 07104

4-5pm 5-6pm

Nov. 19, 2014

Yoga Class – Mixed Level for Teens & Adults Marion Bolden Student Center 230 Broadway, Newark, NJ 07104

7-8pm

Nov. 20, 2014

Dinner Club/Homework Club Home & Garden Pennington Court 214 South Street, Newark, NJ 07114

4-7pm

Nov. 21, 2014

Dinner Club/Homework Club NJ Devils Street Hockey Quitman Street Community School 21 Quitman St, Newark, NJ 07103

3:30-6pm

Nov. 21, 2014

Midnight Basketball Newark YMCA 600 Broad St, Newark, NJ 07102

10pm - 1am

Nov. 22, 2014

Boot Camp Dinner Club Reading Room Smith Memorial Church of God 16 Stratford Pl, Newark, NJ 07108

3-6pm

4-7pm

Nov.23, 2014

Sunday of Nations Flea Market Peter Francisco Park 1-31 Ferry Street, Newark NJ

10-4pm

4-5pm

Nov.24, 2014

Dinner Club/Homework Club Theater Club Harmony House 278 S. Orange Ave., Newark, NJ 07103

4-7pm

Dinner Club Reading Room Boot Camp Smith Memorial Church of God 16 Stratford Pl, Newark, NJ 07108

3-6pm

Nov. 1, 2014

DTNWK Skate Clinic Bears Stadium 450 Broad St, Newark, NJ 07102

12-4pm

Nov. 1, 2014

Life Lab Art Show 407 Mulberry St., Newark, NJ 07102

7-10pm

Nov. 2, 2014

Sunday of Nations Flea Market Peter Francisco Park 1-31 Ferry Street, Newark NJ

10-4pm

Nov. 3, 2014

Dinner Club/Homework Club Yoga Club Reservoir Townhomes 185 14th Avenue, Newark, NJ

4-7pm

Nov. 4, 2014

Theater Club St. Paul Sounds of Praise 593 18th Avenue, Newark, NJ

4-6pm

Nov. 5, 2014

Yoga Zumba Rotunda Recreation Center 75 Clifton Ave., Newark, NJ 07104

4-5pm

Nov. 5, 2014

Yoga Class – Mixed Level for Teens & Adults Marion Bolden Student Center 230 Broadway, Newark, NJ 07104

7-8pm

Nov. 5, 2014

Job Readiness: Creating Your Resume New Hope Village 195 W. Market Street, Newark, NJ 07103

7-9pm

Nov. 6, 2014

Senior Morning @ the Movies Citiplex 12 360 Springfield Ave, Newark, NJ 07103

9-11am

Nov. 7, 2014

Midnight Basketball Newark YMCA 600 Broad St, Newark, NJ 07102

10pm - 1am

Nov. 8, 2014

Dinner Club Reading Room Boot Camp Smith Memorial Church of God 16 Stratford Pl, Newark, NJ 07108

3-6pm

Nov. 9, 2014

Sunday of Nations Flea Market Peter Francisco Park 1-31 Ferry Street, Newark NJ

10-4pm

Nov. 10, 2014

Home & Garden Harmony House 278 S. Orange Ave., Newark, NJ 07103

4-7pm

Nov. 10, 2014

Dinner Club/Homework Club Home & Garden Harmony House 278 S. Orange Ave., Newark, NJ 07103

4-7pm

Nov. 11, 2014

Theater Club New Hope Village 195 W. Market Street, Newark, NJ 07103

4-7pm

Nov. 12, 2014

Celebration of Education Third Presbyterian Church 395 Ridge St, Newark, NJ 07104

Nov. 12, 2014

Yoga Zumba Rotunda Recreation Center 75 Clifton Ave., Newark, NJ 07104

NOVEMBER

Nov. 1, 2014

For more information call 973-733-6706 www.ci.newark.nj.us Facebook.com/CityofNewark

@CityofNewarkNJ

Nov.25, 2014

Theater Club New Hope Village 195 W. Market Street, Newark, NJ 07103

4-6pm

Nov.26, 2014

Yoga Zumba Rotunda Recreation Center 75 Clifton Ave., Newark, NJ 07104

4-5pm 5-6pm

Dec.9, 2014

Nov. 26, 2014

Yoga Class – Mixed Level for Teens & Adults Marion Bolden Student Center 230 Broadway Newark, NJ 07104

7-8pm

Nov.28, 2014

Midnight Basketball Newark YMCA 600 Broad St, Newark, NJ 07102

Nov.29, 2014

Dinner Club/Homework Club Artist’s Workshop Harmony House 278 S. Orange Ave., Newark, NJ 07103 Theater Club New Hope Village 195 W. Market Street, Newark, NJ 07103

4-7pm

Dec.10, 2014

Yoga Zumba Rotunda Recreation Center 75 Clifton Ave., Newark, NJ 07104

4-5pm 5-6pm

10pm - 1am

Dec. 10, 2014

Yoga Class – Mixed Level 7-8pm for Teens & AdultsMarion Bolden Student Center 230 Broadway, Newark, NJ 07104

Boot Camp Dinner Club Reading Room Smith Memorial Church of God 16 Stratford Pl, Newark, NJ 07108

3-6pm

Dec.11, 2014

Dinner Club/Homework Club Home & Garden Pennington Court 214 South Street, Newark, NJ 07114

4-7pm

Nov.30, 2014

Sunday of Nations Flea Market Peter Francisco Park 1-31 Ferry Street, Newark NJ

10-4pm

Dec.12, 2014

Dinner Club/Homework Club NJ Devils Street Hockey Quitman Street Community School 21 Quitman St, Newark, NJ 07103

3:30-6pm

Dec.1, 2014

Dinner Club Homework Club Yoga Club Harmony House 278 S. Orange Ave., Newark, NJ 07103

4-7pm

Dec.12, 2014

Midnight Basketball Newark YMCA 600 Broad St, Newark, NJ 07102

10pm - 1am

Dec.13, 2014

Theater Club New Hope Village 195 W. Market Street, Newark, NJ 07103

4-6pm

Dinner Club Reading Room Boot Camp Smith Memorial Church of God 16 Stratford Pl, Newark, NJ 07108

3-6pm

Dec.2, 2014

Dec.3, 2014

Yoga Zumba Rotunda Recreation Center 75 Clifton Ave., Newark, NJ 07104

4-5pm 5-6pm

Dec.14, 2014

Sunday of Nations Flea Market Peter Francisco Park 1-31 Ferry Street, Newark NJ

10-4pm

Dec. 3, 2014

Yoga Class – Mixed Level for Teens & Adults Marion Bolden Student Center 230 Broadway, Newark, NJ 07104

7-8pm

Dec.15, 2014

Dinner Club/Homework Club Artist’s Workshop Harmony House 278 S. Orange Ave., Newark, NJ 07103

4-7pm

Dec.4, 2014

Dinner Club/Homework Club Home & Garden Pennington Court 214 South Street, Newark, NJ 07114

4-7pm

Dec.18, 2014

Dinner Club/Homework Club Home & Garden Pennington Court 214 South Street, Newark, NJ 07114

4-7pm

Dec.4, 2014

Senior Morning @ the Movies Citiplex 12 360 Springfield Ave, Newark, NJ 07103

9-11am

Dec.19, 2014

Dinner Club/Homework Club NJ Devils Street Hockey Quitman Street Community School 21 Quitman St, Newark, NJ 07103

3:30-6pm

Dec.5, 2014

Dinner Club NJ Devils Street Hockey Quitman Street Community School 21 Quitman St, Newark, NJ 07103

3:30-6pm

Dec. 19, 2014

Yoga Class – Mixed Level for Teens & Adults Marion Bolden Student Center 230 Broadway, Newark, NJ 07104

7-8pm

Dec.5, 2014

Midnight Basketball Newark YMCA 600 Broad St, Newark, NJ 07102

10pm - 1am

Dec.19, 2014

Midnight Basketball Newark YMCA 600 Broad St, Newark, NJ 07102

10pm - 1am

Dec.6, 2014

Boot Camp Dinner Club Reading Room Smith Memorial Church of God 16 Stratford Pl, Newark, NJ 07108

3-6pm

Dec.20, 2014

Boot Camp Dinner Club Reading Room Smith Memorial Church of God 16 Stratford Pl, Newark, NJ 07108

3-6pm

Dec.7, 2014

Sunday of Nations Flea Market Peter Francisco Park 1-31 Ferry Street, Newark NJ

10-4pm

DECEMBER

Dec.8, 2014

CityofNewarkNewJersey

A CITY WE CAN ALL BELIEVE IN

4-6pm

10.2014 Department of Communications

14

The Positive Community October 2014

www.thepositivecommunity.com

keep halloween fright-free!

Halloween can be a fun and frightful night for kids, but working together, parents and teachers can ensure that when Halloween ends, the ghosts and goblins transform safely back into children – until next year.

• Make sure mask holes are large enough to see through.

• Take a flashlight along for dark streets.

• Make sure children can’t be tripped by loose costumes.

• Don’t let kids eat unwrapped candy or fruit until a parent has inspected it.

• Stay on the sidewalk and away from traffic as much as possible.

• Wear bright reflective colors so that cars can see you when it is dark.

Wendell Steinhauer President Marie Blistan Vice President

Sean M. Spiller Secretary-Treasurer

Edward J. Richardson Steven Swetsky Executive Director Assistant Executive Director

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

... making public schools great for every child.

Money BUSINESS, MONEY & WORK

Vonda McPherson and the Soul Experience BY: QUINITA EDMONIA GOOD Photo: Karen Waters

F

rom the corridors of corporate America to elite commercial kitchens, Vonda McPherson has created win-win standards for both herself and her clientele. In her former life as an account manager for a major medical materials corporation, McPherson sold coronary stints to top cardiologists across the country.

And she did it to the tune of millions of dollars in sales.

Transitioning to Primemedia—an internet and print media business—she rang up sales of $3 and $4 million quarterly. For the past 17 years, McPherson has used her sales and marketing skills to compliment her culinary talents, running the phenomenally successful Vonda’s Kitchen and Vonda K’s Catering, both in Newark, NJ. “I think I’ve done so well because I understand a customer; and more importantly, I know how to speak to that customer and listen to them to understand exactly what it is that they need,” McPherson explained.

McPherson recalls one cold day when she was riding the ferry from New York to New Jersey while working for Primemedia. “I can’t do this anymore,” she thought. So,

16

The Positive Community October 2014

she set out to start her own business in something she loved to do. Cooking for her family from the age of seven and loving every minute of it, her longtime passion was a natural, so she spoke to her boss about her dreams and asked for her severance pay. In that year, she was the number one sales representative in the country. “Everybody told me not to do it — that I made too much money in corporate, but I’ve had a love for cooking ever since I can remember,” McPherson explains. “My mom used to go to Essex County College in the evening, and I cooked for our family.” And so, she left Primemedia and started Shack’s BBQ in Elizabeth, NJ. “My dad owned a bail bond place in Elizabeth, and he had space right next to him that was a restaurant that closed down…I told him I wanted the space, and that was the beginning of my restaurant and catering business.” People loved the food and it wasn’t long before Shack’s became a staple in the community. It was during this time that McPherson was asked to cater a local Continued on next page www.thepositivecommunity.com

event. She was so successful that she landed a contact as the exclusive caterer for the Newark Housing Authority.

It was Newark Housing Authority President Keith Kinard who suggested to McPherson that she take on a prominent retail space in Newark. Her first reaction was “no.” But when Kinard told her that a catering kitchen would be available, her answer changed. Two and half years later, Vonda’s Kitchen at 183-185 W. Kinney Street in Newark has proven to be a huge success.

Since the beginning Vonda’s Kitchen has catered on the executive level, the highlight being the 2014 Super Bowl at Met Life Stadium, in the Meadowlands, where 11,000 people got to sample Vonda’s delicious cuisine.

The raves were so numerous that she’s been asked back for the 2015 Super Bowl in Phoenix, AZ. McPherson’s newest venture is Duke’s Southern Table, located at 11 Clinton Street, between Broad and Mulberry Streets in downtown Newark. The fare is traditional southern cuisine with an elegant twist and live jazz. McPherson and her partner for this location, Paul V. Profeta of the Profeta Investment Fund, are looking to expand the entertainment there with comedy and other types of cabaret performances.

And as if she hadn’t enough on her plate already, McPherson oversees the Culinary Ministry at Shiloh Baptist Church in Plainfield, NJ, where she is also a member. Volunteering her services, she handles all the

culinary events throughout the church. “Everything from weddings, and choirs and pastors coming in, it is my responsibility to make sure that food for the guests is plentiful and that it tastes great,” she said. In the winter months, she operates the Shiloh Café where the church and community come together to fellowship over a soul food dinner at the church every first Sunday.

All of McPherson’s endeavors fall under the umbrella of her corporation, Vonda, Inc. Her mission with every culinary endeavor is to provide a soulful food experience with healthy choices. That means, for example, if you want whiting, not fried—you get it baked with the same flavor and experience as the fried. “Many of us are trying to eat healthy, but we don’t have many options,” she explained. “So, what I’m trying to do is give the urban community healthy and delicious soul food.” To this end her restaurants offer healthy salads, omelets with vegetables and variations of on her much loved soul food. Her plate, life, and heart are all full.

For more information about Duke’s Southern Kitchen, visit www.dukesnewark.com. You can reach the restaurant by phone at (862) 763-5757. For more information about Vonda’s Kitchen and Vonda K’s Catering, visit www.vondaskitchennj.com or call (973) 732-4532.

Quinita Edmonia Good is a freelance writer and editor and the founder and operator of Qwrites Writing & Editorial Services. She can be reached at qwrites@live.com.

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

• Transportation • Hazardous & Non-Hazardous Waste Removal • Safety Protection • Rough Carpentry • Construction Management • New Construction & Renovations • Contactor Training programs 105 Lock Street • Suite 405 • Newark, NJ 07103 • teL: 973.242.7100 • Fax: 973.242.1612 www.MZM cc . coM www.thepositivecommunity.com

October 2014 The Positive Community

17

“Spent” Screened by United Way of Essex & West Hudson Experts offer money management solutions

O

Event sponsors from American Express Colby Farber and Denise Leonhard Photos: Karen Waters

n Thursday September 25, UWEWH hosted a screening of the film Spent: Looking for Change at Cityplex 12 movie theaters in Newark. Narrated by Tyler Perry, the film highlights the fact that in the United States, nearly 70 million people are currently unbanked, underbanked or unhappily banked. Many pay steep fees to meet their money management needs at alternative financial services.

Representatives from local banks and other organizations were on hand to offer resources and information.

Following the screening UWEWH presented a panel with representatives from PNC Bank, Bank of Anmerica, TD Bank and American Expres. Tiffany Aliche (The Budgetnista) served as moderator. —AAC

United Way team: Gavin Taylor, Robyn Pitts, UW, CEO Keith Green

L–R: Jeremy Johnson and Catherine Wilson, UW

Our Office of Small Business Development and Affirmative Action is committed to promoting business opportunities for small, women, minority and LGBTQ owned vendors. Informational events such as this ‘Meet the Contractors and Design Professionals’ are part of our on-going effort to make information more accessible and create additional avenues to assist small, women, minority and LGBTQ owned businesses as they look to compete for large scale contracts. We encourage you to come out for this important gathering.

- Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr.

Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr., Essex County Executive Our Office of Small Business Development and Affirmative Action is committed to promoting business opportunities for small, women, minority and LGBTQ owned vendors. Informational events such as this ‘Angel Investing Seminar’ are part of our on-going effort to make information more accessible and create additional avenues to assist small, women, minority and LGBTQ owned businesses as they look to compete for large scale contracts and grow their businesses. We encourage you to come out for this important gathering.

- Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr.

The Board of Chosen Freeholders

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

ANGEL INVESTING SEMINAR present

The Real Shark Tank: The Real Shark Tank:

Find out how to raise money Find out how to raise money for foryour yourinnovative innovative business businessidea idea from fromAngel AngelInvestors Investors

18

The Positive Community October 2014

November 13, 2014

November 13, 2014 till 12:00pm 10:00am 10:00am till 12:00pm

McLoone’s Boathouse Restaurant

McLoone’s Boathouse Restaurant 9 Cherry Lane, West Orange, NJ 9 Cherry Lane West Orange, NJ

www.thepositivecommunity.com

Photos: Karen Waters

L–R: (seated) Marilyn (Penny) Jones, Panasonic Community Relations & Corporate Outreach VP; Janice Kovach, mayor, Town of Clinton, NJ and (standing) Assemblywoman Sheila Y. Oliver

L–R: Mildred Crump, Newark City Council President; Hon. Mayor Ras Baraka, City of Newark and Gayle Cheyneyfield Jenkins, Councilwoman, City of Newark

National League of Cities WIMG Annual Summer Conference

H

undreds of women from across the country visited Newark this summer as part of the Annual Summer Conference (September 17-20) of the Women in Municipal Government (WIMG). Newark Municipal Council President Mildred C. Crump hosted the conference at Hilton Newark Penn Station. Ms. Crump is National League of Cities (NLC) WIMG president.

Established in 1974 and celebrating its 40th anniversary with NLC, the WIMG constituency group was formed to serve as a forum for communication and networking among women local elected officials and their colleagues within the NLC. It strives to raise awareness about issues of concern to women, and it encourages women to seek public office in their communities.

This year’s Annual Summer Conference was designed to:

•

Enhance network with female elected officials and statewide leaders

•

Learn about issues in special seminars that help to expand skill sets

•

Strengthen governance skills

•

Adapt community arts programs as best practices for your community

•

Attend the WIMG Board of Directors Meeting

•

Find solutions to challenging problems in your hometown

L–R: Ronald McMullen, president, AFSCME Local 2222, W.Trenton, NJ and Sherryl L. Gordon, executive director, AFSCME

L–R: Kimberly Robinson, council member, City of Gary, IN; Verna Calhoun, city commissioner, City of Marshall, TX; Gloria Moon, commissioner, City of Marshall, TX; Dorinda Walker, Prudential; Mildred Crump, president, Newark City Council; Janice Kovach, mayor, Town of Clinton, NJ

20

The Positive Community October 2014

www.thepositivecommunity.com

Booker_ThePositiveCommunity_3.4x9.5_Ad 10/9/14 10:21 AM Page 1

Mayfair Farms West Orange, NJ

The 98th Annual Thurgood Marshall Freedom Fund Dinner & Awards Ceremony of the Montclair Branch NAACP

Albert E. Pelham, President

“THE ARC OF THE MORAL UNIVERSE IS LONG, BUT IT BENDS TOWARDS JUSTICE.”

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2014

A

– DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR

6:30 p.m.–11:00 p.m.

lbert E. Pelham became interim President of the Montclair Branch NAACP in March 2014. In that capacity, he has worked hard to advocate for the mission and principles that made the NAACP the oldest civil rights organization in the world. He is a lifelong resident of the Township of Montclair who understands the struggle.

He is driven by a deep sense of passion and motivation that almost compels him to take charge. Not only is he the President of the Montclair Branch NAACP but also Executive Director of the Montclair Neighborhood Development Corporation; and Director of the Montclair African American Heritage Foundation. He wears these multiple hats because he understands and he cares! He understands the need to have an equal playing field for all people and the need to recruit quality educators, particularly men of color, to stand in the gap for at-risk youth.

He gets it when concerns are raised about closing the achievement gap or balancing the presence of minority students in high honors and advanced proficiency courses. He understands the need for more affordable housing as well as the need for recreational programs and services for those who otherwise would not have an opportunity to engage in sports or activities beyond what the family can afford.

His hats are indeed many but his spirit has touched the lives of even more. His ideas about leadership are simple-- it begins with a POSITIVE attitude. The right attitude can make everyday a GREAT day!!

Visit: www.montclairnaacp.org.

VOTE FOR A LIVING WAGE. VOTE FOR PROTECTING SOCIAL SECURITY. VOTE FOR JUSTICE.

VOTE DEMOCRATIC TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 4

CORY BOOKER ★

U.S. SENATE ★

PAID FOR BY CORY BOOKER FOR SENATE

Donation: $100.00 www.thepositivecommunity.com

October 2014 The Positive Community

21

Dr. DeForest B. Soaries Jr. Senior Pastor of First Baptist Church of Lincoln Gardens in Somerset, NJ & Founder B. of Soaries dfree® Program Dr. DeForest Jr. Senior Pastor of First Baptist Church of Lincoln Gardens in Somerset, NJ & Founder of dfree® Program

JOIN THE MOVEMENT According to the 2013 Prudential JOIN THE MOVEMENT Insurance African American Financial Survey, one in four African-Americans According to the 2013 Prudential has felt anxiety or depression as a result Insurance African American Financial of debt. Debt has had a profound cyclical Survey, one in four African-Americans effect on the African American has felt anxiety or depression as a result community. It not only prevents the of debt. Debt has had a profound cyclical creation and advancement of wealth for effect on the African American future generations, but it also stifles community. It not only prevents the spiritual, psychological, and behavioral creation and advancement of wealth for growth. future generations, but it also stifles spiritual, and behavioral In 2005, psychological, Rev. Dr. DeForest Soaries, Jr. growth. challenged his congregation to pay down one million dollars in consumer debt Jr. to In 2005, Rev. Dr. DeForest Soaries, lighten their financial burdens.

His challenged his congregation to pay down challenge with his peers one millionresonated dollars in consumer debtsoto much that over 200 congregations lighten their financial burdens. His in 23 states adopted his challenge to address challenge resonated with his peers so issuesthat of debt much overresolution.

200 congregations in 23 states adopted his challenge to address Formalized in 2010 by Soaries, dfree® is issues of debt resolution. an independent program dedicated to providing financial Formalized in 2010 education

by Soaries,and dfree® is empowering participants to changeto their an independent program dedicated perspectives related to money, alter providing financial education and behaviors andparticipants take ownership of their empowering to change their financial future. dfree® is largeralter than a perspectives related to money, program, it’s transformational, lifestyle behaviors andatake ownership of their movement that challenges the culture financial future. dfree® is larger than a of consumerit’s debt through values based program, a transformational, lifestyle principles and approaches to of movement thatpractical challenges the culture financial management.

The goal of consumer debt through values based dfree® is to lead Africanapproaches Americansto in principles and practical paying down one billionThe dollars financial management. goalofof consumer economic and in dfree® is todebt. lead The African Americans culturaldown shift will savings, paying one allow billionfor dollars of insurance,debt. and investments. consumer The economic and cultural shift will allow for savings, insurance, and investments.

Understanding that financial issues can Norful, Kathy Taylor, and Rev. Stef & be overwhelming, Soaries has made it his Jubilation. personal priority to provide education Understanding that financial issues can Norful, Kathy Taylor, and Rev. Stef & and the necessary tools to overcome the be overwhelming, Soaries has made it his Jubilation. hurdle of excessive debt. Soaries personal priority to provide education authored dfree®: Breaking Free and the necessary tools to overcome the from Financial Slavery, and an hurdle of excessive debt. Soaries African-Americans are significantly more accompanying workbook titled, dfree® authored dfree®: Breaking Free likely to have some type of debt compared Lifestyle:12 steps to Financial from Financial Slavery, and an to the general population (82 percent).

Freedom, Say Yes to No Debt, to assist African-Americans are significantly more accompanying workbook titled, dfree® African-American consumers on the likely to have some type of debt compared Lifestyle:12 steps to Financial journey to financial freedom to the general population (82 percent).

Freedom, Say Yes to No Debt, to assist African-American consumers on the As part of continuing education, Pastor journey financial freedom the 3rd Soariesto will be spearheading African-Americans have a median Annual Financial Freedom As part ofdfree® continuing education, Pastor household debt of $18,000, not including Conference from 8 am-4 pm on Soaries will be spearheading the 3rd home mortgages,have whicha is about 50 percent November 6-8,Financial 2014 at The First Baptist African-Americans median Annual dfree® Freedom higher than the household debtincluding for the Church of Lincoln debt of $18,000, not Conference from 8Gardens-771 am-4 pm onSomerset household general population.

Street, Somerset, NJ. home mortgages, which is about 50 percent November 6-8, 2014 at The First Baptist Church of Lincoln Gardens-771 Somerset higher than the household debt for the The dfree® Financial Freedom general population.

Street, Somerset, NJ. Conference will feature dynamic speakers as Rev. Dr. Floyd H. FlakeThe dfree®such Financial Freedom Senior Pastor, Greater Allen A.M.E. Conference willThe feature dynamic Cathedral Church Of New York; speakers such as Rev. Dr. Floyd H. FlakeAmbassador P. Marks-Chairman Senior Pastor,Audrey The Greater Allen A.M.E. FOR MORE INFORMATION of Paymaster (Jamaica) Cathedral Church Of NewLimited; York; Dr. Randall Pinkett-Chairman & CEO of BCT Ambassador Audrey P. Marks-Chairman To register for the 3rd Annual dfree Financial FOR MORE INFORMATION Partners; Mark Hug-Executive of Paymaster (Jamaica) Limited;VP Dr.of Freedom Conference and purchase tickets for ProductPinkett-Chairman and Marketing-Prudential Randall & CEO of Life BCT the Gospel Explosion, please visit To register for the 3rd Annual dfree Financial Insurance; Benjamin Robinson-Chief www.mydfree.org.

Partners; Mark Hug-Executive VP of Freedom Conference and purchase tickets for Administration Officer-PrudentialLife Product and Marketing-Prudential the Explosion, visit Community AsGospel a special incentiveplease for Positive Annuities;Benjamin Lynette Khalfani-Cox-The Insurance; Robinson-Chief www.mydfree.org.

Readers, please enter in this Special Code Money Coach/Personal Finance Expert.

Administration Officer-Prudential PCDfree for 20% off registration.

As a special incentive for Positive Community Annuities; Lynette Khalfani-Cox-The Readers, please enter in this Special Code This year’s conference will also feature a Money Coach/Personal Finance Expert.

PCDfree for 20% off registration.

Gospel Explosion with performances by Award Winning Recording Artist Smokie This year’s conference will also feature a Gospel Explosion with performances by Award Winning Recording Artist Smokie

94% 94%

50%

50%

dfree®

financial freedom 3rd Annual

CONFERENCE

First Baptist Church of Lincoln Gardens 771 Somerset Street, Somerset, NJ

November 7 & 8 • 8am–4pm

Keynote Speakers Dr. DeForest B. Soaries Jr. Senior Pastor of First Baptist Church of Lincoln Gardens in Somerset, NJ

Rev. Dr. Floyd H. Flake

Ambassador

Senior Pastor, The Greater Audrey P. Marks Allen A.M.E. Cathedral Chairman of Paymaster of New York (Jamaica) Limited

Dr. Randal Pinkett

Mark Hug

Benjamin Robinson

Chairman & CEO BCT Partners

Executive Vice President Product and Marketing Prudential Individual Life Insurance

Chief Administration Officer Prudential Annuities

Martin Wong Chief Integrity Officer Think Finance

dfree® Conference Rebuilding Credit • Repairing Credit • Student Loans • Real Men, Real Money Investing 101 • dfree® for Seniors • Retire in Style • Supercharge your Income Taxes and the IRS • I’m dfree® ...now what?

Lifestyle Testimonies from dfree® Participants • dfree® for Pastors Only • dfree® Train-the-Trainer

Explosion

GOSPEL

Rev. Dr. Floyd H. Flake Senior Pastor The Greater Allen A.M.E Cathedral • Kathy Taylor • SmokieQueens, Norful NY

Friday 7pm

featuring Pastor Rev. Stef & Jubiliation

Dr. DeForest B. Soaries Jr. Senior Pastor

September 2014 The Positive Community 13 REGISTER TODAY www.mydfree.org

www.thepositivecommunity.com

Teachers Village is a dynamic new community located on Halsey Street south of Market Street in downtown Newark. The 6-building project is designed by Newark native and internationally-renowned Teachers Village is a dynamic community located Halsey Streetand south of Market Streeteducation in architect Richard Meier.

Three new newly constructed K-8thon grade schools an early childhood downtown Newark.

The 6-building project is designed by Newark native and internationally-renowned center bring over 1,000 children to this new neighborhood each day. A new Provident Bank is open, and Teachers Village located on Halsey Street south of Market Street in architect Richard Meier.

Three newly constructed K-8th grade schools and an early childhood much more retail is is aondynamic the way.new Thecommunity first residential building opened this summer and was fullyeducation pre-leased.

Teachers Village is1,000 aThe dynamic new community located on Halsey Street south of MarketBank Street in downtown Newark.

6-building project is designed by Newark native and internationally-renowned center bring over children to this new neighborhood each day.

A new Provident is open, Three more residential buildings are under construction. Come visit Teachers Village and reserve for and Teachers Village is a dynamic new community located on Halsey Street south of Market Street in downtown Newark.

Thethe 6-building is designed by Newark native and architect Meier.

Three newly constructed K-8th grade schools and an internationally-renowned early childhood much more retailof is Newark’s on way.

Theproject first residential building this summer and was fullyeducation pre-leased. yourself aRichard piece premiere Live-Learn-Work and opened Play destination. downtown Newark.

Thebuildings 6-building project designed Newark native and internationally-renowned architect Richard Three newly constructed K-8th by grade schools anProvident early childhood center more bring overMeier.

1,000 children to this newisconstruction. neighborhood each day.

Aand new Bank is education open, Three residential are under Come visit Teachers Village and reserve for and architect Richard Meier.

Three newly constructed K-8th grade schools anProvident early childhood center bring overof 1,000 children to this new neighborhood each day.

Aand new Bank is education open, and much more retail is on the way.

The first residential building opened this summer and was fully pre-leased. yourself a piece Newark’s premiere Live-Learn-Work and Play destination.

For Teachers and Non-Teachers applying for affordable apartments (individuals making below $36,840 center bringretail over is1,000 children to this new neighborhood each day.Teachers A new Provident Bank is open, and much more on the way. The first residential building opened this summer and and was fully pre-leased.

Three more residential buildings are under construction.

Come visit Village reserve for for a single person and below $42,120 for two people) contact Linda Montanez at much more retail is on the way.

The first residential building opened this summer and was fully pre-leased.

Three more residential buildings are under construction.

Come visit Teachers Village and reserve for yourself a piece of Newark’s premiere Live-Learn-Work and Play destination.

For Teachers and Non-Teachers applying for affordable apartments (individuals making below $36,840 linda@rbhgrp.com or call 973-273-1600 x 106.

Three more residential are under construction.

Come Teachers Village yourself a piece of Newark’s premiere Live-Learn-Work Playvisit destination. for a single person andbuildings below $42,120 for two people)and contact Linda Montanez at and reserve for yourself a piece of Newark’s premiere Live-Learn-Work and Play destination.

For applying for (individuals making below $36,840 linda@rbhgrp.com or call 973-273-1600 x 106.

