TPC October 2017

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

™ ™ October/November 2017 October/November 2017

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The The Newark Newark Issue Issue

Newark Newark on on THE THE RISE RISE

Dynamic Leaders Dynamic Leaders Moving Newark Moving Newark Forward Forward

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

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Special Section Special Section

women women in in charge charge

Newark 2020 Newark 2020 Newark Arts Council Newark Arts Council Newark School Newark School of Theology of Theology Newark Alliance Newark Alliance Lincoln Park Lincoln Park Mulberry Commons Mulberry Commons

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2017

CONTENTS

COVER PHOTO AND SPECIAL SECTION:

Women in Charge

39–51 Photographer Regina Fleming

reginaflemingphotography.com

SECTIONS MONEY .................................................. 18 WOMEN IN CHARGE .......................... 39-51 HEALTH................................................... 52 EDUCATION............................................. 64 CULTURE ................................................ 76

&also inside

Guest Editorial: Mayor Baraka .............. 10 Guest Editorial: Mildred Crump ............. 12 Guest Editorial: Ryan Haygood .............. 14 My View ............................................. 16 Wealth Building .................................. 28 Fitness Doctor .................................... 56 Gospel Train ....................................... 84 Preaching Professors .......................... 85 The Way Ahead ................................... 92 The Last Word .................................... 94

www.thepositivecommunity.com

The group and individual photos of the phenomenal women who are shaping Newark’s future were taken by photographer Regina Fleming. The former model has been finding beauty from behind the camera for more than 20 years and her travels have taken her around the world. Look for a feature highlighting Fleming and her work in an upcoming issue! Thanks to Hayne & Co. for allowing us to use the beautiful atrium in their building at 609 Broad Street as a backdrop.

Features Newark Alliance ....................................................... 18 African American Chamber of Commerce ................. 22 Robert Treat Hotel Restored .................................... 24 Ministers Meet at NAN Tech World ........................... 30 Mulberry Commons Breaks Ground .......................... 32 Lincoln Park’s New Luster ........................................ 36 Trailblazers Summit & Luncheon ............................. 38 Services Available at Shani Baraka Center ............... 52 Newark: City of the Arts ........................................... 58 Good Times Continue for John Amos ........................ 64 Calvary & AKAs Work Together for Good .................... 66 2020 Vision for Newark ........................................... 68 Newark School of Theology ...................................... 70 Education Sunday at Union Baptist ......................... 72 Secrets to College Admissions ................................. 74 MAAFA: Sojourn to Justice ....................................... 76 Boyd’s New Book: Black Detroit ............................... 78 Exploring Re-Entry ................................................... 80 Screens on the Scene at NIFF .................................. 82 Jazz is Alive in Brooklyn! .......................................... 86 October/November 2017 The Positive Community

3

1,000 hearts transplanted.

RWJBarnabas Health is one of the top three adult heart transplant programs in the nation. And Newark Beth Israel is where it all began—the first and largest heart transplant center in New Jersey. Today, we celebrate more than 1,000 hearts transplanted, but

Countless lives touched. perhaps more than anything, we pause to celebrate the sons and daughters, mothers and fathers, brothers and sisters and friends and relatives who have been transformed by transplant. You are the heroes of this story. You continue to inspire us.

rwjbh.org/hearttransplant

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

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

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

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

St. Albans, NY COGIC Rev. Dr. Ben Monroe, Pastor

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

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

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

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

Mount Calvary B.C., Englewood, NJ Rev. Dr. Vernon C. Walton, Senior Pastor

St. John Baptist Church, Camden, NJ Rev. Dr. Silas M. Townsend, Pastor St. John’s B.C., Scotch Plains, NJ Rev. Dr. Evans L. Spagner, Interim Senior Pastor

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

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

Aenon Baptist Church, Vauxhall NJ Rev Alphonso Williams, Sr Pastor

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

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

Agape Baptist Church, Newark NJ Rev. Craig R. Jackson, Pastor

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

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

Antioch Baptist Church., Brooklyn, NY Rev. Robert M. Waterman, Pastor

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

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

Archdiocese of New York Brother Tyrone Davis, Office of Black Ministry

First Baptist Church, East Elmhurst, NY Rev Patrick Henry Young, Pastor

Baptist Ministers Conference of Greater NY & Vicinity Rev. James Morrison, Pastor

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

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

Berean B.C., Brooklyn, NY Rev. Arlee Griffin Jr., Pastor Bethany B.C., Brooklyn, NY Rev. Dr. Adolphus C. Lacey, Sr. Pastor Bethany B.C., Newark, NJ Rev. Timothy E. Jones, Pastor Beulah Bible Cathedral Church, Newark, NJ Gerald Lydell Dickson, Senior Pastor Calvary Baptist Church, Garfield, NJ Rev. Calvin McKinney, Pastor Calvary Baptist Church, Morristown, NJ Rev. Jerry M. Carter, Jr., Pastor Canaan B. C. of Christ, Harlem, NY Rev. Thomas D. Johnson, Pastor Canaan B.C., Paterson, NJ Rev. Barry L. Graham, Pastor Cathedral International., Perth Amboy, NJ Bishop Donald Hilliard, Pastor Charity Baptist Church, Bronx, NY Rev. Reginald Williams, Pastor Christian Cultural Center, Brooklyn, NY Rev. A.R. Barnard, Pastor Christian Love B.C., Irvington, NJ Rev. Dr. Ronald Christian, Pastor Clear View Baptist Church, Newark, NJ Rev. Eric M. Beckham, M.Div., MFT Community B.C., Englewood, NJ Rev. Dr. Lester Taylor, Pastor Community Church of God, Plainfield, NJ Rev. Dr. Shirley B. Cathie., Pastor Emeritus

First Corinthian Baptist Church, NY Rev. Michael A. Walrond, Jr. Senior Pastor First Park Baptist Church, Plainfield, NJ Rev. Rufus McClendon, Jr., Pastor First Baptist Church, South Orange, NJ Rev. Dr. Terry Richardson, Pastor Friendship Baptist Church, Rahway, NJ Rev. Allen Thompson, Jr., Pastor General Baptist Convention, NJ Rev. Dr. Lester W. Taylor, Jr., President

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 Manning-Fontaine Pastor Emeritus

Good Neighbor Baptist Church Rev. Dr. George A. Blackwell, III, Pastor

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

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

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

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

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

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

Paradise B. C., Newark, NJ Rev. Jethro James, Pastor

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

Park Ave Christian Disciples of Christ, East Orange, NJ Rev. Harriet Wallace, Pastor

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Shiloh B.C., Plainfield, NJ Rev. Hodari K. Hamilton, Sr., Senior Pastor

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

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

St. Luke Baptist Church of Harlem, NY Rev. Dr. Johnnie McCann, Pastor St Luke B.C., Paterson, NJ Rev. Kenneth D.R. Clayton, Pastor St. James AME Church, Newark, NJ Rev. Ronald L. Slaughter, Pastor St. Paul Baptist, Red Bank, NJ Rev. Alexander Brown, Pastor St. Mark Missionary B.C., Jamaica, NY Rev. Owen E. Williams, Pastor St. Matthew AME Church, Orange, NJ Rev. Dr. Lanel D. Guyton, Pastor St. Paul's B.C., Montclair, NJ Rev. Dr. Bernadette Glover, Pastor St. Paul Community B.C., Brooklyn, NY Rev. David K. Brawley, Pastor The New Hope B.C., Newark, NJ Rev. Joe Carter, Senior Pastor Union Baptist Temple,, Bridgeton, NJ Rev. Albert L. Morgan, Pastor United Fellowship B.C., Asbury Park, NJ Rev. James H. Brown, Sr., Pastor Walker Memorial B.C. Bronx, NY Rev. Dr. J. Albert Bush Sr., Pastor Welcome Baptist Church, Newark, NJ Rev. Dr. Elijah C.Williams, Pastor World Gospel Music Assoc., Newark, NJ Dr. Albert Lewis, Founder

Businesses & Organizations 125th St. BID City National Bank Essex County College, NJ Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce Marion P. Thomas Charter School 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 NobleNNJ Nubian Conservatory of Music Razac Products Co., Newark, NJ Schomburg Center for Research The College of New Rochelle United Way of Essex and West Hudson WBGO-88.3FM West Harlem Group Assistance, Inc.