For Teachers Teachers and and Non-Teachers Non-Teachers applying for affordable market rateapartments apartments, please contact Calello Agency at For Teachers and Non-Teachers applying for affordable apartments (individuals making below $36,840 for a single person and below $42,120 for two people) contact Linda Montanez at 973-481-3400 or go to www.teachersvillage.com to complete an online application.

For and applying for apartments making below $36,840 for aTeachers single person and $42,120 for twoaffordable people) contact Linda(individuals Montanez at linda@rbhgrp.com or callbelow 973-273-1600 x 106.

For Teachers and Non-Teachers Non-Teachers applying for market rate apartments, please contact Calello Agency at for a single person and below $42,120 for two people) contactan Linda Montanez at linda@rbhgrp.com 973-273-1600 x 106.

973-481-3400 or goor tocall www.teachersvillage.com to complete online application. linda@rbhgrp.com or call 973-273-1600 x 106.

For Teachers and Non-Teachers applying for market rate apartments, please contact Calello Agency at For Teachers and Non-Teachers applying for market rate apartments, please contact Calello Agency at 973-481-3400 or go to www.teachersvillage.com to complete an online application.

For Teachers and Non-Teachers applying for market rate apartments, please contact Calello Agency at 973-481-3400 or go to www.teachersvillage.com to complete an online application.

973-481-3400 or go to www.teachersvillage.com to complete an online application.

How To Identify A Fraudulent Microsoft Support Call And What To Do If You Receive One

S

cammers have been calling computer users claiming to be Microsoft technicians for at least five years. But the pace of the fraudulent phishing attempts hasn’t slowed down, and many of our CMIT Solutions clients have reported receiving them in recent weeks.

The scam goes something like this: a heavily accented person will call, say they’re from the Windows help desk or a Microsoft support team, and inform you that your machine is infected with a virus. Then, the person on the other end of the line will ask you to open your Event Viewer or System Registry log and point out all the “errors” contained within (even if they’re not actually errors).

After that comes the really nefarious part: the technician will transfer the call to a “tech support manager” who will ask you to install a remote control client from a legitimate website like Ammyy.com or TeamViewer. com. This second-level person will then inform you that the problems are more severe than they thought — and urge you to pay up to get them fixed. Someone will then come on the line and request credit card or PayPal information to continue fixing the problem.

This classic social engineering tactic — you have a problem, and we want to help you solve it — works more often than you’d expect. Some tech experts with virtual machines they can afford to sacrifice have gone through the aforementioned steps, just to see what tasks the spammers perform. And the results haven’t been pretty: one blogger for MalwareBytes.com saw several of his personal files deleted after refusing to pay up, while others have had spyware or other malicious software installed that could then harvest credit card or personal password information.

CMIT Solutions of Northern Union 973.325.3663• 800.399.CMIT www.cmitsolutions.com/nunioncounty 26

The Positive Community October 2014

What should you do if you receive one of these phone-based phishing attempts?

• Do not install third-party remote client software and/or provide login details to an unverified caller

• Ask if there’s a cost associated with the “service” the caller is offering — if there is, hang up • Never agree to purchase any services or software • Never share your credit card or personal information • Take down the caller’s number, name, company, etc. and report it immediately to the FBI, the FTC, or the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center

If you think you’ve downloaded any malicious software or allowed a scammer access to your computer, here’s what you should do:

• Change the passwords for your computer, your email accounts,

and your financial accounts — particularly your bank account and credit card • Call your trusted IT provider and inform them of the scam attempt so they can assess the health and security of your system • Consider the kind of anti-virus, anti-malware, and network security options that CMIT Solutions specializes in

The bottom line? Microsoft will very rarely call you directly — and they’ll never try and charge you ANYTHING if they do. If a serious issue does need to be addressed, more than likely a Microsoft Registered Partner like CMIT Solutions would contact you on behalf of the company.

Do you want to leverage the experience and infrastructure we possess to give your business a competitive advantage? Wouldn’t you rather let us worry about IT so you can worry about growing your business? If so, contact CMIT Solutions today. www.thepositivecommunity.com

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October 2014 The Positive Community

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Photos: Seitu Oronde

L–R: President of the NY State NAACP Hazel Dukes, Ambassador Johnson Cook, Dr. Marcella Maxwell, NY 1 Anchor Cheryl Wills

L–R: Manhattan Borough President Gail Brewer; Ambassador Johnson Cook and husband Ronald Cook; NY 1 Anchor Cheryl Wills; Joyce Dinkins; Mayor David Dinkins and David Dinkins Jr.

L–R: Keisha Sutton, Ambassador Johnson Cook, NY 1 Anchor Cheryl Wills and Elinor Tatum L–R: NY Assemblywoman Inez Dickens, Keisha Sutton, Alma Rangel, Ambassador Johnson Cook, Charles Rangel

Ambassador Cook Launches ProVoice Movement in Harlem

A

fter serving under two U.S. presidents and accomplishing much in her career, Ambassador Suzan Johnson Cook came off her sabbatical in October 2013 with the vision for ProVoice (ProVoz) Movement, the 21st century answer to both civil rights and the women’s liberation movement, an inclusive organization those left in the R.E.A.R. (racial, ethnic, and religious minorities).

“ProVoz was birthed out of the need for inclusion,” said Cook. “After serving at the senior level of government twice, both in the Clinton administration and Obama administration as a senior level appointee, and you go around the globe few black and latina women are at the table or even in the conversation.”

The Harlem native has decided to launch ProVoice/ ProVoz by honoring four extraordinary women that she’s known and admired for years.

On Monday, September 22, her organization hosted an award ceremony honoring the wives of the “Legendary 4” in Harlem: Joyce Dinkins, Alma Rangel, Leatrice Sutton, and Portia Patterson, along with Councilwoman Inez Dickens for her community service at the Gran Piatto D’Oro restaurant on Fifth Avenue.

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The Positive Community October 2014

BY KIMBERLY JACOBS

“I wanted to come back to my village not wanting, but giving,” said Cook, feeling so loved by her “village” in Harlem.

The four dynamic, elegant, extraordinary women of Harlem are all still alive and have never been honored collectively.

“The village of Harlem has come out to express our thanks to them and what they’ve done, what they’ve meant to us,” Cook declared.

As wives of African American political leaders, their stories are not as well-known as their husbands, but an integral and important part of our history as the next generation moves forward to make change. Acknowledging them is a great example of things to come from ProVoice/ProVoz Movement because its about including women and giving them a voice.

As a woman of faith and power, Ambassador Cook wants to bring together women for what she calls “Faith Feminism” through this organization. Recognizing that all women have a spiritual strength no matter what religion, faith, or belief system they come from.

“Faith feminism says that many of us operate out of our faith and we have a spiritual component to our lives and we’re activists in how we carry that out; that’s central to how we operate,” said Cook. www.thepositivecommunity.com

NBC president Rev.Julius Scruggs congratulates president-elect Dr. Jerry Young

Reverends DeForrest “Buster” Soaries, Lester Taylor and Calvin McKinney with First Lady Gayle Taylor

Dr. Lester Taylor with General Secretary Rev. Calvin McKinney

National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc.

T

he 134th Session of the National Baptist Convention USA, Inc. took place this year in New Orleans, LA. under the leadership of President Rev. Julius Scruggs and General Secretary Rev. Calvin McKinney (pastor, Calvary BC, Garfield, NJ).The Annual Session of the National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc. is the major business meeting of the boards, auxiliaries and member churches of the Convention and is held annually in September starting on Labor Day in various cities across the country. This meeting typically draws 20,000 or more delegates. This year even thousands more came out to elect the Convention’s next president. Rev. Dr. Jerry Young of Jackson, Mississippi was elected to lead.

The National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc. is the largest predominantly African-American Christian denomination in the United States and is the world's second largest Baptist denomination. It is headquartered at the Baptist World

Center in Nashville, Tennessee. The National Baptist Convention reports having an estimated 7.5 million members.

Among this year’s highlights was New Jersey’s own Rev. Dr. Lester W. Taylor, senior pastor of Community Baptist Church, Englewood, who was tapped to deliver the Annual Session’s keynote sermon.

Photos: Vincent Bryant

Dr. Taylor delivering keynote message www.thepositivecommunity.com

Rev. Dr. Calvin O. Butts, III announcing election results.

October 2014 The Positive Community

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Rev. Ronald Grant, president EMBCNY and First Lady Yonda Grant.

Rev. Carl L. Washington, Jr., moderator United Missionary Baptist Association (UMBA) ; Rev. Grant and former UMBA Moderator Lee Arrington

Rev. Dr. W. Franklyn Richardson

The Empire Missionary Baptist Convention NY Delegates Luncheon, New Orleans, LA Photos: Vincent Bryant

Keynote Speaker Rev. Timothy Winn and First Lady Winn

Rev. Patricia A. Morris and Rev. Demetrius Carolina L–R: Rev. John Scott, Rev. Wilfred Pippen, Rev. Dr. Carl Washington, Jr, VP, EMBCNY

Rev. Dr. Washington Lundy with First Lady Dorothy

T

Rev. Elgin Taylor with EMBCNY site coordinator Mae Henri

he Empire Missionary Baptist Convention (EMBCNY) was initially founded as "The Baptist Church Union" (August, 1895) by a group of black ministers, who convened at St. Philip’s Baptist Church (Staten Island) because of their commitment to unite as an organization to fulfill the Great Commission of Jesus Christ (Matthew 28:19-20). The first official session of the Baptist Church Union was held at Bethany Baptist Church (Brooklyn, New York) on September 16, 1895, where Dr. S.A. Thomas was elected the first president of the organization. At its second official session held at the Concord Baptist Church (Brooklyn, New York) in October 1897, the name of the organization was changed to the Colored Baptist Missionary Convention of New York, relative to incorporation proceedings expedited in Kings County (Brooklyn), New York on September 23, 1897.

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The Positive Community October 2014

The Convention's name was changed to the Empire Baptist Missionary Convention of New York in 1948.

The Convention headquarters building, which was purchased during the administration of past president, Dr. Sandy F. Ray, pastor of Cornerstone Baptist Church (Brooklyn, New York), is named in his honor (The Sandy Frederick Ray Building) and is located in Harlem, New York (63 – 65 West 125th Street, New York, NY 10027).

Membership is also comprised of seven regional Missionary Baptist Associations (Central Hudson, Eastern, Great Lakes, Hudson River Frontier, Northeastern, United and Western) in New York State. The Empire Convention is an affiliate member of the National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc., Rev. Ronald Grant, president, EMBCNY. —AAC www.thepositivecommunity.com

Rev. James Barnwell and First Lady Adrienne

L–R: Dr. Washington, Rev. Dr. Sean B. Gardner and Rev. Reginald Williams

The Sampson Family: Rev. Dr. Johnnie McCann, First Lady Tselane (Sampson) McCann, Sis. Deloranzo Sampson, First Lady Andria and Pastor Malobe Sampson

L–R: Rev. Demone Paul Johnson and Rev. William Gillison

Candidate for NYS governor, County Executive Rob Astorino (R-Westchester) addresses NYS delegates

www.thepositivecommunity.com

L–R: Adrian Council, Rev. James Morrison, president Baptist Ministers Conference of Greater NY & Vicinity with Rev. John Scott

October 2014 The Positive Community

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Scenes from National Baptist Convention: The Women’s March

L–R: Dr. Hugh Dell Gatewood with New Jersey Women’s President Jackie Carter GBCNJ

Dedra Gibbons, president UMBCNJ

General Baptist Convention of NJ takes 1st place in national competition Photos: Vincent Bryant

United Missionary Baptist Convention of NJ, 2nd place winners

Empire Missionary Baptist Convention of NY delegation

John B. Houston Executive Director NJ Lic. No. 4340

“Serving With Excellence” 102 Sanford Street East Orange, New Jersey 07018 Phone: (973) 678-1790

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The Positive Community October 2014

236 Ellison Street Paterson , New Jersey 07501 Phone: (973) 881-8200

106-22 Northern Blvd.

Corona, New York 11368 Phone: (718) 335-5613 www.thepositivecommunity.com

Delegates Luncheon Genral Baptist Convention of NJ New Orleans, LA

President GBCNJ Rev. Guy Campbell and First Lady Campbell

Rev. Joseph P. Woods and First Lady Heather; First Lady Anna Smith and Moderator Rev. Curtis Smith Photos: Vincent Bryant

Rev. Dr. George Blackwell, III; First Lady Helena Blackwell; Dr. Guy Campbell, Jr.; Deaconess Dorothy Campbell; Dr. Edward Harper and First Lady Harper; First Lady Mrs. Milton Hendrix

L-R: Rev. Vivian Frazier Edwards, Adrian Council and Deaconess Doris Bright

www.thepositivecommunity.com

Rev. Albert Morgan and Deaconess Thelma Scott

L-R: Dr. Hugh Dell Gatewood, president, Women’s Auxiliary, NBC with Evangelist Laura Wright

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United Missionary Baptist Convention of NJ Photos: Vincent Bryant

Rev. Dr. Perry Simmons, pastor Abyssinian BC, Newark

U

nder the leadership of Rev. Kenneth D.R. Clayton, the United Missionary Baptist Convention of NJ hosted the 2nd annual fellowship breakfast reception at the National Baptist Convention’s Annual Session in New Orleans, LA. Rev. Vernon Walton delivered the keynote sermon.

Dr. Clayton, Rev. Vernon Walton with Rev. Gregory J. Jackson Rev. Walton delivered the keynote sermon.

L–R: First Ladies Emma Simmon and Eucelys Morrast

Rev. Young and breakfast guest

L–R: Rev. Kenneth Clayton, Rev. Andre Milteer, Rev. Joe McClean, Rev. Robert Morrast ,Dr. Robert Curry, and Rev. John Tbout, moderator, New Hope Baptist Association

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The Positive Community October 2014

www.thepositivecommunity.com

A Breakfast Celebration Photos: Bruce Moore

L–R: Rev. Dr. Leonard Jarvis, pastor Salvation BC, Bronx, NY; Rev. Dr. Renee F. Washington Gardner, pastor Memorial BC, NYC; Rev. Dr. John L. Scott, pastor St. John Baptist Church, NYC; Rev. Patricia A. Morris, pastor NSMBC of Harlem; Rev. Keith A. Bolden, Sr., pastor First Calvary BC, NYC; Rev. Shon T. Adkins, pastor Antioch BC, NYC; Rev. Lois Jiles, pastor Seven Light Baptist Church, Bronx, NY; Rev. Dr. Gloria Bradshaw, pastor Mt. Bethel BC, NYC; Rev. Jeffrey Crenshaw, pastor Greater Tabernacle BC, NYC; and Rev. Edmund Osario, pastor Second Tabernacle, Bronx, NY

A

Come See What’s Cooking.

HINT:Visitit’s more than just breakfast! the East Harlem Perkins for lunch and dinner ®

Jumbo Shrimp Dinner

Chicken Pot Pie

breakfast celebrating Rev. Patricia Morris’ third anni-

versary as the pastor of the New Springfield Missionary Baptist Church of Harlem was held on Saturday, September 20, 2014 at

East Harlem • 200 East 125th Street • 212-860-4500

the Eastwood Manor, Bronx, NY.

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www.thepositivecommunity.com

October 2014 The Positive Community

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BY GLENDA CADOGAN

A Giant

Photos: Sharon and Jimmie Henderson

has Arisen in Brooklyn

A

sleeping giant is awakening in Brooklyn.

It is the Bethany Baptist Church, which has a rich history dating back 131 years.

With its rise, exciting new things are happening and reverberating way beyond the neighborhood boundaries of Bed-Stuy, where the megachurch is located. For most of its existence, Bethany Baptist Church and its leaders —most noted is Dr. William Augustus Jones— have been vanguards upholding social justice issues. Dr. Jones left huge footprints with a firebrand activist ministry that came into the national spotlight. In May of this year, the Reverend Dr. Adolphus C. Lacey was called to follow in those footsteps when he took over the pastorate of the historic church.

He sounded a clarion call: “Bethany is not going be a megachurch, but a model church.”

“When I came to Bethany, what I met was a church with a rigid, proud tradition; a sleeping giant,” he declared. “I was called to bring change. God has given me the courage and the ability to raise this sleeping giant and make its presence felt in the community.

We are going to reintroduce ourselves to the Brooklyn community—letting them know that we are here and that we care.”

One of the ways in which Pastor Lacey intends to achieve this goal is by focusing on social issues in ways that are relevant to the needs of today’s society. “I am keenly

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aware of the great work done by my predecessors in the area of social justice,” he said. “But in today’s world, social justice has to deal with much more than just issues of race.

We have to be prepared to address aspects of social justice, like economics, education and gender equality. At Bethany, we are going to break the barrier on gender equality in the church and in Brooklyn.” In six months at the helm, Pastor Lacey has put action behind his words and taken giant steps toward creating a gender inclusive ministry. “I believe that in the 21st Century, any church that does not share power with women is a church that is operating with one hand,” he explained. “And I would add that it is not their best hand. So at Bethany, women will be preaching in the worship service on a regular basis.”

Diversity inclusion is another area in which Pastor Lacey has focused his attention. “We are looking toward having a blended worship service where both old and young feel welcome. Our services must include the hymns, the organ and the choir, but also praise teams and praise and worship music. We have to address the question: how do we include the voices that have been left out?”

Referring to his former pastorate at Mount Olivet Baptist Church in Peekskill, NY, Lacey said that experience prepared him to witness and lead a ministry in Brooklyn. “…For just a time as this. I spent nine years at Mount Olivet and had a wonderful time there. I am www.thepositivecommunity.com

fortunate in that I did not leave, run or was chased out. Coming to Brooklyn was answering the call of God to do more with the gifts he has given me. It is not a promotion,” he emphasized, “it’s an assignment. With the changing demographic in Brooklyn, we have to look at ways of diversifying our ministry and our worship. My background and where I have been, prepared me to lead this charge. Diversity inclusion is not having three white people in a congregation of 900 people at worship service.”

By virtue of life experiences colored by uncommon blends, Pastor Lacey is uniquely qualified to lead the charge toward creating unordinary combinations. Born in Kansas City, Pastor Lacey considers himself “a product of the traditional church.” But then he came to New York City and was exposed to liberal theology at Union Theological Seminary where he obtained his Master of Divinity degree, and Northwestern University where he earned his Doctor of Philosophy degree. “I believe that I am a conduit in bridging the old and the new. I am one of those rare 44-year-olds who loves God and hip hop, loves the church and the club.” In addition, Pastor Lacey has a plethora of experiences dealing with real life issues that www.thepositivecommunity.com

allow him to bring things together that people generally would not think of as a fit.

“I was raised in the church by my grandparents but also by surrogate parents who were Caucasians and republicans,” he explained. “My father was a felon and my mother is in the medical system battling with mental health issues. Therefore, I am able to see a whole different vantage point of view on any given issue.”

In his closing sermon at Mount Olivet, Pastor Lacey told his congregants: “Mount Olivet taught me how to be a pastor. Nine years ago, I came here wet behind the ears.

Being the senior pastor has taught me patience; it taught me to temper my anger. It taught me skepticism, to trust and to verify. It taught me to love. It taught me forgiveness.

It taught me resilience. It taught me how to dream.”

And in his opening sermon to the people of Bethany he made this declaration: “I bring to Bethany an unrivaled desire to reignite Bethany’s passion for the things of God and expand her relevance in an everchanging community.” Therefore, Pastor Lacey’s “unrivaled desire” to lead Bethany is cradled in the love and resilience he learned at Mount Olivet. And with this, the giant has awakened!

October 2014 The Positive Community

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It’s happening at

Columbia in October

Friday, October 3

Wednesday, October 8

The Growing but Vulnerable Middle Class in Latin America

Havana: Past, Present, and Future

Speaker: Michael Penfold, director for public policy and competitiveness at CAF Development Bank of Latin America and associate professor at IESA Business and Public Policy School in Caracas. For more info, visit www.ilas.columbia.edu/ newsevents.

Miguel Coyula, architect, urban planner and professor at the University of Havana, chronicles the history of Cuban architecture since the colonial era.

For more info, contact David Luna at dl2714@columbia.edu.

Noon to 1:30 p.m.

12:15 p.m. to 1:15 p.m.

802 International Affairs, Morningside 802 International Affairs, Morningside campus campus

Monday, October 6

Creative Writing Lecture Series: Karen Russell

7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Fierce: The Work and Life 501 Dodge Hall, Morningside campus of Manuel Ramos Otero

6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

523 Butler Library, Morningside campus Columbia hosts a discussion of the writer’s work with Arnaldo Cruz-Malav, professor of Spanish and comparative literature at Fordham University. For more info, contact Nicholas Obourn at heymancenter@columbia.edu or visit www.heymancenter.org/events.

Tuesday, October 7 Science-based Solutions for Sustainability

4:10 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

207 Union Theological Seminary, Morningside Campus

Ruth DeFries, professor of sustainable development at Columbia, uses satellite images to track how demands for food and other resources are changing the planet. She will also present her new book, The Big Ratchet: How Humanity Thrives in the Face of Natural Disasters.

For more info and to RSVP, email Nathan Rudder at nrudder@ei.columbia.edu.

Exhibition: Comics at Columbia: Past, Present, Future

6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Kempner Gallery, Butler Library, 6th Floor East, Morningside campus

This exhibition presents art, manuscripts and ephemera from Mad artist Al Jaffee, Elfquest artist Wendy Pini and New Yorker cartoonist Charles Saxon; drafts and notes from X-Men writer Chris Claremont and Legion of Super Heroes writer Paul Levitz; and correspondence from luminaries Stan Lee, Harvey Kurtzman and Howard Cruse. For more info, email Nicholas Obourn at heymancenter@ columbia.edu.

Karen Russell is the author of the story collections St. Lucy’s Home for Girls Raised by Wolves and Vampires in the Lemon Grove, the novella Sleep Donation, and the novel Swamplandia!. The Creative Writing Lecture Series welcomes distinguished writers for dynamic talks on literary craft. For more info, email writing@columbia.edu or visit www.arts. columbia.edu/events.

Thursday, October 9 Soft Vengeance: Albie Sachs and the New South Africa

5:30 p.m.

Miller Theatre, Morningside campus

This documentary follows lawyer, writer, art lover and freedom fighter Albie Sachs, one of the architects of South Africa’s non-racial and non-sexist Constitution. A conversation with Sachs, director Abby Ginzberg and Professor Kendall Thomas follows. Sachs gained international attention in 2005 as the author of the Constitutional Court of South Africa’s holding in the case of Minister of Home Affairs v. Fourie, which overthrew South Africa’s statute defining marriage to be between one man and one woman. Reservations required. Visit www. worldleaders.columbia.edu to register.

Sunday, October 12 The Trials of Galileo

4:00 p.m. to 5:15 p.m.

Miller Theatre, Morningside campus

Tuesday, October 14 Pop-Up Concerts: Either/Or

6:00 p.m.

Miller Theatre, Morningside campus

Either/Or celebrates three trailblazing composers in the opening concert of the season, featuring artistic directors Richard Carrick on piano and David Shively on percussion. Admission is free, on a first-come, first-served basis, and doors open at 5:30 p.m. For more info, call (212) 854-7799 or visit www.millertheatre.com/events.

Wednesday, October 15 Re-imaging Justice: Narratives of Inclusion

6:15 p.m. to 8:15 p.m.

Heyman Center, 2nd Floor Common Room, Morningside campus Changing the criminal justice system must include changing the public narrative about people who become involved with it. A diverse group of thinkers examines prevailing narratives and explores opportunities to transform them into a more inclusive framework. For more info, visit www.heymancenter.org/events.

The Trials of Galileo focuses on the events surrounding his trial for heresy in 1633.

Power Talk With Jeanne Sullivan Reprimanded by the pope, Galileo mistakenly believed that all he had to do was show 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. his reasoning and evidence, and the church Saturday, October 18 Ella Weed Room, 223 Milbank Hall, would fall in behind him. He understood sciBarnard campus Jazz: Lionel Loueke Trio ence but failed to grasp politics until it was 8:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Power Talks feature today’s leaders in too late. For more info, contact Center for Miller Theatre, Morningside campus the Core Curriculum at core-curriculum@ conversation on provocative topics. Each Lionel Loueke’s adventurous music talk is followed by a Q&A. Jeanne Sullivan, columbia.edu or (212) 854-2453. blends traditional jazz styles with electric a 2014 Athena Distinguished Fellow, synthesizers, African kora and kalimba Monday, October 13 is co-founder of venture capital firm sounds, and percussion. For more info, StarVest Partners. Sullivan has spent 30 What We’ve Learned—and contact Miller Theatre at miller-arts@ years in the technology sector, operating Have Still to Learn—From the columbia.edu or (212)-854-7799, or visit and investing in technology companies.

Financial Crisis www.millertheatre.com.

Registration Required. For more info, con- 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. tact Lindsay Stuffle at lstuffle@barnard.

1501 International Affairs, Morningside Women’s Soccer vs. edu or (212) 854-2037. To register, visit campus Princeton http://athenacenter.barnard.edu.

7:00 p.m.

Speaker: Martin Wolf, associate editor and chief economics commentator, The Financial Rocco B. Commisso Soccer Stadium, Thursday, October 9 Times. The talk will be followed by a discussion Baker Athletics Complex, 218th Cinema Thursday: with Peter R. Fisher, Tuck School of Business, Street and Broadway Paths of Glory

7:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

East Gallery, Buell Hall, Morningside campus Columbia School of the Arts presents, Paths of Glory, Stanley Kubrick’s 1957 gem. When soldiers in World War I refuse to continue with an impossible attack, their superior officers decide to make an example of them.

For more info, email lrl2787@columbia.edu or visit www.maisonfrancaise.org.

Dartmouth University. For more info, contact JoAnn Crawford at jac12@sipa.columbia.edu.

For more info, call (212) 854-2535 or visit www.gocolumbialions.com.

Shuttle Bus Service for the Elderly and Disabled Columbia provides a free ADA-accessible shuttle bus service for senior citizens and the disabled (including their attendants) via the Intercampus Shuttle.

The service can be accessed near the following subway stations: 96th and Broadway, 116th and Broadway (Morningside campus), 125th and Broadway, 135th and Lenox (Harlem Hospital), and 168th and Broadway (Columbia University Medical Center). The shuttle runs on a regular schedule Monday through Friday except state and federal holidays. Riders must show an Access-A-Ride or Medicare card to board the bus.

Visit www.transportation.columbia.edu/intercampus for more info.

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

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

Columbia Celebrates

Hispanic Heritage Month

Manuel Ramos Otero is one of the most important Hispanic Caribbean writers of the late-20th century and Puerto Rico’s first major openly gay writer. Deeply innovative in both themes and form, Ramos Otero’s work spans a wide range of genres, including the essay, novel, short story, and poetry. Through his publishing and organizing efforts, Ramos Otero also made important contributions to building New York’s Latino literary community. He died in 1990 of AIDS-related complications at the age of 42.

Learn more at the panel discussion: Fierce: The Life and Work of Manuel Ramos Otero Monday, Oct. 6, at 6:30 p.m.

523 Butler Library, 535 W. 115th St. New York, NY 10027

Native Son Ras Baraka at the Helm in Newark

BY R.L. WITTER

A

forty-four- year-old brother with striking eyes and a cool, easy walk awoke to sounds on the streets of Newark, NJ one morning last July. He heard sirens, loud voices and helicopters, but he hadn’t heard any gunshots.

Then again, he grew up in Newark, a native son if ever there was one, so perhaps he had slept through whatever was causing the flurry of activity outside his house?

There was only one way to find out, so Ras Baraka exited his Newark home hoping the commotion didn’t involve anyone he knew—especially not on this day.

Imagine his shock upon finding out that he was the reason for the hubbub. “They were there to get me,” Newark’s new mayor recalled, “to take me down to my

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October 2014

inauguration. It was overwhelming for me. I sat in the car with Nina Simone playing in my headphones and started to cry, thinking about how my father had just passed and wouldn’t be there. All of my emotions just started to pour out . . . That’s when I realized I was the mayor of the city.”

While people looking in from the outside might surmise that Baraka’s ascension to the office of Mayor of Newark happened quickly and without struggle, the Mayor will succinctly tell you otherwise. “My father was busted in the head in the rebellions in 1967 . . . To come from that and watch his son become the mayor of a city where he fought his entire life so that there would be democracy and equality for people in this town—I think is one of the ultimate gifts . . .” I thought to myself, “Really, no one gave the Baraka family anything; they www.thepositivecommunity.com

Mayor Baraka and his parents, Amina and Amiri Baraka.

earned their way in Newark and the world.” But I kept quiet so as not to interrupt the Mayor and the passion in his voice when he spoke of his family.

The son of Amiri and Amina Baraka, Ras Baraka’s earliest memories involve activism, art, and culture in Newark. “My father’s organization Community for a Unified Newark (CFUN) on Irvington and the Boulevard ... being on the floor there while some sort of cultural activities were going on . . .” the Mayor reminisced. Those cultural activities and watching his parents would lead him toward poetry, music and the unwavering desire to do and be more than just another dude from Newark. “As I was growing up, I saw a lot of my friends fall victim to what was happening in school, the neighborhood and the community. As I went to college, some of www.thepositivecommunity.com

my friends were on their way to jail . . . It made me wonder how to get more of ‘us’ to go to college,” he explained, adding that he always knew he’d return to Newark after completing his undergraduate studies at Howard University in Washington, DC. “So that’s what was on my mind when I decided to come back to Newark and educate young people… I immediately began teaching elementary school when I got back.

“I was always interested in history, politics and culture … I was 24 years-old when I first ran for mayor,” Baraka reflected. “We did a lot of food drives, clothing drives and all kinds of other things—cultural events, study sessions—and I was also a teacher who came across a lot of kids and families that had a plethora of issues I felt the school couldn’t handle, so I always found myself October 2014 The Positive Community

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“I hope to show them how we transform people’s lives in the community and help them,” he said of his mission to change things in Newark. “I grew up here my entire life.” trying to abate those issues and felt that we needed to have a longer reach. I always thought that teachers were political activists, or should be,” the Mayor chuckled. “So that led me to politics . . . And I ran almost as a dare from my friends saying, ‘someone has got to do something.’”

He was unsuccessful in his first bid for office, but neither challenge nor adversity was going to stop the son of activists who fought for a better Newark for those coming after them. It was time to assume the mantle and venture into the political fray. “I ran for Councilman a couple of times…then I won! And the rest is history,” he beamed.

What a fitting turn of phrase from someone who can effortlessly recite much of Newark’s history, be it political, social or cultural. Mayor Baraka can tell you who held what office in Newark 30 years ago, the name of a young Newark girl competing on the National Debate Team (it’s SunHee Simon), and where to go for soul food since the closing of both John’s and Je’s, “Vonda’s on West Kinney,” the Mayor said without missing a beat.