“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

He’s on our side… and getting results.

From starting an innovative program to reduce gun violence in our community to delivering for us every day as former Assemblyman Denny Farrell’s Chief of Staff, Al Taylor has never stopped fighting for us. He’s ready to be our next Representative in the State Assembly.

Al Taylor has done a lot.

Growing up, Al didn’t have much. But through hard work, determination and the help and advice from community leaders, he got a good education, served in the military and was able to succeed. He’s devoted his life to community service: • A Community Organizer, Al fought back against shootings in the Polo Ground Houses by starting the Man Up! program— credited by the Police Department for reducing violence— and walked to Chicago to confront violence of all kinds.

“The things that • Assemblyman Farrell’s Chief of he’s done, Staff, Al knows this community and the things he has fought to help seniors get the continues to do, services they need, stood up for make Al Taylor tenants being harassed by landlords the best person and provided mentoring for our teens to be the next so that they can make better choices.

Assemblyman.”

• A District Leader, Al has fought against hate, bigotry and prejudice Assemblyman and worked to promote economic, Denny Farrell social and criminal justice reform.

In the Assembly, he will do more.

• Improve public schools by reducing class sizes and fighting to get the CFE money our schools are owed.

• Protect tenants and affordable housing by standing up for stronger rent laws and repealing the Urstadt law and vacancy decontrol.

• Better public transportation, which so many in this District rely on, yet we get some of the worst service.

Al Taylor is proudly endorsed by: Former Congressman Charlie Rangel Comptroller Scott Stringer Congressman Adriano Espaillat State Senator Brian Benjamin Assemblymember Inez E. Dickens Former Assemblymember Denny Farrell Councilmember Mark Levine Councilmember Bill Perkins Former Councilmember Robert Jackson District Leader Maria Luna District Leader Earnestine Bell-Temple

Vote Tuesday, November 7th 10

Visit AlTaylor.org for more information or to volunteer. www.thepositivecommunity.com

The Positive Community October/November 2017

Taylor-2017-AD71-PalmCard.indd 1

Paid for by Friends for Al Taylor

Taylor-2017-AD71-PalmCard.indd 9/13/17 7:11 AM 2

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on the Constitutional Convention on Nov. 7 New York voters will be asked this November if they want to hold a constitutional convention to revise and amend our state constitution.

OUR MESSAGE TO VOTERS IS A RESOUNDING NO ON BALLOT PROPOSITION #1.

WHAT’S AT STAKE? EVERYTHING. If voters approve a convention, it will open up the entire New York State constitution for revision. Civil rights enshrined in our state constitution — some stronger than those guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution — will be at risk:

Voter Rights – Our state constitution now calls for voter ID by asking for signatures, but wholesale changes by a constitutional convention could lead to restrictive voter ID laws aimed at disenfranchising people of color and low-income residents.

Affordable Housing – Our state constitution protects rental housing for people with very modest means. A constitutional convention could restrict access to affordable housing.

Criminal Justice Reforms – New York fought hard for legislation to raise the age of criminal responsibility and require videotaped police interrogations for serious offenses. Our communities have also fought to reduce the use of stop-and-frisk. These vital reforms could be undone by a constitutional convention.

Public Education – The state constitution promises a system of “free common schools, where all the children of this state may be educated” and prohibits the use of public funds for religious/parochial schools. Without these protections, fans of private school vouchers could shift resources to further drain public schools and undermine public education.

Immigrant Protection – New York State and New York City are both self-declared sanctuaries for immigrants. A constitutional convention could attack these safeguards just as the federal government increases the detention and deportation of law-abiding undocumented immigrants.

We know the role big money plays in our political system. In a constitutional convention, the process for picking who gets to take part as a delegate is rigged.

Ordinary citizens would not get a seat at the table. Those seats would go politicians, past and present, who have the machines necessary to gather the thousands of signatures required to become a delegate. Why would they want to serve? Because they get an additional $80,000 stipend as a delegate on top of any current state salary.

So to add insult to injury, ordinary New York taxpayers would end up bearing the cost of running this convention — to the tune of hundreds of millions of dollars.

A constitutional convention puts too much on the line. It has the potential to steal our civil rights while at the same time picking our pockets.

this Nov. 7 The UFT is a member of New Yorkers Against Corruption Paid for by New Yorkers Against Corruption United Federation of Teachers A Union of Professionals Michael Mulgrew, President

Guest Editorial

Newark’s 150 Years is Enough.

Phenomenal Women

Ryan P. Haygood, one of the nation’s leading civil rights attorneys, is CEO and president of the New Jersey Institute for Social Justice whose Ras J. Baraka is theurban 40thresidents Mayor through of the City of Newark. mission is to empower economic justice, a reimagined criminal justice system, and an inclusive democracy. He He was elected in May of 2014 and sworn in on lives in Newark.

July 1, 2014.

O I

n June 28, 1867, the New Jersey Training School for Boys, also known as Jamesburg, New Jersey’s largest youth prison, opened its doors. Since then, thousands of children passed through its gates. have spent my lifehave surrounded by strong, powerful, On June 28, 2017, we will launch a campaign outside and oftentimes iconic, women. These have been the of Jamesburg’s prison doors to declare that 150 years of women spoken of in Proverbs 31 as “clothed with youth incarceration is enough. strength and dignity,” celebrated by Maya Angelou as With this campaign, we are lifting our collective voices “phenomenal,” and harmonized about

by The Temptato transform New Jersey's youth incarceration system into tions and Smokey Robinson. These are women named a community-based system of care by closing Jamesburg Nina Simone, Sister Souljah, Shani Baraka, and Amina and Hayes—the state’s girls’ prison. families and Baraka, among others.

Theyyouth have nurtured So far, forty organizations have signed to a letter to supported communities through wars, on political revoluour elected leaders, echoing this demand.

(To sign on tions, economic downturns, and social shifts, and yet yourmanaged organization, please emailofewgreenberg@njisj.org.) still to add a pinch love to a pot of collard New Jersey’s youth incarceration has proven to greens. More importantly, they havesystem influenced the ways be ineffective, racially discriminatory, destructive to in which I have developed policies and programs as Newyouthmayor and their families, my andselection devastating to ourleaders state ark’s and informed of women budgets. to work alongside me to chart the future of our city.

Incredibly, kids Community incarcerated New This special two-thirds issue of TheofPositive willinpresent Jersey's youth prisons are black, even though black and many of these 'phenomenally' courageous and innovawhite youth commit similar offenses at similar rates.

By tive women who work each day on behalf of the 300,000 contrast, there are fewer than 15 white kids incarcerated citizens of Newark. Too often, thanklessly. But, they have in the state.

This among gives New Jersey and the that 3rd-highest fostered a sisterhood themselves has been black/white youth incarceration disparity rate the key to the success of many of the city’s projects.in the nation.

Today, Newark has nearly $3 billion in economic deNot onlywithin is Newour Jersey’s youth We incarceration velopment 26.11current square miles. would not system plagued by these unacceptable racial disparities, be able to manage this level of growth without a group itof is also extraordinarily expensive,and costing a dynamic women. The President CEO about of the $500 Newark day to lock up one child.

In contrast, community based Community Economic Development Corporation, Aisha programs much more cost-effective.

Foris example, Glover, is aare forward-thinking visionary who currently programs run by Youth Advocate Programs, a spearheading the effort to bring Amazon's Inc. HQ2(YAP), here to national nonprofit that provides community-based alterour city. Moreover, she is savvy enough to have collabonatives,with havesome a daily of about $100. businesswomen rated of cost Newark's foremost And finally, New Jersey’s youth system ­—area CEOs Kimberly McClain, of incarceration the Newark Alliance, does not advance public safety or rehabilitate youth. and Karin Aaron of the Greater Newark Convention Studies have shown that long-term juvenile incarceration and Visitors Bureau—to advance her vision for our city’s actually This increases recidivism andinhinders developgrowth. growth cannot rates happen a vacuum, howment, and children who are incarcerated are also ever, and we would not be anywhere without themore backlikely bestakeholders, imprisoned and in poverty adults.Harris ing of to our and live leaders such asasShané In New Jersey, of the approximately 500 young people and her team at the Prudential Foundation, who support released from commitment in state juvenile facilities efforts such as our Newark Hire. Buy. Live. initiative. in

10 The Positive Community 12

June 2017 October/November 2017

RYAN P. HAYGOOD MAYOR RAS J. BARAKA

2012, 80% had a new court filing/arrest, 68% had a new adjudication/conviction, and nearly 33% were recommitted within three years of release.

In the early 1800s, a few decades before Jamesburg Today, Newark hasDouglass nearlyfamously $3 argued opened, abolitionist Frederick that,billion “It is easier build strong development children than to repair in to economic broken men.” within words our 26.11 square Douglass’s echo today, with an miles. eerie precision, in New Jersey’s youth prisons.

We would be able to manage Consistent with not Douglass’s admonition, it is time for Newthis Jerseylevel to invest in what works: community-based, of growth without treatment focused programs for youth. Of a sample of aYAP group of dynamic 1,851 cases between the ageswomen. of 14 and 17, over 87% were living in the community, and less than 5% were in secure placement, between six and twelve months after being from YAP. But,discharged every house must be built on a strong foundation Our #150yearsisenough campaign urgeif New and I would be hesitant to step out on anywill project I was Jersey to fundamentally reimagine its youth justiceatsysnot bolstered by a tenacious and courageous team my tem by funds fromHall, closing and base.

Onreinvesting any given day at City one Jamesburg piece of legislaHayes youth prisons into developing strengthening tion will be analyzed

by Senior Policyand Advisor Tai Coocommunity-based intervention, prevention, diversion, per; reviewed by my Directors Danielle Smith (Finance), and alternatives-to-incarceration programming our Kecia Daniels (Personnel), or Andrea Adebowalefor (Water youth. & Sewer); and sent to Special Assistant Stacie Hillsman for those youngwith people who may need to be for And follow-up meetings members of the Municipal placed in secure confinement for public safety reasons, Council. On many occasions, I am in the community these facilities should begroups small, that developmentally-appromeeting with citizens’ have come to me priate, treatment-centered, and provideScott wrap-around through our Clergy Liaison Rev. Louise Rountree, services that are close to home and familial support—not our Cultural Director Gwen Moten, or our youth coorfar awayAlexis youth Trusty. prisons.And those Hire. Buy. Live jobs will dinator Transformational change will come, as itBey always be cultivated through the work of Amina andhas, the from the ground up in our communities.

Newark Workforce Development Board. Finally, no-one I invite to join on good Wednesday, June done 28, 2017 at would hearyou about all ofusthe work being in this noon, outside the gates of Jamesburg youth prison, as we city without the media and communications outreach of launch ourSecretary campaign to helpHarris, build strong children so our Press Marjorie who works closely that there is no need to repair broken men and women. with my Executive Assistants Salimu Taylor and Theresa On thatTaylor day we lift our voices and say: “Taffy” towill ensure thatcollective I am where I should be 150 with years is enough! the right message.

Indeed, it is my honor and pleasure to work with these For more(and information on how to join campaign, please women more) who are not onlythe doing phenomenal email Juvenile Justice Campaign Manager Retha Onitiri at work for and on behalf of the City of Newark but are doronitiri@njisj.org. ing it together, in a beautiful sisterhood. www.thepositivecommunity.com thepositivecommunity.com

EXPERIENCE THE MAGIC OF A 100% NEWARK-PRODUCED EVENT AUCTION | DINNER | ENTERTAINMENT www.NewarkCEDC.org/gala

Guest Editorial

My 150Tale Years is Enough.

Of Two Cities

My Tale of Two Cities

Ryan P. Haygood, one of the nation’s leading civil rights attorneys, is CEO and president of the New Jersey Institute for Social Justice whose Mildred Crump is President of thethrough Newark Municipal Council mission is to empower urban residents economic justice, a reimagined criminal justice system, and an inclusive democracy.

He She was elected the Newark’s first African American female lives in Newark.

councilmember in 1994

O W

n June 28, 1867, the New Jersey Training School for Boys, also known as Jamesburg, New Jersey’s largest youth prison, opened its doors. Since then, thousandshen of children have passed through itstogates. my husband was transferred the East On June 28, 2017, we will launch a campaign outside Coast, we had two problems to solve. One was of Jamesburg’s prison doors to declare that 150 years of where to live. I was born and reared in Detroit, youth incarceration is enough.

Michigan; I was very fortunate to grow up in a close-knit With this campaign, we are lifting our voices neighborhood.

Every child belonged tocollective the community to transform New Jersey's youth incarceration system and every adult was a parent to all of the children ininto the a community-based of careknew by closing neighborhood.

Howsystem my parents what IJamesburg had done and Hayes—the state’sarrived girls’ youth prison. wrong before I even back at home is still a mysSo far, forty organizations have signed on to a letter to tery. This was true even before we had a telephone. ourMy elected leaders, echoing this demand. sign on introduction to New York City was most(To disappointyour organization, please email ewgreenberg@njisj.org.) ing, particularly when it came to friendliness. I grew up New Jersey’s incarceration has proven to with smiles andyouth “good morning.” system Unfortunately, many be ineffective, racially discriminatory, destructive to New Yorkers treated me as though I had the bubonic youth and our would state plague.

Nottheir onlyfamilies, did theyand notdevastating smile back,tothey budgets. move as far away from me as possible. I finally suggested Incredibly, of return kids incarcerated in would New to my husbandtwo-thirds that I should to Detroit. He Jersey's youth prisons are black, even though black remain in New York City for work and come home toand Dewhiteon youth commit similar offenses at similar rates.hapBy troit the weekends.

I am sure you can guess what contrast, there are fewer than 15 white kids incarcerated pened to that suggestion! in But the let’s state.get This gives Jersey Newark, the 3rd-highest back to howNew we chose NJ from black/white youth incarceration disparity rate New in the a long list of towns and cities in New York and Jernation. sey. Actually, I believe that it was divine intervention that Not only is this Newgreat Jersey’s youth incarceration brought us to city.current As a high school student, I system plagued by these unacceptable racial disparities, it was reluctantly admitted to a school for the gifted and is also extraordinarily expensive, costing about $500 a talented in Detroit. Remember, this was the late 50s and day to lock up one child.

In contrast, community based racism was alive and well. My father, who was a labor programs are much For example, leader, fought on mymore behalfcost-effective. and I was finally admitted programs run by Youth Advocate Programs, Inc. (YAP), to Cass Technical High School in the 10th grade.

This ais national nonprofit that provides community-based alterwhere, I believe, divine intervention kicked in. During natives, have a daily cost of about $100. the years I was a student, there were two schools that vied finally, New system forAnd the number one Jersey’s positionyouth in theincarceration nation, not because does not advance public safety or rehabilitate youth. they could hit, catch, or throw a ball, but for excellence Studies have shown that long-term juvenile incarceration in academics. One of those schools was Cass Technical actually increases recidivism rates andSchool hindersindevelopHigh; the other was Weequahic High Newark, ment, and children who are incarcerated are alsotomore NJ. When the second set of choices about where make likelynew to be imprisoned and as adults. our home was given tolive us, in forpoverty this and a couple of In New Jersey, of an theeasy approximately 500 young people other reasons it was decision to choose Newark, NJ released from commitment in state juvenile facilities in because we believed in where this city was going. The first

10 The Positive Community 14

June 2017 October/November 2017

RYAN P. HAYGOOD MILDRED CRUMP

2012, 80% had a new court filing/arrest, 68% had a new adjudication/conviction, and nearly 33% were recommitted within three years of release.