“She has a grand opening downtown later this month— there’ll be live jazz and great food . . .” The man knows Newark.

He also knows he has a long road ahead of him, but with 100 days in office, he’s set the wheels in motion to build upon the recent renaissance in Newark. He’s balancing the budget and putting more police on the streets, “Police data says there’s about one percent of the entire city who are committing the heinous crimes that you see on TV—one percent or less,” he said in a spirited fashion. “The overwhelming majority of people in this city are not living the way [the media] creates a caricature of our people every single day. What’s happening every day is we have Science High School, which is in the

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October 2014

top 50 schools in the state; we have kids who are going to Ivy League and Historically Black colleges; we have history of arts, music and culture like Sarah Vaughn and Willie “The Lion” Smith, Amiri Baraka and Savion Glover . . . We have a very rich history of culture, and blues and jazz in this town. We’re coming up on our 350th anniversary in this city and we’re going to really highlight all of those areas… Newark residents should be proud of their city every day and we’re going to get it back to where it needs to be, we’re going to show the world what we do in this city . . .”

While some say Mayor Baraka is moving too swiftly, he clearly thinks otherwise, saying, “We can’t afford to be patient,” and citing the civil rights movement as inspiration to achieve his goals for Newark. “We have no shortage of brainpower in and around Newark,” the Mayor declared. He also reminded me of the myriad universities and cultural outlets in the city. He paused for a moment before telling me about a recent poetry reading at his mother’s home, then continued, “I’m proud that every time I go home, I make my mother smile . . . My family has been through so much and a lot of people look at my dad and the arts and culture and see it as ‘famous.’ But his activism sometimes made him persona non grata and made it difficult for our family… The pride that she feels knowing that her son is the mayor of Newark, is enough for me for the rest of my life.” And yet people say “you can’t go home again.” Well Ras Baraka did and he’s working to make Newark a better home for his family and countless others. “I hope to show them how we transform people’s lives in the community and help them,” he said of his mission to change things in Newark. “I grew up here my entire life.”

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Saturday, October 25, 2014 Concert 7:00 pm

A Production of Newark Symphony Hall’s A Production Production of of Newark Newark Symphony Hall’s A Symphony Hall’s Hall’s Symphony Hall’s A Production Production of of Newark Newark Symphony

Gospel at the Roots Series Gospel at the Roots Series Honoring:October Mayor Ras Baraka Saturday, 25, 2014 (Doors Open — 6:00 pm)

Sarah Vaughan Concert Hall

Saturday, October October 25, 25, 2014 October 25, 2014 Saturday, Concert 7:00 pm 2014 Concert 7:00 pm

7:00 pm Concert pm (Doors Open7:00 — 6:00 pm) (Doors Open — 6:00 pm) (Doors Open — —Concert 6:00 pm) pm) (Doors Open 6:00 Sarah Vaughan Hall

A Production of Newark Symphony Hall’s l l

Sarah Vaughan Vaughan Concert Concert Hall Vaughan Concert Hall Sarah Hall Gospel at the Roots Series s Honoring: Mayor Ras Baraka Honoring: Mayor Ras Baraka

Honoring: Mayor Ras Baraka

Honoring: Mayor Baraka Ras Baraka Saturday, October 25, 2014 2 A Production of NewarkRas Symphony Hall’s

Gospel at the Roots Series Honoring: Mayor Ras Baraka a Concert 7:00 pm

(Doors Open — 6:00 pm)

Sarah Vaughan Concert a l Dr.Hall Albert J. Lewis & Richard Smallwood The Voices of Victory

Saturday, October 25, 2014

Concert 7:00 pmDr. Albert J. Lewis &

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Education TEACHING, LEARNING, MAKING A DIFFERENCE

Gold Medalist Chelsea Fingal Classical Music Voice

Jada Williams, Dance

ACT-SO Olympics of the Mind NYC Garners 6 Medals at National Competition

“W

e must never write off the potential for greatness among any of our beleaguered youth.

Never!” With that sentiment, in 1977 Vernon Jarrett, renowned author, civil rights activist and journalist, initiated the idea of a program that would promote and reward young academic achievers the same way sports heroes are honored. The NAACP agreed to sponsor the program and the first national ACTSO –Academic, Cultural, Technological and Scientific Olympics—was held in 1978 in Portland Oregon, in conjunction with the NAACP annual national convention.

In the year-long program, high school students are recruited, stimulated, and encouraged to pursue superior academic and cultural achievement. Stu-

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The Positive Community October 2014

dents can choose from up to three of 26 categories of competition in the sciences, humanities, business, and performing and visual arts. With over 140 chapters throughout the United States, more than 260,000 young people have participated in the program since its inception.

Last month we introduced you to the New Jersey national medalists. This month we recognize the New York City medalists. Guided by Executive Director Anton Tomlinson, who founded the NYC program in 1987 and is a full-time volunteer, along with other volunteer mentors, teachers, moms and dads, NYC ACT-SO achievers garnered six medals for the fourth consecutive year. For more information go to www.actso.org.

—JNW www.thepositivecommunity.com

Akkeem Pinnock Medicine/Health

Christopher Ayala Physics

New York City Medalists: MEDAL

CATEGORY

STUDENT

Gold

Music Vocal Classical

Chelsea Fingal

Silver

Physics

Christopher Ayala

Silver

Engineering

Raquel Hosein

Silver

Chemistry/Biochemistry

Ruoxin Lin

Bronze

Medicine & Health

Akeen Pinnock

Bronze

Dance

Jada Williams

Ruoxin Lin Chemistry/Biochemistry www.thepositivecommunity.com

Raquel Hosein Engineering October 2014 The Positive Community

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Photos: Karen Waters

Congressman Donald Payne, Jr. with SunHee Simon, named to the USA National Debate Team. Also Greenhill Fall Classic Invitational Debate Winner held September in Dallas, TX. SunHee is also scheduled to compete in debates in New Orleans & Germany this fall.

L–R: Shante E. Palmer, Rutgers professor; Dr. Gale Gibson, President, Essex County College, Newark, NJ; Mayor Ras Baraka, Newark, NJ, Marcia Brown and NJ Senator M. Teresa Ruiz

Newark Students Showcase Talents at Speech & Debate Expo

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n September 30, 2014, the Newark Debate Academy hosted the Newark Speech & Debate Expo to celebrate 32 years of excellence! Not only were Newark debaters able to show off their talents through demonstrations, but students also had time to talk with people from Newark’s local community, explaining to them the value of debate in their educations and personal lives. The expo also featured several guest speakers including Senator Teresa Ruiz, Newark Mayor Ras

Baraka, Newark Schools Superintendent Cami Anderson, and Representative Donald M. Payne, Jr. Also in attendance were representatives from NJPAC, the president of Essex County College, board members from the Newark Public Schools, representatives from the Victoria Foundation, alumni of NDA, and many more.

In speaking about the Debate Academy, Dr. Marcia Brown, Rutgers Dean and Special Assistant for Governmental Affairs and perhaps, the academy’s most ardent supporter, said: “I’ve

been a board member since its inception and there is no comparable success story. Yet, we remain a narrative in the shadows. The state of education in our inner cities has been the focus of discussion nationally and locally here in Newark. The Newark Debate Academy has produced [many] of today’s local leaders and is developing tomorrow’s innovators for the City of Newark and the United States. The success story of our vibrant debate community is lost amid the narrative of failure. Let’s Change that!” —AAC

Dr. Joyce Harley of Essex County College (r) reviews trophies and congratulates team

Debate Team: L–R: Natalie DeRosa, East Side HS; Victor DosAnjos, East Side HS; SunHee Simon, Science Park HS; Nathan Santos, East Side HS and Willie Johnson, Rutgers Photos: Karen Waters

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Pastor Sees ‘Major Role’ for Clergy in Education Newark Charter School Fund CEO Mashea Ashton interviews Ronald Slaughter, senior pastor of Saint James AME Church in Newark, N.J.

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ou’re the youngest pastor in the history of Saint James AME Church. What do you think your relative youth means for your congregation and its impact on the city?

I think it helps us in terms of longevity knowing that we have possibly another three decades to spend together as pastor and congregation. People are looking for stability when they’re looking for a church home, and looking for a pastor that would not only be a pastor for the youth but a pastor also for the adults and the seniors. Of course, it helps attract my generation, which means now the church is tremendously growing with the age group of probably 20- to 50-year-olds, and so it helps in that way.

You served on the board of Visions Academy Charter High School (which recently merged with Marion P. Thomas Charter School) and have spoken out in favor of charter schools in the city, which has occasionally been a contentious issue. Why? I’ve spoken out in favor of charter schools because of the rigorous renewal process that other public schools do not have to go through. If a charter school isn’t meeting the standards, they will no longer exist. It makes education a priority and not a paycheck.

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And that’s, I think, why it’s so contentious. Those that feed off the education system financially are always accusing charters of robbing public schools of the funds they need, when that’s not the case. There’s a lack of knowledge we must overcome. Many in the community do not realize, even with universal enrollment now in place, that charter schools are public schools as well, which means their child has a right to go to that charter school for free, without taking any admissions test or meeting other requirements.

What is the biggest misconception about Newark’s educational system? What gives you the most hope for better schools?

The biggest misconception is the belief that the system is beyond saving.

I don’t think it’s dead. There are some good people that have come out of the system and good people pouring their hearts and souls into the system now to try to resurrect it and reverse the perpetual failure of the past 20 years. I’m hopeful that it will be better if we keep working at it, but it will require everyone, including charter schools and the district, working together to serve families.

Schools, like churches, are neighborhood institutions. How does the change going on in Newark’s education system affect its communities?

Pastor Ronald Slaughter

It heavily affects the community, because the future of our communities rests upon these children that are trying to receive an education. We see in the protests and demonstrations that are going on that the community must feel like they are a part of the change. That’s where I applaud charter schools, because their meetings require community input, a chance for parents and other stakeholders to voice their concerns. Members of the community want and deserve to be heard by school and system leadership. Their input is very critical to the education of our students. Without them, we’re in trouble.

What is the appropriate role for clergy to play in advocating for high-quality education reform?

The clergy need to be at the table, without a shadow of a doubt, because the clergy are seeing not only the children but the parents as well. And many times when the parents complain and have issues with the school system, they share it with their clergyperson. As representatives of the church, clergy have always been the pulse of the community, especially the AfricanAmerican community. That means the clergy must play a major role in advocating for great public charter schools and great traditional public schools. We must occupy a seat at the table.

October 2014 The Positive Community

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Seacoast Missionary Baptist Association The Oldest Association In NJ Photos: Karen Waters

Pastor Alexander Brown & First Lady Magnolia Brown

Rev. James Brown, United Fellowship BC Asbury Park and Pastor Bernard F. Johnson, III, Friendship BC Asbury Park

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Pastor Alexander Brown at the pulpit

he leadership of the General Baptist Convention of NJ came out in full support of Seacoast Association’s Moderator Night. The Seacoast Association represents churches and congregations throughout Monmouth and Ocean counties.

In 1903, the Seacoast Missionary Baptist Association of New Jersey was organized, and held its first meeting with the Mt. Moriah Baptist church, Asbury Park, from August 13 to 17. The object of this association is to do missionary work and help weak churches

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The Positive Community October 2014

among the minority population along the sea-coast and vicinity, south of the Raritan River. It reported sixteen churches. The officers were: William H. Wallace, moderator; R. W. Fields, clerk; D.D. Hall, treasurer; M. F. Mathews, corresponding secretary.

The annual meeting is held on Thursday before the third Lord's Day in August.

This year’s Annual Session was held at St. Paul’s Baptist Church in Red Bank, NJ where Moderator Rev. Alexander Brown is pastor.

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www.thepositivecommunity.com

October 2014 The Positive Community

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

BY THERESA RACINE

10 Years & Stronger Than EVER!

I

am a member of an amazing army of women. Breast Cancer Survivors. I have always been an advocate for healthy living habits. So, regular mammograms were just part of my yearly routine. The wonderful thing about regular breast exams is that you will always stay on top of this disease. I was actually warned (around my 40th birthday), that I was a high risk client for breast cancer.

Exercise and eating right were not enough to prevent me from getting breast cancer. Since many members in my immediate family (including an uncle) had breast cancer, it was likely I would too. I continued to exercise, eat right and since the age of 40 get yearly mammograms. Yet, I still remember the day I was told. I thought I had beat this devil, since most of my family members whom had the disease died of it before they reached 40, and I was still in great health. No such luck. Cancer does not care.

When the time came to roll up my sleeves and fight this monster disease, I was ready and I kicked it in the butt!

Because I began my healthy lifestyle at the age of 8, and caught the disease at its first stages, my recovery was quick, although devastating and painful. But, I was ready. My doctors are still amazed how I bounced back and resumed my life. Don’t get me wrong. I was under treatment for two years of my life. What saved my life, however, where early detection and educating myself on this disease.

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The Positive Community October 2014

I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2004 at Columbia Presbyterian Hospital in New York. I was part of The Women of Color Breast Cancer program before I was actually diagnosed. I wanted to know the enemy when and if it came. Though this program it became clear that my mission in life was to help other women of color live a healthier, longer lifestyle through early detection and exercise. I, like many survivors, am living a healthier, longer life due to regular exercise and proper diet. Because I have always been a ‘health nut’, I was able to conquer breast cancer without chemotherapy or radiation therapy.

Although the journey was difficult, I am living proof that practicing a ‘healthy’ lifestyle early will add years to your life, regardless of life threatening diseases.

In 2008, I created 'Fit to the CORE' urban fitness program, designed for urban communities. The program’s success is due to people working out together with similar economic, health and working habits within their own neighborhoods. Working with local community and health organizations, the program educates communities on fitness, cancers and chronic health issues affecting their communities. In Harlem, there are numerous health organizations and insurance companies such as EmblemHealth and Harlem Hospital, and New York City’s SHAPE UP Continued on next page www.thepositivecommunity.com

“I, like many survivors, am living a healthier, longer life due to regular exercise and proper diet. Because I have always been a ‘health nut’, I was able to conquer breast cancer without chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Although the journey was difficult, I am living proof that practicing a ‘healthy’ lifestyle early will add years to your life, regardless of life threatening diseases.”

program are offered in our communities free of charge.

All designed to educate you on staying healthy.

The mission of the New York-Presbyterian Cancer Prevention Program is to promote the understanding of cancer prevention and early detection of cancer through a multidisciplinary approach. The program provides education to the public on cancer screening and treatment, which supports improvement of quality of care and quality of life. Uninsured women living in New York who have not had a mammogram in over 1 year (age 40 or older), a recent pap smear (age 20 or older), or a recent screening for colorectal cancer (age 50 or older), can benefit from this lifesaving program.

In my first adulthood, I was a television anchor/ reporter for an ABC affiliate in the South. I spent 18 years on-air delivering news before I became an editor of an Atlanta, Georgia newspaper. People always ask me ‘Don’t you miss it?’ My answer…Yes, but I wouldn’t trade my current profession for anything in the world.

I am committed to informing all women how to live longer, GET EDUCATED ON CANCER PREVENTION and TREATMENTS…GET YEARLY MAMMOGRAMS… GET FIT! If you haven’t taken that step to get your mammogram, do it today. For more information on the Columbia Presbyterian Women of Color Breast Cancer Program call: 212.851.4516. Do it today and begin living a wonderful, healthy lifestyle.