In the early 1800s, a few decades before Jamesburg opened, abolitionist Frederick Douglass famously argued Every child belonged to than theto repair that, “It is easier to build strong children broken men.” community and every Douglass’s words echo today, with anadult eerie precision, in New Jersey’s youth prisons. was awith parent to admonition, all of theit is time for Consistent Douglass’s New Jersey to invest in what works: community-based, children the neighborhood. treatment focused in programs for youth. Of a sample of 1,851 YAP cases between the ages of 14 and 17, over 87% were living in the community, and less than 5% were in secure placement, between six and twelve months after being discharged YAP. African American from Mayor, Kenneth Allen Gibson, coined Our #150yearsisenough campaign will Newark urge New the phrase “Wherever this country is going, will Jersey to fundamentally reimagine its youth justice get there first!” He gave me my first citation from the sysCity tem by reinvesting funds from closing in 1981; I still have it.

My husband and IJamesburg wanted to and be a Hayes youth prisons into developing and part of this renaissance in this strange land strengthening called Newark. community-based intervention, prevention, diversion, So, what was the answer to the “where?” That deciand alternatives-to-incarceration programming sion was made for us because the managementforofour the youth. apartment complex selected by AT&T was looking for a And with for those may need to be Crump a “K” young and in people walked who Crump with a “C.” We placed in secure confinement for public safety reasons, slept on the floor for our first night in Newark. Thanks to facilities should small, developmentally-approathese newfound friend, we be finally settled in the South Ward. priate, treatment-centered, and provide wrap-around We claimed it as our own. We both recognized that in services that are close to home and familial support—not spite of the circumstantial impediments, there was somefar away youth thing very, veryprisons. special about this place.

Transformational change come, as itand always has, We have been through “thewill best of times the worst from the ground up in our communities. of times” as penned by Charles Dickens in A Tale of Two I invite you tothe joindynamics us on Wednesday, June 28, 2017new at Cities.

However, and the energy of the noon, outside the gates of Jamesburg youth prison, as we leadership have manifested themselves and are evolving launchday. ourThe campaign helpofbuild strong children so every ebb andtoflow change united two great that there is no need to repair broken men and women. metropolises to the extent that an intrinsic bond that On that day wecity willhas lift given our collective voices to and say:on 150 mirrored each me the energy “run to years is enough! see what the end is gonna be,” like that old gospel song by the Jackson Southernaires says. Finally, Charles DickFor in more on issues how tothat joinconfronted the campaign, please ens hisinformation diagnosis of imaginary email Juvenile Justice Campaign Manager Retha Onitiri at cities could represent both Detroit, Michigan and Newronitiri@njisj.org. ark, New Jersey. For me, it has been the best! www.thepositivecommunity.com thepositivecommunity.com

THE NEWARK MUNICIPAL COUNCIL Takes Great Pride And Pleasure IN THE RECOGNITION FROM

The Positive Community

ANNUAL NEWARK ISSUE

“Newark On the Rise”

Mildred C. Crump

President and Council Member-At-Large

Augusto Amador

Council Member East Ward

Joseph A. McCallum, Jr.

Council Member West Ward

Carlos M. Gonzalez

Council Member-At- Large

Eddie Osborne

Council Member-At- Large

John Sharpe James

Council Member South Ward

Luis A. Quintana

Council Member-At- Large

Gayle Chaneyfield Jenkins Council Member Central Ward

Anibal Ramos, Jr.

Council Member North Ward

Guest Editorial

Blueprint for 150 Years is Enough. a New Newark

Ryan P. Haygood, one of the nation’s leading civil rights attorneys, is

CEO and president is of the the New Jersey Institute for Social Justice whose Ryan P. Haygood president and chief executive mission is to empower urban residents through economic justice, a officer of the New justice Jerseysystem, Institute of inclusive Social Justice. reimagined criminal and an democracy. He He was a deputy director of litigation at the NAACP lives in Newark.

Legal Defense and Educational Fund.

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RYAN P. HAYGOOD RYAN P. HAYGOOD

n June 28, 1867, the New Jersey Training School 2012, 80% had a new court filing/arrest, 68% had a new for Boys, also known as Jamesburg, New Jersey’s adjudication/conviction, and nearly 33% were recomlargest youth prison, opened its doors. Since then, mitted within three years of release. thousands of children have passed through its gates.

In the early a fewpolice decades before Jamesburg n July 12, 1967, residents of people virtually monopolized politi-1800s, But abuse is just one of On June 28, 2017, we will launch a campaign outside opened, abolitionist Frederick Douglass famously argued Newark took to the streets cal power, and the police force was the many challenges that Newark of Jamesburg’s prison to declare 150 of white that, is easier build strong children than repair to protest thedoors abuse of a that about 90 years percent in “It a city with a to residents face.

The city is to home to youth incarceration is enough. broken men.” black cab driver, John W. Smith. substantial black population. one of the largest transportation With this campaign, we areofficers lifting our collective voices wordshubs echo in today, an eerie That night, Newark police That year, the Rev.Douglass’s Dr. Martin the with United States,precision, Fortune to transform New Jersey's youth incarceration system into in New Jersey’s youth prisons. had beaten him into paralysis and Luther King Jr. looked to Newark 500 businesses, world-class research a community-based of carestaby closing Jamesburg Consistentand with Douglass’s admonition, it is time for dragged him into system the police and other black communities universities and cultural instituand Hayes—the state’s girls’ youth prison.

New Jersey to invest in what works: community-based, tion, simply because he drove his explained in a speech at Stanford tions, and a large network of hospifar, forty their organizations have signedUniversity on to a letter to thetreatment for youth. Of a sample of cabSoaround double-parked that countryfocused con- programs tals and community health centers. our elected leaders, echoing this demand.

(To sign on 1,851 YAP cases between the ages of 14 and 17, over 87% police car. sisted of “two Americas,” sharply And a majority of the people who your organization, ewgreenberg@njisj.org.) in the community, thanthan 5% $40,000 were in After word please quicklyemailspread divided by race. Inwere oneliving America, work here and earnless more New Jersey’s youth incarceration system has proven to secure placement, between six and twelve months after throughout the city, hundreds of millions of young people were a year, according to a report just rebe ineffective, racially discriminatory, destructive to being discharged from YAP. residents gathered outside the growing up “in the sunlight of op- leased by the New Jersey Institute youth and their families, and devastating to our state Our #150yearsisenough Fourth Precinct station house and portunity.”

In the other, people for Socialcampaign Justice. will urge New budgets.

Jersey to fundamentally reimagine its youth justice sysdemanded to see Smith. So began were “perishing on a lonely island But this prosperity is not shared Incredibly, two-thirds of kids incarcerated in New tem by reinvesting funds from closing Jamesburg and the Newark Rebellion, which lasted of poverty in the midst of a vast by a majority of Newark residents.

Jersey's youth prisonsthe arelives black,ofeven and prosperity.”

Hayes youth prisonsNearly into developing and strengthening five days, claimed 26 though ocean black of material one in three of the city’s black white youth commit similar offenses at similar rates.

By community-based intervention, prevention, people, left more than 700 people Fifty years later, too many people residents lives in poverty. diversion, contrast, and thereresulted are fewer 15 white incarcerated and alternatives-to-incarceration programming for resiour injured, in than millions of kids in Newark, and in numerous other It is not uncommon to see in the state.

This gives New Jersey the 3rd-highest youth. dollars in property damage. cities throughout the country, still dents waiting to receive unemployblack/white youth incarceration disparity rate under in thethe weight Andoffor whobenefits may need be Violent encounters with the postruggle the those con- young ment people and other in ato line nation. placed in secure confinement for public safety reasons, lice catalyzed the Newark Rebellion, ditions that precipitated the rebel- that extends as long as a city block, only did is New incarceration theseoffacilities should be on small, justNot as they the Jersey’s protestscurrent in hun-youth lion: in particular, a lack economic while the developmentally-approother end of the street, system plagued by these unacceptable racial disparities, it priate, treatment-centered, and construction provide wrap-around dreds of other cities across America opportunities and a range of indigni- billion-dollar projects is also extraordinarily expensive, costing about $500 a services that are close to home and in 1967. But these events came after ties from local law enforcement. are underway. familial support—not day to lock up one child. contrast, community far awayabuses youth in prisons.Such contradictory phenomena decades of frustration andIn justifiable Indeed, based law enforcement programs are much more cost-effective.

For example, Transformational change because will come, as it always has, anger about the enduring effects Newark have been so pervasive that in coexist Newark residents programs run by Youth Advocate Programs, Inc. (YAP), a from the ground up in our communities. of poverty, racism, and a lack of op- July 2014, the Department of Justice hold only 18 percent of all jobs in national nonprofit that magazine provides community-based I invite you to join uscity. on Wednesday, June 28, 2017 at portunity.

Indeed, Life de- announced altera pattern of widespread the natives, have a daily cost of about $100. noon, outside the gates of Jamesburg prison, we scribed what happened in Newark as civil rights violations in the Newark In this regard,youth Newark is a as stark And finally, New Jersey’s youth incarceration system launch our campaign to help build strong children so a “predictable insurrection.”

Police Department. It found that New- outlier among similarly situated does not advance public safety or rehabilitate youth. that there is no need to repair broken men and women.

As such, what happened in Newark ark’s police officers had no legal basis cities. In Baltimore, for example, Studies long-term juvenile that daystops we will residents lift our collective and 150 was not ahave riot.shown It was athat rebellion, an act for incarceration 75 percent of theirOn pedestrian hold 33 voices percent ofsay: jobs.

In actually increases recidivism rates and hinders developyears is enough! of empowerment meant to resist the from 2009 to 2012, which were used New Orleans, it’s 46 percent. And ment, and children whounder are incarcerated are also more against black peo- while almost three-quarters of Newoppressive conditions which disproportionately likely to be imprisoned and live in poverty For morepolice information on residents how to join campaign, please Newark residents had been forced to ple.asInadults. addition, the Newark de- ark arethe people of color, 60 In New Jersey, of the approximately 500 young people email Juvenile Justice Campaign Manager Retha Onitiri live. Consider the extreme racial po- tained innocent people for “milling,” percent of the people employed at in released from in state facilities in ronitiri@njisj.org. larization in thecommitment city at the time: whitejuvenile “loitering,” or “wandering.”

Newark are white.

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June 2017 October/November 2017

thepositivecommunity.com www.thepositivecommunity.com

Newark City Hall

[Newark's] challenges require systemic solutions.

Perhaps now more than ever, the solutions are emerging from the ground up.

These disparities in employment cannot be explained by a lack of desire or ability to work. Newark residents have the same labor force participation rate — the percentage of the population that is either employed or actively seeking work — as the rest of the United States at about 63 percent, but higher unemployment. This means that Newark has a greater proportion of people who are ready and willing to work, but who cannot find either fullor part-time jobs, than the rest of the country.

These challenges require systemic solutions. Perhaps now more than ever, the solutions are emerging from the ground up.

Under the leadership of Mayor Ras J. Baraka, the New Jersey Institute for Social Justice and the Newark Alliance, along with many companies and community organizations, recently started Newark 2020, an initiative to combat poverty by connecting 2,020 unemployed Newark residents to meaningful, full-time work that pays a living wage, by 2020.

But Newark 2020 is much broader than a numeric goal. Our ultimate aim is to build a self-sustaining public and private work force system that provides career opportunities, not just jobs. We are working as a community to create this system by identifying various career pathways to our large employers for a range of residents, from people with limited work experience to those with college degrees.

This work has required that we break down the silos of the public and private work force systems in the city.

And together we will train and educate residents in a way www.thepositivecommunity.com

that aligns with employers’ current and future needs so they are competitive for the growing job opportunities in our city.

We are also building a new relationship between the police and the communities it serves. This requires us to advance a transformative vision, one in which law enforcement is a trusted community partner and not just an armed force; where it respects and honors the humanity of the people it serves; where police officers are held accountable for misconduct; and where police officers join with communities of color to be both peacemakers and peacekeepers.

Last year, the Justice Department and the City of Newark reached a settlement to reform the Newark Police Department, which involves improving training, equipping police with body cameras and rewriting department policies on the use of force and search-and-seizure practices.

Newark is poised to realize the kind of policing that residents have long urged.

As former Mayor Kenneth Gibson said, “Wherever American cities are going, Newark will get there first.”

Newark has an opportunity to serve as a bright light for progressive action on criminal justice reform and job growth, and to build a new city based on a revolution of values that Dr. King and so many Newark residents envisioned 50 years ago.

Blueprint for a New Newark previously ran in the New York Times as an Op-Ed October/November 2017 The Positive Community

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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.

Time to Get Schooled

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here they were, all gussied up to begin the new school year. Ribbons, new sneakers, and backpacks bought or donated from socially conscious religious or civic organizations, and they were on their way to the halls of academia to hopefully learn what makes the world go round.

As I watched children from urban centers begin the process of learning for the first time or yet again, I wondered where the next Barack Obama may be hidden among the throngs. I hoped that these fresh-faced, giddy youngsters would absorb, inhale, or ingest everything they needed to walk boldly through a world that seldom seems to appreciate their humanity or acknowledge their worth. I like the back-to-school urgency of August and September, but I particularly enjoy the month of October when both students and teachers have seemingly found their groove and settled into the school year. And, Christopher Columbus wasn’t the founder of such a world, thank you very much.

Many of the hip-hop artists have shown mainstream America that brilliance doesn’t exist in Silicon Valley only, but can be found somewhere within the rubble and debris of cities that appear, at times, as forgotten wastelands.

They’re a powerful reminder for us all that “book smart” isn’t the only kind of “smart” that can lead to success. A shining example is how African-American people wrote the book on how to make a way out of no way —despite the oft

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forgotten or ignored fact that from before the American Revolution until the 1830s, it was illegal to teach AfricanAmerican slaves to read.

As I watched the youngsters with boundless energy laughing and excitedly anticipating new adventures on the academic horizons, I also wondered how many would become discouraged because some thoughtless educator refuses to extract the greatness lying dormant in the psyches of these kids. How many Devontarians and TyMonishas will tire of hearing their names mangled and mispronounced and simply stop raising their hands in class, eventually losing interest altogether? How many so-called educators will fail to see the importance or make a point of inclusion and, instead, keep an eye on the classroom clock in order to make a beeline back to parts unknown where the odor of freshly cut grass on manicured lawns makes a Norman Rockwell-like breathtaking picture to behold? And how many devoted, exceptional instructors will become exhausted by the system and how it’s done and eventually leave the teaching profession in an effort to use their dedication and talents in some other way to motivate, teach, and uplift the next generation?

With so many urban school districts controlled by the state Education Department (Breaking News: Newark, NJ Public Schools have returned to local control) one hopes that the educated minds that disseminate this education will be able to become as creative as they need to be so that learning takes place, even if it’s in unorthodox ways. After all, if kids can learn five steps to add or subtract in new math (we did it in two), they must be capable of learning practically anything, right?

Those of us who see comparable worth in every living human being know that not only will the so-called talented tenth emerge from the masses that walk through those schoolhouse doors, but many fine minds will come forth and contribute to their communities and use their own God-given gifts to fix societal ills in their own ways, and in their own time. We just have to have the insight and patience to know it will happen and allow it.