Community & Family Life Development Weekend October 17th - October 19th 2014 Come Celebrate with us

GRAND OPENING

The Community Family Life Development Center 607 New Street, Plainfield, NJ

“Honoring the Legacy of Rev. Dr. Shirley B. Cathie” Community Church of God, Plainfield, NJ

Experience the Wellness Center Workshops

A Holistic Renewal and Transformation Environment Classes Group Meetings

• Cultivating Relationships • Enterprise For Teens • Financial Management

• Nutrition • SSYC, Plainfield Youth Leadership Academy • Entrepreneurship • Cooking

• Nutrition & Wellness Network • Operation We Care • Reconnections Mentoring

Retreats • Women • Youth

The Resource Center

Food Bank Distribution • Books • Health & Wellness Resources • Youth Arts Education Contact us at: kiahinstitute@gmail.com • Second Street Youth Center, 908.561.0421 Kingdom Community Partners: Community Church of God, KIAH Institute; SSYC Foundation, Inc. www.thepositivecommunity.com

October 2014 The Positive Community

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KAHLIL CARMICHAEL THE FITNESS DOCTOR Kahlil Carmichael is the Pastor and Founder of It Is Well Living Church located in Monroe, NJ. He is the CEO of the Fitness Doctor Inc., a Fitness Rehabilitation and Wellness Consultation company. To contact Kahlil to become spiritually and physically fit visit www.itiswellchurch.com or call 732-921-3746

Ask for Help! ne of my favorite scriptures is Psalm 121:1-2, “I lift my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.” This scripture resonates so profoundly with me because I have had to ask God for help on many occasions. And because God is good, when I asked for help, God answered.

But I had to ask. Not because God was not aware of my needs. But there is something divine about humbling yourself and asking for help.

Someone once said, “Don’t be shy about asking for help. It doesn’t mean you’re weak, it only means you are wise.” As a spiritual leader and fitness professional, I have witnessed many people’s aversion for asking for help.

Whether we are in need of biblical clarity on a certain passage of scripture or we’ve reached a plateau within our fitness regimen, we all need help to reach the next level life, faith, and fitness.

So why do we hesitate when it comes to asking for help?

Perhaps we hesitate to ask for help due to pride or the fear of rejection. Maybe we simply don’t know where to start or whom to ask for help. Whatever contributes to our inability to ask for help (especially in the areas of faith and fitness), must cease.

Our refusal to ask for help is keeping our communities biblically illiterate, clinically obese, and unhealthy.

Many of you reading this this column, have great spiritual leaders to guide you and help you get spiritually fit.

Unfortunately, that does not hold true for those seeking to get physically fit. Some people do not have a proper guide or mentor in the area of physical fitness and health. I suggest you think about hiring a personal trainer to get fit and work out safely. There are many benefits to hiring a personal trainer.

Here are the American Council on Exercise top 10 reasons to hire a personal trainer.

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efit from instruction on how to perform specific exercises and program planning.

• Effective Workouts—Personal trainers help maximize your time by providing workouts designed to meet your goals quickly and efficiently.

• Supervision—Need someone to spot you while you do pullups? Looking for feedback on your running form? No problem-that's what your personal trainer is for—to observe, assist and, if necessary, correct as needed.

• Sports-specific Training—A personal trainer can tailor your program to your sport of choice.

• Injury Rehabilitation—An experienced personal trainer can make the road to recovery a smooth one by recommending exercises that emphasize overall muscular balance to prevent future injuries.

• Special-needs Training—Research confirms that individuals with health challenges such as diabetes, asthma, osteoporosis or heart disease benefit greatly from regular physical activity.

These conditions, however, can make exercising safely a challenge. Many personal trainers are experienced in designing programs that address the special needs of these and other conditions.

• Ego Boost—Not only can your personal trainer help you achieve your health and fitness goals, they provide you with positive feedback on your performance and bolster your confidence to take on new challenges.

The bible teaches us to, “ask and it shall be given; seek and you will find; knock and it shall be open? (Matthew 7:7) If you need to get fit all you must do, beloved, is ask for help! If you are unable to find a trainer in your area, I would be glad to make some recommendations to you. To learn how to exercise consistently, eat healthier, and live well contact Kahlil at www.thefitnessdoctor.org or call 732-921-3746. Peace and Blessings!

ACE's Top Ten Reasons to Hire a Personal Trainer • Motivation—Personal trainers serve as coach, educator, confidant, role model and a major source of motivation and encouragement.

• Consistency—Scheduling regular appointments with a personal trainer helps eliminate any excuses you might come up with for not exercising.

• Safety—A personal trainer will show you how to exercise safely and instruct you on the proper and safe use of exercise equipment.

• Individualized Instruction—A personal trainer will develop the most effective program for you based on your fitness evaluation results and personal goals. Beginners in particular ben-

Call Kahlil to learn how to get healthier and live well!

Call (732)921-3746 or visit www.fitnessdoctor.org for a free consultation!

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The Positive Community October 2014

Disclaimer: The information contained in this column is of a general nature. You should consult your physician or health care professional before beginning any exercise program or changing your dietary regimen.

www.thepositivecommunity.com

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Town Hall Meeting at The New Hope Baptist Church in Newark NJ Governor Chris Christie and Pastor Joe Carter Host

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L–R: Essex County Sheriff Armando B. Fontoura with NJ State Senator M. Teresa Ruiz

Photos: Karen Waters

ith the understanding that drug addiction affects all communities, a discussion was convened to raise awareness through the Governor’s Council on Alcoholism & Drug Abuse.

Both men traded stories of how this disease impacts families, churches, businesses and devastates communities. The governor spoke about the rising epidemic of heroin and prescription drug use in suburban areas resulting in increasing overdoses and deaths among young people.

Rev. Carter spoke about how many people in his congregation and in churches throughout the city are trying to cope with the effects of drug abuse on families, finances, arrests, prison sentences and challenges of re-entry into society after serving time in jail. The consensus is that more should be done to offer treatment options, prevention resources and counseling as an alternative to prison sentences, sickness and death. But, most importantly, information should be made available to educate and promote awareness. For more information visit: KnowAddiction.nj.gov. —AAC

L–R: Essex County College President Dr. Gail Gibson and Former NJ Governor James E. McGreevey

L–R: Yla Eason, Essex County College with Adrian Council of The Positive Community

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The Positive Community October 2014

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

Gwendolyn Barr, Horizon NJ Health

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

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

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

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

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

Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. The Blue Cross® and Blue Shield® names and symbols are registered marks of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.

The Horizon® name and symbols are registered marks of Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey. © 2013 Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey Three Penn Plaza East,Newark, New Jersey 07105.

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Robert A. Bernstein, Esq., LLC

Sharron Mitchell-Brown

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WORKSHOP TOPICS: Medicaid and Medicare Overview Deciding What’s Best for My Loved One: An Overview of Home Care, Institutional Care and Senior Centers Scams Targeting the Elderly (Led by Andrew Tucker, Special Asst, NJ Div of Consumer Affairs) Fall Prevention & Home Safety Management How to Approach Caregiving with Someone with Dementia Social Security Overview Elder Law Planning

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Patient portrayal

Culture M U S I C ,

A R T

&

L I T E R AT U R E

Rev. Dr. M. William Howard, Jr., Senior Pastor, Bethany Baptist Church, Newark, NJ

Jazz on Sunday?

By M. William Howard, Jr. “Everybody has the Blues. Everybody longs for meaning. Everybody needs to love and be loved. Everybody needs to clap hands and be happy. Everybody longs for faith. In music, especially this broad category called Jazz, there is a stepping stone towards all of these.”

—Martin Luther King, Jr., from the 1964 Berlin Jazz Festival Program

or the past five or six years on Sundays in August, Bethany Baptist Church, the mother church of Black Baptists in Newark founded in 1871, has given its choirs and musicians the month off to attend the national church music conferences and to otherwise refresh themselves after eleven months of hard work and service to the congregation.

In their place have stood some of the most accomplished jazz artists there are, gladly taking responsibility for leading the faithful in song and celebration. This has been well-

F

received by parishioners who, just a few years earlier, may not have been as receptive, had they not seen for over a decade how the church’s Jazz Vespers, a non-traditional service that takes place at dusk on 1st Saturdays from October to June, impacted peoples’ lives.

At Jazz Vespers, many people attend who otherwise would not have crossed the threshold of a house of worship, often because of some preconceived notions about what happens inside. Yet, they have come out of a love for the music and found themselves welcomed, affirmed and renewed. Some have even been moved to accept Christ.

When jazz spilled over into the Sunday service, however, it heightened the age-old tension between what is sacred and what is secular, especially among those who had not considered the truth of what Dr. King wrote (above) for the Berlin Jazz Festival Program fifty years ago. King knew there was no honest way to alienate jazz from the deepest quests

Regina Carter and her trio are a favorite at Bethany Baptist Jazz Vespers.

Con’t. on next page

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October 2014

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“ We want to make sure that

our citizens receive a holistic approach to well-being

”

Read, Write, Recite & More Arts, Cultural Development and Tourism in Newark

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tudies show that there is a correlation between the arts and other achievement. A report by Americans for the Arts found that young people who participate regularly in the arts are four times more likely to be recognized for academic achievement, to participate in a math and science fair or to win an award for writing an essay or poem than children who do not participate. Despite being aware of these facts, many schools have little to no art education and sadly, Bob Ross with his Joy of Painting and “happy little clouds,” lives on only in reruns.

That’s where the Mayor’s Office of Arts, Cultural Development and Tourism (OACT) offers assistance.

Established earlier this year by Mayor Ras Baraka, the OACT’s mission is “to enhance the lives of all citizens of the City of Newark and beyond by providing an organizational structure through government access to assist in enhancing arts and cultural initiatives; and assist in providing programming and activities to enhance, increase and maintain an active and viable tourism industry…”

The department was recommended by the Mayor’s transition team, Executive Director Gwen Moten explained. “Mayor Baraka comes from a family of artists, poets, directors… With that as part of his history and lifestyle, it would seem natural that he’d be accepting of something that would make the arts and culture initiative important in Newark and to its residents.” Mayor Baraka agreed and the office was formed with the idea to encourage participation from educational institutions, for-profit business, non-profit business, faithbased organizations, and community/financial/social/ civic services. The program will expand Newark’s rich cultural offerings beyond Symphony Hall and NJPAC to school auditoriums, recreation centers, public plazas and other, smaller venues that are more easily accessed in all Newark communities.

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“We want to make sure that our citizens receive a holistic approach to well-being. So not only will we provide activities and information in the arts and culture, but we want to provide things that have to do with their health, their well-being, and economic stability,” Moten remarked. “There are a number of initiatives going into the neighborhoods, especially the blighted neighborhoods, and seeing what needs to be done… Whatever the issues are, we go into those neighborhoods and we also bring the arts. So we try to give them help and beautify their neighborhoods.”

October marked the kickoff of Poetry Month at City Hall with the theme, “Read, Write, Recite.” “That program is used as a tool for literacy enhancement,” said Moten. “Not just for children, but for the entire community. It also provides room for building listening, writing, and performance skills and self-confidence.”

Events are taking place almost daily throughout the city at various venues, “We’ve asked recreational centers, cultural centers, the libraries and churches to house performances of poet that we may bring…” She continued, “They can write and recite their own poems, we can talk about what poetry is and how it’s used to express one’s feelings. It also gives our residents a place to not only hone, but also present their craft.” A former teacher and opera singer herself, Moten understands the importance of having the opportunity to share artistic gifts and interests with others.

In the meantime, Moten and the OACT are gearing up for November and December and the holidays and festivities they bring with them. The OACT will partner with other departments to participate in providing dinners, comfort and kindness in the community. “There’s this anticipation of even greater things to come…” Moten said of Mayor Baraka’s election and his arts and culture initiative. “People in the community are glad he’s here and we’re all looking forward to great things happening.” www.thepositivecommunity.com

from heart to hand

AfricAn-AmericAn Quilts from the montgomery museum of fine Arts september 21, 2014–January 4, 2015 honoring the 50th anniversary of several u.s. civil rights landmarks, this exhibition presents 29 colorful and creatively designed quilts by African-American quiltmakers, primarily from West Alabama. most were made between the mid-1950s and the end of the 20th century, and represent the major themes in traditional quiltmaking. A group of outstanding narrative quilts by tuscaloosa quiltmaker yvonne Wells exemplifies modern quiltmaking.

Yvonne Wells, Rosa Parks I, 2005, Cotton/ polyester blend, polyester, cotton, plastic buttons. Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts, Montgomery, Alabama.

Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts Association Purchase, 2008.9.6.

The best view of New York has always been in New Jersey.

Visit NJ’s largest museum and one of the most influential in America. Take an inspirational journey through 80 galleries featuring American, Asian, African, Classical, decorative arts and the natural sciences; the finest collection of Tibetan art in the Western Hemisphere; the 1885 Victorian Ballantine House; and one of the country’s best collections of American Modernism.

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tel Joseph Stella, The Voice of the City of New York Interpreted, 1920-22, Joseph Stella, Oil and tempera on canvas, 99 ¾ x 270 in., Purchase 1937 Felix Fuld Bequest Fund 37.288a-e

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On-site parking available

October 2014 The Positive Community

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Sonya's wonderful book birthday cake

Actor Omar Hardwick with poet Jessicsa Care More

�� New Jersey State Senator Nia H. Gill

Octogenarian Sonya Sanchez

L–R: Dr. Obery Hendricks, Jr. & Rev. Conrad Tillary

Sonia Sanchez’s 80th Birthday Celebration PHOTOS AND TEXT BY RISASI DAIS

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or nearly 60 years, Sister Sonia Sanchez has been on the front line in the struggle for the liberation of oppressed people and fought for justice and freedom of all people. As an activist and writer she has raised her voice and penned dozens of poems, plays, essays and books addressing injustices in society.

Her work was heavily influenced by and involved in the Civil Rights and Black Liberation movements of the 60s and 70s, and she has read her poetry at more than 500 universities and colleges, traveling extensively to places near and far, including Africa, Cuba, England, Australia, the Caribbean, Nicaragua, China, Norway and Canada.

Yet despite her international fame, she has never forgotten her humble beginnings as a struggling artist and how she was inspired when she first entered The Schomburg Center in Harlem during the early 60s.

Sanchez asked a woman she met, “What is in this building?” The woman replied, “This is a library that houses many books pertaining to black people,” to which a young and naïve Sanchez replied, “Well, I guess this library must be very empty, because I never heard of books by black people!”

On September 19th, friends and fans packed Belford Hall in Brooklyn to mark Sister Sonia’s 80th birthday.

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Assembled for the celebration were many of her longtime friends —artists, poets, writers and publishers.

Missing was her fellow poet and comrade in the struggle, Amiri Baraka, who would have turned 80 on October 7th of this year. However, his sons, Newark Mayor Ras Baraka and Amiri Baraka, Jr., were present to pay respects in their father’s honor.

Sister Sonia’s historic 80th birthday celebration was organized by The Center for Black Literature at Medgar Evers College, Akila Worksongs and The Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture. Performance Poet Toni Blackman was the host of the program, which included performances by Jessica Care Moore, Eugene Redman and his daughter, and several young poets from The Schomburg Center. Haki Madhubuti, renowned poet and president of Third World Press, spoke of his long, endearing relationship with Sister Sonia, as did Abiodun Oyewole of The Last Poets. There were also affectionate remarks from Dr. Brenda Greene, director of The Center for Black Literature at Medgar Evers College. And finally, there was a magnificent birthday cake, fashioned in the image of three of Sanchez’s books.