After all, when the student is ready, the master will appear.

www.thepositivecommunity.com thepositivecommunity.com

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buiness, finance + work Kimberly McClain, president and CEO, Newark Alliance Dennis Bone, board chair, Newark Alliance Michellene Davis, executive vice president, Barnabas Health

L–R: Hugh Weber, president, Prudential Center and NJ Devils; Newark Mayor Ras Baraka; Sheila Oliver Lt. Governor Candidate; with NJ State Senator, Ron Rice

Leon Ellis

The Newark Alliance

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thepositivecommunity.com The Positive Community October/November 2017

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Faith & Love Fuel His Vision

L–R: Susan Taylor, founder and CEO, National CARES and Michellene Davis

BELOW: L–R: Sara Jones, director, Government Affairs, Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield; Barbara E. Kauffman, EVP, Newark Regional Business Partnership; Celia King, executive director, Leadership Newark, Inc; and Santo Barravechio, VP, Human Resources, Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield, NJ

By Glenda Cadogan

Summer 2017 The Positive Community 17 www.thepositivecommunity.com

Photos: Raymond Hagans

he Newark Alliance, a nonprofit organization that works to advance Newark’s growth, prosperity, and success, named Kimberly Baxter McLain as its chief executive officer and Dennis Bone as the chair of its Board of Trustees. This leading nonprofit is dedicated to the ongoing economic revitalization of Newark, striving to transform the city into a better and safer place to live, learn, work, and play.

Supported by corporate and community partners, the Alliance has successfully leveraged Newark’s competitive assets to generate economic growth for the city, state, region, and beyond. Through innovative partnerships with key stakeholders, the Alliance has developed creative solutions and major citywide initiatives that are delivering transformational change for residents and visitors alike, further advancing Newark’s renaissance into one of America’s great cities.

According Kimberly McLain, “As Newark undergoes this magnificent renaissance, our members are committed to ensuring the evolution is for the benefit, not the expense of, the community we serve.” She continued, “By harnessing the strength and reach of our collective table, we can have meaningful impact on the workforce system and economic development landscape in this city in a manner that benefits all of Newark: residents, businesses and visitors alike” Yes, Newark is on the Rise! – TPC Staff

Membership includes the following:

L-R: Lata Reddy, Prudential; Talia Young, entrepreneur; Stephanie Delpe, Prudential; Shane´ Harris, Prudential; and Lisa Charles, CEO, Embrace Your Fitness, LLC

L–R: Rev. Dr. David Jefferson, pastor, Metropolitan BC Newark with NJ State Senator, Ron Rice

Hon. Ras J. Baraka (Ex Officio), City of Newark RBH Group, LLC Wells Fargo New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) Rutgers University-Newark The MCJ Amelior Foundation Verizon Edison Properties Panasonic North America St. Benedicts Preparatory School McCarter & English Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey RWJ Barnabas Health New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) WNET, NJ TV New Jersey Symphony Orchrestra Prudential Foundation & Prudential Financial Public Service Electric &Gas of NJ (PSEG)

Karin Aaron, president and CEO, Newark Convention and Visitor Bureau with NJPAC President and CEO John Schreiber

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Photo: Risasi Dais

ayor Ras J. Baraka with author Lauren Craig, Esq. in Newark City Hall rotunda during the book signing for Craig’s 100 Things To Do in Newark Before You Die. Craig is also the Marketing Manager at Newark Arts Council L–R: Father Edwin Leahy, St. Benedict’s Prep, Newark with Kimberly McLain and Dennis Bone www.thepositivecommunity.com

October/November 2017 The Positive Community

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Unions and United Airlines Come Together More than 300 First Responders and Skilled Volunteers Help in Puerto Rico

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esponding to the urgent need for relief and rebuilding efforts in Puerto Rico following Hurricane Marie, several unions teamed up with United Airlines to help. AFL-CIO, Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA-CWA), Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA), International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) gathered more than 300 first responders and skilled volunteers —including nurses, doctors, electricians, engineers, carpenters, and truck drivers— to be flown to the devastated island. While there, workers coordinated with the Puerto Rico Federation of Labor and the city of San Juan on various efforts, including helping to clear road blockages, care for hospital patients, deliver emergency supplies, and restore power and communications.

A United Airlines 777-300, one of the largest and newest aircrafts in its fleet, departed Newark Liberty International Airport on October 4. The flight was operated by ALPA and AFACWA-represented United Airlines pilots and volunteer flight attendants. IAMrepresented United ramp employees supported the flight on the ground in Newark and San Juan. The United aircraft returned to Newark later the same day with evacuees from Puerto Rico.

Their complimentary passage was provided as part of United’s ongoing humanitarian relief efforts.

The airline had already operated more than a dozen flights to and from Puerto Rico, carrying nearly 740,000 pounds of relief-related cargo and more than 1,300 evacuees.

“The working families of Puerto Rico are our brothers and sisters. And this incredible partnership takes skilled workers to the front lines to deliver supplies, care for victims and rebuild.” said AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka. “Our

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movement is at its best when we work together during times of great need. But we are even better when we find common ground and partner with business and industry on solutions to lift up our communities. In times of great tragedy, our country comes together, and we are committed to doing our part to assist the people of Puerto Rico.”

“When our union sisters and brothers see a need in our national or international community, we don’t ask if we should act, we ask how,” said AFA-CWA International President Sara Nelson.

“Today is the result of our collective strength, compassion, and commitment to action. We are united in lifting up our fellow Americans.”

“Our fellow Americans in Puerto Rico need help and this is a race against time,” said Captain Todd Insler, chairman, ALPA United Airlines.

“The ALPA pilots of United Airlines are honored to fly these skilled workers and medical professionals to San Juan, and will continue to support the humanitarian efforts going forward.

We applaud these brave volunteers who are dedicating their time, selflessly leaving their homes and families, and answering the call to help.

The strength of the unions represented on this flight comes from workers joining together to help one another.

Likewise, the strength of this joint relief effort comes from all of us —labor, management and government— standing together to help our fellow citizens in their time of need.”

IAM General Vice President Sito Pantoja added, “This flight carries not

The Positive Community October/November 2017

only much-needed supplies and skilled union labor, but also the love and support of more than 33,000 IAM members at United who will continue helping the people of Puerto Rico recover.”

“When our communities call out for help, we can come together and solve the biggest challenges by summoning the best of ourselves. We’ve answered this call many times over the past couple months, and Puerto Rico is no exception,” said Oscar Munoz, CEO of United Airlines. “This flight embodies how working Americans, union leaders, and businesses can unite with a shared sense of purpose to make a life-changing difference at this critical moment. We are deeply grateful to all of the first responders, highly skilled professionals, and United employees who are going above and beyond to come to the aid of Puerto Rico.”

Unions throughout America have continued to offer supplies and other volunteer efforts. Members on the flight were represented by 20 unions from 17 states, including: IUPAT Machinists NNU OPEIU Operating Engineers Plumbers/Pipefitters SEIU UAW USW Utility Workers

AFA-CWA AFT ALPA AFSCME Boilermakers Cement Masons CWA IBEW IBT Ironworkers

www.thepositivecommunity.com

African American Chamber Of Commerce Celebration L–R: John E. Harmon, Phil Murphy, and Hosea Johnson

Seventh Annual Business Leadership Conference And AACC 10th Anniversary Deborah Elaine Collins, Esq., Deputy County Administrator, Director of Small Business and Affirmative Action Officer of Essex County, New Jersey

L–R: John E. Harmon and New Jersey Lieutenant Governor Kim Guadagno

L–R: Monica Slater-Stokes, United Airlines; Willie Blalock, City National Bank; and Marjorie Perry, CEO, MZM Construction

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Photos: Mark Carter

ver 200 business leaders, new entrepreneurs, and legislators gathered at the Best Western Robert Treat Hotel in Newark, NJ on September 21, 2017 for the seventh annual Business Leadership Conference hosted by the African American Chamber of Commerce of NJ (AACCNJ). Led by AACCNJ Founder, President, & CEO John Harmon, the organization also celebrated its 10th anniversary during the awards luncheon.