Lights flashed as seemingly everyone in attendance attempted to photograph Sister Sonia beaming with joy. www.thepositivecommunity.com

Even more to love about the Fall!

Haunted Illusions starring David Caserta • 10/26

Shaping Sound • 11/7

October

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Inside Amy Schumer’s Backdoor Tour

October

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Jonathan’s Choice: Tierney Sutton

October

18-19 Golda’s Balcony starring Tovah Feldshuh

October

23-26 Geraldine R. Dodge Poetry Festival

October

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November 1-2

Jazz and Soul featuring Fantasia and more • 11/13

Robeson • 11/23

SalsaPalooza with willie Colon and more! • 11/22

Patti LaBelle • 11/28

Haunted Illusions starring David Caserta Spank! The Fifty Shades Parody

November 1

Into Sweeney Todd’s Woods

November 7-8

Second City Does New Jersey: Paved and Confused

November 7

Shaping Sound

November 8

Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra

November 9

Metropolitan Opera Rising Stars: Mozart and Company

November 9

Danny Bhoy, comedian

November 13

Jazz and Soul: Fantasia, Philip Bailey, José James and the Christian McBride Big Band

November 14

NJMEA All-State Jazz Ensemble

November 14

Chris Botti, trumpet

November 15

Michael Franks with Raul Midón

November 16

Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition

November 22

SalsaPalooza: Willie Colon and more

November 22

Béla Fleck, Christian McBride & Brooklyn Rider

November 23

Robeson–Trilogy: An Opera Company

November 26

Bob Dylan and His Band

November 28

Patti LaBelle with special guest Will Downing

November 28-30 Evil Dead the Musical

Keith Jarrett, Gary Peacock & Jack De Johnette • 11/30

A Hip Hop Nutcracker • 12/5-6

mike epps • 12/5

Sweet Honey In The Rock • 12/20

November 30

Keith Jarrett, Gary Peacock & Jack DeJohnette

December 2

Neil deGrasse Tyson

December 5

Mike Epps: After Dark Tour

December 5-6

A Hip Hop Nutcracker

December 6

It’s Today: Mame at NJPAC

December 6

Freestyle & Old School Extravaganza

December 6

Robert Klein, comedian

December 7

Yuja Wang, piano

December 12

The Piano Guys: A Family Christmas

December 13

Swingin’ Holidays

December 20

Sweet Honey In The Rock: Celebrating the Holydays

December 21

Handel’s Messiah

December 26-27 Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer: The Musical

New JerSey PerFOrmiNG ArtS CeNter

For tickets and a full schedule visit njpac.org or call 1.888.GO.NJPAC Groups: 1.888.MY.NJPAC • One Center Street, Newark, NJ youtube.com/njpactv

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#NJPAC

world music Series sponsored by American express

PositiveCommunity_10-14_7x9.5.indd 1

9/25/14 4:59 PM

2014post spread_PC_1-799431478.e$S_Layout 1 10/7/14 2:54 PM Page 1

Proudly highlights some of the key events of

HARLEM WEE K’s 40th Anniversary

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1. Bishop Hezekiah Walker HARLEMMUSICFEST Award recipient performs at “A Great Day In Harlem” on 7/27. 2. HARLEMMUSICFEST 1st Award recipient - 6 time Tony Award winner Audra McDonald and HARLEM WEEK 40th Anniversary 1st Awardee, Amsterdam News Publisher Elinor Tatum are joined by actor/writer Daniel Beaty at the NY Philharmonic reception kicking off HARLEM WEEK 2014 on 6/25 3. Willie Walker proudly displays the award his beautiful red Jaguar won at the Upper Manhattan Auto Show on HARLEM DAY 8/17. 4. HARLEM WEEK 1st Vice Chairman Voza Rivers greets Positive Community's Editor-In-Chief Jean Nash Wells and Publisher Adrian Council at the NY Philharmonic reception on 6/25. 5. Mayor David Dinkins makes remarks at The Economic Development Day Basil A. Paterson Luncheon on 8/7 6. One of the fabulous hats modeled at the Elders Jubilee Fashion Show on 8/5. 7. Harold Melvin's Blue Notes Close the show on “A Great Day In Harlem” 8. Lloyd Williams, President of The Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce opens the First Annual Basil Paterson Awards Luncheon at Columbia University on 8/7. 9. NY City Children’s Festival 2014 banner salutes statesman Hon. Basil Paterson and world reknowned poet /writer Maya Angelou on 8/16 & 8/17. 10. The start of The Percy Sutton Harlem 5k Run to Salute The 50th anniv. of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, the 2 prong event featured well over 6,500 runners and

Photos: Bruce Moore

Looking Back/Moving Forward

L–R: Rev. Sean and Rev. Renee

Pastor Renee Washington Gardner Celebrates 10th Pastoral Anniversary Rev. Renee water baptism

BY KEITH L. FOREST

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en years ago, Rev. Renee Francis Washington, a widow and mother of five, became the first female pastor of Memorial Baptist Church (MBC). Having to succeed her husband, the late Bishop Preston Washington, Sr. — an iconic and beloved visionary and founder of Harlem Congregations for Community Improvement (HCCI) — wasn’t easy! Not only was Bishop Washington influential in New York’s faith community and beyond, the Harlem native led uptown’s affordable housing development efforts and initiated Harlem’s booming spiritual tourism. But Rev. Renee was born to lead and her faith never wavered.

“It has been challenging,” recalls Rev. Renee. “However, I survived and continue to thrive through the grace of GOD! Joel 2:28 reminds us that GOD has poured out HIS spirit ‘...upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy...’ I’m grateful to be one whom God called. I know my place as a lady and I am accepted and respected.”

Under Pastor Renee’s guidance and direction, Memorial Baptist Church has truly grown. It has a finance committee, singles ministry, seniors ministry, and marriage ministry. She helped established a global foreign medical mission ministry that provides annual aid to El Salvador, sponsors annual back-to-school drives and expanded the MBC food pantry to provide food relief throughout the region.

www.thepositivecommunity.com

Pastor Renee also took on the challenge of renovating and modernizing Memorial Baptist Church. The historic religious institution has a newly remodeled sanctuary, fellowship hall, bathrooms and kitchen. The sound system was recently upgraded and they are in the process of installing a state-of-the-art video system.

Keeping up with the times, Rev. Renee also initiated a website, established social media channels and created a monthly newsletter called The Messenger. “It is important that Memorial Baptist Church embrace technology and meet our congregants where they are,” states Rev. Renee. “We must continue to grow and be responsible and innovative in answering God’s call to serve HIS people.”

A trained cosmetologist, Rev. Renee formed The Memorial Baptist Church Women of Worship Ministry.

Over the years, the ministry, which assists women in maturing spiritually, has grown to include a youth and young adult women’s ministry.

In 2006, Pastor Renee found love in the pulpit and married Reverend Dr. Sean P. Gardner, Sr., senior pastor of Eastward Missionary Baptist Church. Their union crowned Pastor Renee as Harlem’s first Baptist preacher to serve as senior pastor and first lady. Memorial Baptist Church and Eastward Missionary Church are members of Continued on page 72 October 2014 The Positive Community

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Rev.Tracey L. Brown Celebrates 15th Year Pastoral Anniversary Ruth Fellowship Ministries, Plainfield, NJ Photos: Karen Waters

L–R: Hon. Gloria Taylor and Rev. Tracey L. Brown STANDING, L–R: Rev. Dr. J. Michael Sanders of Fountain BC, Summit; Rev. Dr. Guy Campbell Jr., Evergreen BC, Palmyra, NJ; Rev. Jeffrey Broughton Sr., Living Grace Worship Cathedral, Middleton, DE; Rev. Dollie Hamlin, Ruth Fellowship; Rev. Dr. Joe Samuel Ratliff, guest speaker of Brentwood BC, Houston, TX; and Rev. Dr. Ronald L. Owens, New Hope Baptist Church, Metuchen, NJ. SEATED, L–R: First Lady Dorothy Campbell, First Lady Dawn Broughton, Deacon Jean Brown, Rev. Tracey L. Brown & First Lady Cheryl Owens.

Rev. Tracey Brown in celebration with the Anointed Earthen Vessel Dance Ministry.

L–R: Bishop LaVerne Ball with Rev. Dr. Ronald L. Owens

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www.thepositivecommunity.com

BY PATRICIA BALDWIN

Gladys Knight: Where My Heart Belongs Grace & Peace! he highlight of every song is the story behind it, and behind that story is the person who gives it life by singing or interpreting it their way. But as it pertains to dealing with the heart, there is a craft of understanding the sensitivity and sensibility in obtaining guidance for its well-being. Matters of the heart involve strategic placement, correct identity and overall passion to protect its health. Whenever we identify with love, as believers the first that comes to mind is that God is love.

Scripture backs it up and says in John 3:16, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.”

Also, 1 John 3:1 says, “See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are.”

And we are also fearfully and wonderfully made; made to worship and spread God’s love around unconditionally in our own way. With that said, there is no other who can interpret a heartfelt song that connects with your soul as the Empress of Soul, Gladys Knight. Don’t be confused, Georgia-born Knight was rooted in gospel music at age four in her home church, Mount Mariah Baptist Church.

It’s impossible to sing a song with life if you don’t know about what or whom you are singing. And falling in love with the music of God made it easier to proclaim her talent. “I have always loved gospel music; that is my beginning,” Knight shares. “My first time singing in public was in the youth choir at church. After we were baptized, all of the youth joined the Sunshine choir. Since that time, gospel music has been a part of my life. I have always been singing Gospel music.”

Now declaring her roots, this seven time Grammy® Award-winning icon delivers her 41st album with the release of Where My Heart Belongs. This is not her first

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time recording gospel, as a matter of fact, two of Knights Grammy® awards are for gospel recordings.

The beautiful, always smiling, positive, giving and living legend, Gladys Knight, wears many hats. She’s a singer, actress, author, restaurateur, and spokeswoman, always keeping busy making sure that she spends her time wisely. Knight has been honored by the Rock n’ Roll Hall of Fame, has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and has dozens of television, film, and theater credits.

Today, Knight helps oversee her busy personal entertainment corporation. She is a mother, great-grandmother, performer and businesswoman with a spiritual outlook on life. You may remember her with her background singers, The Pips, rolling those arms as you joined in singing about that “Midnight Train to Georgia.” Now she is making new music that helps you stay strong and hang in there with the help of God. This album has combined inspirational songs to heal, remind and demonstrate the love Gladys always had from a little girl. There are also songs for Sunday morning worship.

It showcases her faith, her heart, and her unmatched vocal ability. This legendary vocalist brings a perfect combination of songs for Sunday morning or intimate times of worship. Ms. Knight provides soon-to-be-classics like the lead single, “Need You Love You,” co-written by BeBe Winans and a fabulous rendition of Kirk Franklin’s “Always.” Other unforgettable tracks include the inspiring “In The Midst of the Rain,” the declarative “Champions,” the brilliantly-arranged “There Is a Green Hill Far Away,” and the Negro spiritual “Were You There.”

Faith in God has been the driving force behind all of Knight’s endeavors, and it continues to guide her through her many successes. Building the Kingdom of God through love is the best way and staying connected with our Father is where all of our hearts belong!

October 2014 The Positive Community

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Rev. Dr. Robert L. Curry Celebrates 45 year at Mt. Zion Photos: Herb Glenn

Friends from New Jersey and New York who came for the celebration.

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n Friday, September 19, 2014 at El Villaggio in Carlstadt, NJ, family, friends and colleagues celebrated with Rev. Dr. Robert L. Curry in honor of his 45th anniversary as pastor of The Mount Zion Baptist Church in South Hackensack, NJ. With more years as pastor of a church in Bergen County than any other person, Rev. Curry is considered the senior pastor of the county.

His faithfulness to God and to his church family have earned him the title "A Man With A Heart For Ministry.” The Rev. Dr. Lester Taylor was the guest celebrant for the occasion.

—JNW

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L–R: Rev. Dr. Robert L. Curry and his wife, Rev. Princess Jones-Curry

The Positive Community October 2014

L–R: Rev. Dr. Kenneth D. R. Clayton, Rev. Dr. Calvin McKinney, Rev. Princess Jones-Curry, Rev. Dr. Robert L. Curry, Rev. Dr. Manning-Fontaine and Rev. Dr. Lester Taylor www.thepositivecommunity.com

Harlem’s African American Day Parade

Photos: Wali Amin Muhammad

East Orange City Council President’s Ball L–R: Mayor Lester Taylor; Past President Rev. H. Grady James, III; President Quilla Talmadge Photos: Bill Moore

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unday, September 15, 2014 East Orange City Council President Hon. Quilla Talmadge (3rd Ward) hosted the first Council President’s Ball at Nanina’s In The Park, Belleville, NJ. President Talmadge said she was inspired to pursue a life of public service because of her desire to make a contribution to society through elective office.

It was the encouragement of men and women in public office who gave me the understanding, the know how and the grit to do the work with patience.

The City Council President’s job requires the ability to bring people together to work for the common good, being mindful of the differing political perspectives of your colleagues.

L-R: Past President Rev. H. Grady James, III; Past President Thomas Brown; Florence Johnson; Zachary Turner, Glenn Scotland; Ralph A. Harris; Jacqueline Johnson and Quilla M. Talmadge www.thepositivecommunity.com

The past council presidents each have made a major contribution to the people of the City and they are deserving of this honor…

October 2014 The Positive Community

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Photos: Margot Jordan

L–R: Rev. Dr. Valerie Oliver Durrah with Omar Hawthorne of Golden Krust Caribbean Bakery

Sesame Flyers Steele Band

Called to Serve

BY GLENDA CADOGAN

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he Reverend Dr. Valerie Oliver Durrah is among those people known as the “fortunate few,” whose vocation integrates their skill set with their passion. And so after more than 10 years of working with a charitable foundation, Dr. Durrah has been able to translate the experience gained during that time into fulfilling her desire to help people. She accomplished this 20 years ago when she established the Neighborhood Technical Assistance Clinic (NTAC), with the aim of resuscitating ailing community organizations.

NTAC’s mission is embedded in its name. Dr. Durrah explains: “I created NTAC because I recognized that the foundations in Manhattan were only funding programs and organizations that were located in their own backyard. As a result, so many grassroots organizations that were doing excellent work were not receiving the necessary funding. That’s why I decided to help organizations that were located in neighborhoods across the city.”

Thus came the neighborhood part of the name. Once she stepped into the various neighborhoods, Dr. Durrah recognized that one of the most pressing needs in these grassroots organizations was for technical assistance in creating structure and submitting proposals. The ‘clinic,’ she says was because she wanted to help repair the fissures in these organizations in the same way a hospital resets a broken bone.

As president and CEO of NTAC, Dr. Durrah began by organizing workshops and forums in which grassroots

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organizations were given an opportunity to meet with and hear directly from funders about their program priorities and procedures for submitting grant proposals to their foundations. Subsequently, the menu of services provided

by NTAC expanded to include: capacity building, board development, fundraising plans, volunteer recruitment and training, the how-to of interacting with the media, and receiving discretionary funding from the political sector. “We specialize in helping organizations secure their 501 C3 (non-profit) status so they can then identify and apply for resources to help strengthen their organization and the work they are doing,” she explained.

NTAC assisted countless organizations in planning an annual fundraising gala, though they never had one of their own, That changed seven years ago when the turning economic tide dictated that they also look for additional funding in order to maintain their roster of free services. “We decided that our gala will focus around the Caribbean Heritage Month in June and to salute the great work being carried by organizations in this community,” Dr. Durrah stated.

At this year’s gala, NTAC honored The Richmond County Savings Foundation, Eagle Academy for Young Men, and six nonprofit charities. A Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Former Grand Dame Helen B. Lucas from Grenada, Carriacou & Petite Martinique.

According to Dr. Durrah, NTAC is now focusing on Continued on page 72 October 2014 The Positive Community

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PASTOR WASHINGTON Continued from page 65

If You’re Ready to Buy a Home, We are ready to Help.

The State of New York Mortgage Agency offers: up to $15,000.00 Down Payment Assistance 1-800-382-HOME(4663)

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the United Missionary Baptist Association, a fellowship of over 100 Baptist churches in New York City, Bronx, and lower Westchester. Pastor Renee serves as the first woman to be elected as its Second Vice-Moderator.

In August 2008, a ribbon cutting ceremony celebrated the completion of the Rev. Dr. Preston R. Washington, Sr. Educational Wing at MBC. Her husband, Rev. Gardner, served as construction site manager. The facility was developed to provide academic and career enrichment and as a resource center to build cultural awareness, civic pride and responsibility for all those who live in, love and visit Harlem. Other ministries advanced during Rev. Renee’s tenure as pastor include Memorial’s health & wholeness ministry. In partnership with and in support of the National Black Leadership Commission on AIDS, the ministry advocates for HIV/ AIDS awareness and onsite testing, maintains a resource library and provides counseling and symposiums around issues such as heart disease, diabetes, prostate cancer, and other at-risk diseases.

During the month of October, Memorial Baptist Church, family, and friends along with spiritual leaders throughout the tri-state area, will come together to honor Pastor Renee on her 10th Pastoral Anniversary.

Activities will include a festive banquet, special programming, honors and tributes.

CALLED TO SERVE

Continued from page 71

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Email: clarenceba@gmail.com Website: www.barryaustinlaw.com 72

The Positive Community October 2014

expanding its services to the faithbased community. “More and more churches are beginning to create community development corporations but unfortunately they are still being pegged to the church. We have been helping them to understand the importance of separating the two and moreover, how to group all their community services under one roof. In this way they can then get the tax deductions enjoyed by their counterparts at the community level,” she said.

Born in Memphis, TN, Dr. Durrah came of age during the tumultuous civil rights era. “Dr. King was killed in my hometown the year I graduated high school. My parents were very active in the NAACP,” she recalled.

“So I grew up with the heart to help people. That’s why I love this notion of being called to service. So I tell people, if I could have only one thing written on my tombstone that’s what it will say…called to serve.” www.thepositivecommunity.com

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CABA Continues its Success in the Community

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L–R: Mervyn ‘Mauby’ Rudder accepts his award from Vincent Huggins SEE MORE PICTURES ONLINE

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he Caribbean American Business Association of New Jersey (CABA) recently hosted their annual dinner honoring local business owners and civic leaders. This year was the first year that students who receive the CABA Scholarship award were honored as well.

The scholarship is awarded to students who demonstrate leadership in school and their community, who also show exemplary academic skill.

Honorees included the renowned Dr. Roy A. Hastick, Sr., founder and CEO of the Caribbean American Chamber of Commerce & Industry Inc. (CACCI); Sonia Y. Scott, president of the Dorson Group, and Mervyn ‘Mauby’ Rudder, steelpan musician extraordinaire. A silent auction helped to support the CABA Scholarship Fund, as well as sales of sports memorabilia, afro-centric art and jewelry, and wines from two South African vineyards. Seven Sisters and the House of Mandela wines caused bidding wars that nicely benefitted the worthy cause for future CABA scholars.

Dr. Hastick has blazed a trail for the last 28 years, encouraging many Caribbean ex-patriots in the New York and tri-state area to be independent entrepreneurs. His success has inspired and served as a blueprint for the success of others, and today he has achieved the monumental goal of purchasing an entire campus to house and enhance the growth of the Caribbean-American business community with its own chamber of commerce center, located in the Flatbush section of Brooklyn, in the heart of the community it represents. Unable to attend in person, Dr. Hastick’s award was received by his equally business savvy daughter, Renee Hastick-Motes, who takes an active role in the legacy her father has established. www.thepositivecommunity.com

Also honored was Sonia Scott, the founder of Dorson Home Care, Inc. an accredited home health agency that provides acute and long term care, and the Dorson Community Foundation, a non-profit that benefits community youth in the Essex County region. Committed to helping others, she provides computer and business classes each Saturday in addition to mentoring inner city residents.

Mervyn ‘Mauby’ Rudder brought his experience and love of steelpan music to New Jersey and has parlayed that into an extensive career where he’s also become a renowned teacher to thousands of youth of Caribbean heritage. The first name thought of when an event is presented with ‘pan music’ in the community, he has grown the experience for many children, continuing the work he and others began back in the 1970s. Many who’ve benefitted from his tutelage have gone on to success in their chosen fields, while continuing to showcase the culture of their parents and grandparents and maintaining the steelpan music ties from their homelands.

Capping the night off, CABA recognized its scholarship winner, Andrew Whyte, a graduate of Seton Hall Preparatory, Class of 2014. Andrew, the son of Jamaican parents, has maintained a stellar academic record and is headed to Kean University this fall to study Graphic Design and Technology. The Honorable Herman G. Lamont, Consul General of Jamaica, was the keynote speaker, and applauded CABA for its continued efforts in improving the success of its members and community.

JAZZ ON SUNDAYS con’t. from page 58

for human understanding and purpose, and the quest for a connection to the divine.

As I was correctly quoted on these pages over two years ago: Duke Ellington’s Come Sunday, Mary Lou Williams’ Mary Lou’s Mass, John Coltrane’s A Love Supreme, Pharaoh Sanders’ The Creator Has A Master Plan, Geri Allen’s A Child Is Born, among others, are all musical compositions and arrangements by so-called jazz musicians that will never be heard (or heard of) in some houses of worship, although they were inspired by religious faith.

With the passive compliance of the public, record companies, popular media, even academics have been guilty of “segmenting music” and targeting it to certain audiences for mainly commercial purposes. This has resulted in circumscribing the range and depth of deeply moving, spiritually enriching musical sounds that can stir human hope in the very places where people come for healing and renewal.

Of all places, the sanctuary of God should not be party to the balkanization of music; any music, which appeals to the sacred sensibilities that lie deep within each of us, should be welcomed. We must be open to any sounds that open us to belief and to moral and ethical living.

I am the first to say that not all “jazz” has that effect. But jazz is an idiom, a style. It can convey different feelings, www.thepositivecommunity.com

states of consciousness and content, which can be said about virtually any musical style. The question that “Jazz on Sundays” raises for me is whether those who are made uncomfortable by the prospect have allowed themselves to be boxed in by the commercial determinants of what is acceptable, or by those who mistakenly think real life can be lived in a doctrinal and ritualistic straightjacket.

Not only can the lives of the congregation be redeemed by the sounds of jazz in church, the lives of the very musicians who consider the church their first inspiration to become musicians and who keep jazz alive can also be redeemed. Too often, while still holding to deep faith convictions, they have been left to feel that the doors of their religious heritage have been shut behind them.

Nevertheless, if our calling is to keep hope viable and palpable for those who have too little tangible reason to hope, we must heed what Dr. King also wrote for the Berlin festival: God has wrought many things out of oppression. He has endowed his creatures with the capacity to create and from this capacity has flowed the sweet songs of sorrow and joy that have allowed man to cope with his environment and many different situations.

Jazz speaks for life. The Blues tell the story of life’s difficulties, and if you think for moment, you will realize that they take the hardest realities of life and put them into music, only to come out with some new hope or sense of triumph.

October 2014 The Positive Community

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The Positive Community October 2014

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

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MWANDIKAJI K. MWANAFUNZI THE WAY AHEAD

Christian Radio in the New York Metropolitan Area he New York metropolitan area is blessed with several radio stations that broadcast Christian content. The accessibility of each station likely varies throughout the tri-state region. Here I briefly discuss five of these stations.

Toward the lower end of the AM dial is 570 WMCA, which broadcasts from downtown Manhattan. Much of its programming consists of nationally syndicated teaching and preaching, such as Focus on the Family with Jim Daly and Renewing Your Mind with Dr. Charles Stanley. Other programs generate content directly from the New York area. These include The Full Gospel Hour, featuring Bishop Roderick Caesar, Jr., who pastors the Bethel Gospel Tabernacle in South Jamaica, Queens; and Faith in Practice featuring the Rev. Dr. A.R. Bernard, Sr., who pastors the Christian Cultural Center in East New York, Brooklyn.

WMCA has been a Christian radio station for 25 years.

Before that, it featured rock ‘n’ roll. A vestige of the station’s former life remains in its recorded chant, “Home of the Good Guy-y-y-y-y-y-y-y-ys!” I remember hearing that on WMCA back in the day. These days, while WMCA’s teaching and preaching is generally bible-based, many of its editorials seem ideologically and politically conservative.

The next Christian content on the dial is at 620 AM WSNR, in Jersey City. WSNR conduits gospel music and prayers at various times, including from the wee hours until earlier than 7:00 a.m. Clergy from Northern New Jersey and New York City host these programs, playing Christian music and praying for listeners who call in. More than once, a woman whom evidence suggests is a Hasidic Jew living in Brooklyn has called to ask these Christian radio hosts for prayer. Could this be the Great Commission at work?

Interestingly, at regular intervals during WSNR’s morning broadcasts, a recorded voice interrupts the programming— whether music is playing or people are praying—to state that the broadcast does not necessarily reflect WSNR management’s views.

The next station is 1190 AM WLIB, which broadcasts gospel music and talk nearly all day. Some of WLIB’s programming is syndicated from elsewhere within the United States. For example, The Yolanda Adams Show, featuring the gospel singer as a talk show host, comes out of Houston, Texas. Somehow, WLIB

T

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integrates local New York metro area news, weather, and advertising so seamlessly that I personally didn’t realize that Ms. Adams was broadcasting from Texas until I spent extended time in that state a few years ago.

Nationally prominent gospel singer Bishop Hezekiah Walker also hosts a program on WLIB. Bishop Walker pastors in Brooklyn. Other New York area pastors on WLIB include Rev. Floyd Flake of Greater Allen Cathedral in Queens, and Rev. Carlton T. Brown of Bethel Gospel Assembly in Harlem.

Both pastors head congregations that have been major players in the physical redevelopment of their encompassing communities. Sermons by these and other clergy are broadcast on Sunday mornings. WLIB also broadcasts Rev. Al Sharpton’s nationally syndicated Keeping it Real, as well as the National Action Network’s Saturday morning gatherings at NAN’s Harlem headquarters.

Next up the dial is 1430 AM. Calling itself “Relevant Radio,” this Catholic broadcasting network reportedly has operated in several cities nationally for years. But its broadcasting in the New York metropolitan area just began within the past few months. On Relevant Radio, one hears theological discussions, personal discourses, and world news, as well as discussions concerning community work. Also, there are “Hail Mary” chants, prayers, and what sound like responsive readings.

Toward the high number end of the AM dial is 1520, WTHE. Promoting itself as “New York’s First Gospel Radio Station,” 1520 AM broadcasts out of Mineola, situated just north of the predominantly black Village of Hempstead in Nassau County, NY. The station’s programs are quite varied. Several have historically featured teaching and preaching by leaders of black congregations in Nassau and adjoining Queens, NY, at least some of which have been storefront churches. The station also broadcasts nationally syndicated programs. Supplying additional variety is Blackonomics, a syndicated program that promotes African-American business development.

Some may choose to glue the dial to a favorite Christian radio station. But I randomly browse them all, and also listen to news and information stations, comparing what I hear on the radio to what I read of God’s word as recorded in the bible.

October 2014 The Positive Community

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GOOD NEWS FROM THE CHURCH AND COMMUNITY

The Last Word www.thepositivecommunity.com October 2014

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Ribbons of Consciousness and Care

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133 Glenridge Avenue Montclair, NJ 07042 973-233-9200 Fax: 973-233-9201 Email: news@thepositivecommunity.com Website: thepositivecommunity.com All contents © The Positve Community Corporation. All Rights Reserved. This publication, in whole or in part, may not be reproduced, stored in a computerized or other retrieval system, or transmitted in any form, or by any means whatsoever without the prior written permission of The Positive Community Corporation. Any opinions expressed herein are solely the opinions of the writer(s) and not necessarily those of The Positive CommunityTM, its management or staff. The Positive CommunityTM reserves the right to retain all materials and does not assume reponsibility for unsolicited materials.

78 The Positive Community

BY R.L. WITTER

Vol. 14, No. 9

October 2014

s leaves and temperatures are dropping, we are reminded that autumn is upon us.

Although technically the season begins in September, it never really feels like fall to me until October brings with it warm sweaters, the crunch of leaves under my feet, and my purple and pink ribbon pins that adorn my jacket, sweater or handbag for the month.

Sometimes I think October might as well be called “Women’s Month” because it is the month dedicated to the awareness and eradication of both breast cancer and domestic violence.

Sadly, both of them have hit me too close to home in the form of loved ones. Thankfully, my dear friend survived the cancer. Sadly, my relative did not survive the abuse.

And I know I’m not alone; too many of us know or have known someone—a friend, a sister, a mother, an aunt, a daughter, niece, cousin or coworker—who has waged a battle against one or both of these conditions. While most people don’t see the correlation between the two, I see it vividly. You see, it really comes down to taking care of ourselves as women. As Theresa Racine told us in 10 Years & Stronger Than EVER!, her overall health and fitness before her diagnosis of breast cancer were key in winning her battle with the disease. The self-proclaimed “health nut” said that she made a point of eating well, getting regular exercise, and maintaining a healthy weight and that those factors, along with regular mammograms, aided her in finding and fighting the cancer and winning back her health.

The same holds true pertaining to domestic violence. As women, most of us would shut it down immediately if someone—ANYONE—laid hands on our children or said mean, nasty, and

hurtful things to them. We’d feel that we weren’t taking proper care of our precious progeny if we allowed harm to come to them at the hands of our husband, lover, friend or relative, wouldn’t we? Then why don’t we take the same care of ourselves? Why do we ask ourselves if it really is abuse or try to rationalize violence against women by making excuses for our abusers?

“He just lost his temper, he didn’t mean to hit me . . . He only gets angry and jealous because he loves me so much . . .” Why do we wear makeup and clothing to hide the bumps and bruises and make ourselves into clumsy oafs to explain away the broken bones? Why are we ashamed of being hit? Shouldn’t the person who hit us be the one to feel shamed?

Whenever I travel by air I listen to the safety presentation and the flight attendant always says, “If you are traveling today with small children or others who might need assistance, please put on your own oxygen mask first, before helping others with theirs…” It makes perfect sense. I can’t help anyone else if I’m passed out and unconscious, can I? I can’t protect my children, my siblings, my mother or anyone else if I don’t first protect myself from harm, either. I most definitely cannot assist or protect my loved ones if I’m dead.

Throughout the month of October, in addition to my ribbon pins, I also wear a purple beaded bracelet with charms that spell “FLY.” While I’d like to think I wear it because I’m just that fly and fabulous, in reality, it stands for “First Love Yourself.” It’s a mantra all women should know and embrace.

Love yourself enough to take care of you, inside and out. Love and protect your mind, heart, body and spirit as much as you do your children. You are wonderful, you are loved, and you deserve it. www.thepositivecommunity.com

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