Ruby McCleary, United Airlines; Jacquin Merricks, J&J; Susan Hogan, PSEG; Lawrence Wooten, American Water; and John Anderson, JCP&L served as panelists at the morning panel. John Kahn of Duane Morris moderated.

Andrew Ingraham, president and CEO of the National Association of Black Hotel Owners, Operators, and Developers, the keynote speaker for the tenth Anniversary Awards Luncheon, delivered a stimulating message.

Honorees were: Desmond Blaine (ret), Munich Reinsurance; Pamela McMellon-Wells, The Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia; Neil William,(ret) Mitchell & Titus; Hosea Johnson from Johnson Associates Systems and chairman of AACCNJ; John E. Harmon Sr, IOM,

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The Positive Community October/November 2017

founder, president & CEO, AACCNJ; Robert Warrington, The Waring Group; and Jacqueline Baptiste, AACCNJ. All were recognized for their dedication and commitment to the chamber.

The afternoon break-out session featured Executive Directors Leslie Anderson of the New Jersey Redevelopment Authority (NJRA) and Anthony Marchetta from the New Jersey Housing Mortgage & Finance Agency (NJHMFA) leading a discussion on financing in Residential & Commercial Development and a Business to Business Matchmaking Session with representatives from J&J, American Water, PSEG, NJ Transit, Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge, Con Edison, and Atlantic City Electric.

Both New Jersey gubernatorial candidates Kim Guadagno (R) and Phil Murphy (D) attended the event.

The African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey, Inc., (AACCNJ) is dedicated to economically empowering and sustaining African American communities through entrepreneurship and capitalistic activities within the State of New Jersey and via interaction with the National Black Chamber of Commerce, Inc. (NBCC). www.thepositivecommunity.com

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Newark’s Revitalization Supported by the New Jersey Economic Development Authority

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ewark-based businesses and projects of all sizes have utilized a wide array of programs and services from the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (EDA) to successfully grow and contribute to the city’s renaissance.

Large businesses are recognizing Newark’s potential as an attractive place to establish significant operations. This includes Audible, Inc., which is taking advantage of the Grow NJ Program to locate its new technology center in Newark, further expanding its presence in the city.

Major redevelopment projects are also advancing, helping to define New-

ark as a place to live, work and play.

For example, the Economic Redevelopment & Growth (ERG) Program was key to the revitalization of the Hahne & Co. building - a mixed-use project that has transformed a long-vacant property into new residential, academic and retail space, including a new home for Rutgers University’s Department of Arts, Culture, and Media.

EDA also offers innovative programs designed to help emerging technology and life sciences companies refine their technology and bring it to market. Phone.com, a voice-overinternet services company, received financing for growth capital from the Edison Innovation VC Growth Fund, enabling the company to create 16 estimated new jobs in Newark.

Newark small businesses are using low-cost EDA financing to expand, create jobs and purchase new equipment. Family-owned Teixeira's Bakery used tax-exempt bonds to expand, purchasing new manufacturing equipment and enabling the company to create new jobs.

With a w ide s pe ctrum o f assistance available, now is an opportune time to contact the EDA to explore options to g row your bus ine s s o r advance your project.

For more information, please call 609-858-6767 or visit NJEDA.com.

Whose resources helped revitalize the Hahne & Co. building?

The City of Newark is experiencing a renaissance as new development projects are rising downtown.

One of the more significant projects includes the redevelopment of the historic Hahne & Co. department store building - a mixed-use project that has revitalized a long-vacant property and is invigorating the surrounding community by bringing mixed-income housing, new street-level retail space, and hundreds of new permanent and construction jobs.

The project was made possible through a partnership of public, non-profit and private groups, including support from the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (EDA).

NJ Hahne & Co, Newark,

EDA offers innovative programs that enable job creation and retention, and help advance transformative projects, as well as smaller-scale real estate development.

To find out how the EDA can assist your business or project, call 609-858-6767 or visit NJEDA.com www.thepositivecommunity.com

October/November 2017 The Positive Community

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Robert Treat’s Crystal Ballroom Sparkles Historic Hotel Remodeled and Upgraded

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rapping up a year-long extensive renovation, the Robert Treat Hotel in downtown Newark has unveiled its new Crystal Ballroom. Harry Prott, director of sales for the venerated hospitality venue, said that the ballroom’s makeover includes a new centerpiece— a three-tier chandelier with 30,000 hand-cut and polished crystals and technology that enables the staff to change the chandelier’s color across the rainbow spectrum. The fixture is designed as a cascading halo of light overhead.

“We have the Old World elegance of all that crystal with the contemporary touch of customizable lighting colors that shine right through,” said Prott. “We hosted a wedding here in late May that was the first to use the new system; the bridal couple selected a range of blue colors to match the party décor. We were able to program the lighting to change from deep blue to baby blue throughout the party; the effect really added to the elegance of the room.” For a recent political event held there, the chandelier was lit red, white and blue.

Adding to the Crystal Ballroom’s luster are two dozen crystal wall sconces around the room’s perimeter. The ballroom, which measures 4,200 square feet, can accommodate up to 300 people at a banquet, over 800 theatre style, and over 150 people classroom style (with long tables) for conferences, presentations, and other business or organization meetings. There is a removable dance floor that can be laid out in different sizes for parties.

“We can host any event for business or social occasions, from a corporate breakfast, seminars and conferences to Sweet Sixteen or quinceañera parties, communions, weddings, bar or bat mitzvah and other receptions,” said Wassif.

Built in 1916, the Robert Treat Hotel is across from the recently renovated and much improved Military Park in Newark’s central business district, across the street from NJPAC and within walking distance of

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The Positive Community October/November 2017

Newark Penn Station, the Broad Street light rail, and many cultural and entertainment venues. The centuryold hotel has hosted presidents: President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, President John F Kennedy, President Gerald Ford, President Woodrow Wilson, among countless public figures including Albert Einstein and foreign dignitaries. In 1980, it became the first hotel in Newark to be listed on both the State and National Registers of Historic Places.

The hotel was purchased in 1987 by The Berger Organization, a multi-faceted real estate development and management firm. Under the direction of CEO Miles Berger, the building’s lobby was refurbished and new systems were installed to start the process of upgrading the hotel in a way that modernized its amenities while retaining its historic look.

Other improvements include new carpeting and new wall coverings, a bar with mahogany detail and marble top, and a drop-down AV screen and surround sound system for live or piped-in music, speeches, and presentations. Wassif noted that all hotel meeting rooms and the huge Tri-State Ballroom have been made over and upgraded to meet the demands of today’s corporate and social catering clientele.

A new executive chef, Frank Heizler, joined the banquet team in late May and is busy updating menu selections to reflect the diverse tastes and backgrounds of the Newark area and regional residents.

The Berger Organization is an active member of the Newark business community, and the hotel has been the site of numerous political and business events as well as charitable events that support the local community. “We take great pride in working closely with civic leaders and companies from Newark and the surrounding area,” said Wassif.

The Robert Treat Hotel is located at 50 Park Place in Newark. For information about its facilities, visit http:// www.rthotel.com/ or call (973) 622-1000. www.thepositivecommunity.com

Berger Organization www.thepositivecommunity.com

www.bergerorg.com

October/November 2017 The Positive Community

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“Balozi Harvey, Dr. Leon Smith and Lonnie Wright followed very different paths, but they each impacted the lives of many and made Essex County a better place. Balozi was a community activist who joined my administration to promote diversity and economic development. Dr. Smith dedicated his life to treating the sick and researching some of the most deadly diseases our society faces. Lonnie Wright was one of the greatest athletes in New Jersey history who also changed the face of medicine by recruiting minorities to become doctors and nurses. They are Essex County legends, and having their names at our government complex will remind people of their contributions.”

Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr.

Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr., Essex County Executive And The Board of Chosen Freeholders Announce The Dedication of

Essex County Legends Way Memorial Plaques Memorial plaques honoring Balozi R. Harvey, Dr. Leon Smith and Lawrence “Lonnie” Wright were dedicated along Legends Way on September 20th. Legends Way is a tree-lined promenade at the Essex County Hall of Records Campus where those who have made significant contributions to the development of Essex County, its culture, heritage and diversity are recognized.

Balozi R. Harvey

Director, Essex County Office of Cultural Diversity and Affirmative Action & Economic Development Corp.

Dr. Leon G. Smith

Infectious Disease Specialist

Lawrence “Lonnie” Wright 2-Sport Professional Athlete & Director of Minority and Underrepresented Student Recruitment at UMDNJ

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REV. DR. CHARLES BUTLER WEALTH BUILDING

Rev. Dr. Charles Butler is the VP of Equitable Development, Harlem Congregations for Community Improvement (HCCI).

Investing Your Time/Acting on Your Words

I

n Matthew 21:2831, we find our Lord Jesus using a parable to teach a specific lesson to the religious leaders. These leaders had just asked Jesus by what authority He was doing these things and who gave Him this authority? Jesus responded to their question with a question of His own. He asked them about the baptism of John the Baptist, was it from God or from man? They knew if they said from God, the following question would be why did you not believe him? If they said from men, they knew the multitude would turn against them because the people revered John as a prophet.

So, they answered, “we don’t know.” Jesus then responded that He would not tell them by what authority He did these things. He went on to share this parable, a certain man had two sons. He came to the first son and said, “Son go work today in my vineyard.” The son answered, “No I will not go.” But later he regretted saying no and went. The father then approached the second son and made the same request. This son replied, “Sir, I will go,” but never went out to do the work. Jesus then asked which son did his father’s will? The leaders

Spiritual wealth building goes beyond just saying you love the Lord. You must have a sincere desire to serve the Lord. You must put your words into action. Go out to His vineyard!

28 The 30 The Positive Positive Community Community

October/November October/November2017 2017

agreed it was the first son. Jesus then illustrated His point; He said, “Assuredly I say to you that tax collectors and harlots will enter the kingdom of God before you.

For John came to you in the way of righteousness and you did not believe him; however, the tax collectors and harlots believed him. When you saw it, you still did not repent and believe him.”

So, what is the message for the church today? What can you take away from this parable? How are you serving the Lord? Isaiah 29:13 states, “…these people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me...” Are you providing mere lip service to the Lord? Are you serving Him with a sincere heart?

Spiritual wealth building goes beyond just saying you love the Lord. You must have a sincere desire to serve the Lord. You must put your words into action. Go out to His vineyard! Do His will! God must be first in your life. God knows your heart. You cannot fool God. Your actions speak louder than words. You cannot say I want to have a closer relationship with the Lord, but fail to study His Word or set aside quality time to spend with God. Spiritual wealth building is investing time with God. Meditate on His Word. Make God a priority in your life.

Understand distractions are going to come. The enemy is quite busy trying to keep your eyes shut, your ears closed and your heart away from God. Today, the level of Christian apathy and participation in the church is at an all-time low. The level of spiritual commitment is practically non-existent. The level of spiritual growth is stagnant. 2nd Peter 3:18 says, “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ…”

Jesus had to be crucified; He had to become the Lamb of God, taking away the sin of the world. Jesus had to be wounded for our transgressions, bruised for our iniquities. The chastisement of our peace was upon Him and

by His stripes we are healed. He had to be the sacrificial offering, making atonement for our sins.

The tax collectors, harlots, and all who have come to believe and trust in Jesus as the Son of God have eternal life. Thank God for the faithfulness of Jesus. thepositivecommunity.com www.thepositivecommunity.com

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Ministers Meet At NAN Newark Tech World Rev. Steffie Bartley, coordinator and director NAN NJ Chapters

L–R: Rev. Bryant R. Ali, AKA Pastor in the Hood; Pastor Glenn Wilson, Pilgrim Baptist Church, Newark; and Rev. Dr. Johnnie Green, pastor, Mt. Nebo Baptist Church, Harlem, and president of MPAC

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The Positive Community October/November 2017

Photos: Raymond Hagans

A

t the monthly meeting of the Newark Ministerial Alliance, Rev. Louise Rountree, who heads Mayor Ras Baraka’s Office of Clergy Affairs, welcomed Newark clergy to the NAN Newark Tech World. Located at 400 Hawthorne Ave, Tech World is the brain child of the Rev. Dr. Al Sharpton and the National Action Network. Tech World is one of six 21st Century Learning Centers established in NY, Atlanta, Detroit, Los Angeles, Oakland and Compton California by the leadership of the National Action Network and the Rev Steffie Bartley, NAN NJ Chapters coordinator and director.

Tech World is focused on basic digital literacy, intermediate and advanced computer skills, coding, routing, switching, and networking IT skills.

Panasonic North America is the anchor funder of Tech World. Since moving its corporate headquarters to Newark in 2013, Panasonic has supported several institutions related to education.

Attendees listened closely as Lord Quincy Dowdell, chairman of the NAN NYC Chapter Technology Committee and Tech Academy director, explained programs offered at Tech World. Clergy were invited to tour the facility and learn how their congregation members could benefit from the free classes offered to Newark resident of all ages. – JNW

L–R: Rev. Louis Rountree with Derrick Greene, policy advisor to NJ Democratic Candidate for Governor Phil Murphy

Lord Quincy Dowdell, chairman, NAN NYC Chapter Technology Committee and advisor, NAN NJ Chapter Tech World www.thepositivecommunity.com

Newark Moves Us! As a proud member of the Newark community, Panasonic is honored to support a number of worthy local groups and charities. From our partnership with NJPAC to our support for the local YMCA, we understand and appreciate the importance that community engagement plays in our success. We look forward to our continued partnership with Newark built on a shared vision of inspiration and revitalization.

Come see how Panasonic is changing the way we live and work in communities across the country at PanasonicMovesUs.com

L–R Aisha Glover, Jennifer Lodge, Anthony McMillan, Ben Feigenbaum, Jose Lopez, Mayor Ras Baraka, NJ Devils mascot, Dosso Kassiman, Carmelo Garcia, and Gabe Harris Photo: Risasi Dais

Mayor Baraka Breaks Ground For Mulberry Commons Private/Public Development Project Expected

I

f you build it they will come, and it seems that they keep on coming to the city on the rise, Newark, New Jersey. The work of Mayor Ras Baraka, his administration, and his corporate and not-for-profit partners throughout the city is bringing in businesses and developers at a rapid pace.

The latest to break ground is the private/public development project in Newark’s downtown, Mulberry Commons, a project with a few starts and stops over the last 11 years.

“The creation of Mulberry Commons is a defining and signature moment in the history of Newark,” said Mayor Baraka during the ceremony on October 2, 2017.

Recognized as a milestone in Newark’s economic development and the city’s growing downtown, the project will draw upon “living system” concepts including landscape architecture, walkability, urban lifestyle, ecology, and the potential of Newark Penn Station, one of the nation’s busiest rail hubs. The open space development will also open up a vast area of undeveloped land to residential and office development.

“With the Prudential Center, the shops, the dining, and the Mulberry Commons itself, we will have people coming to Newark to seek housing, shopping, and recreation opportunities instead of people travelling outside the City,” said Deputy Mayor Carmelo Garcia. “The creation of Mulberry Commons as a world-class park and development will be an economic and recreational center for Newark residents, while making our downtown a destination for visitors,” he added.

Newark CEDC President and CEO Aisha Glover agreed. “Public spaces and parks are critical to urban development and can create tremendous positive impact for the city, residents, and its visitors,” she said. “We know economic development is truly interdisciplinary and appreciate all the stakeholders and partners who helped make this development possible.”

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The Positive Community October/November 2017

Rendering of Mulberry Commons

by Sage and Coombe Architects

Edison Properties; J&L Cos,Inc.; and the Prudential Center will help develop the 22-acre project, which will be financed with more than $100 million in private investment and $10 million in public funding.

Mulberry Commons is projected to net fiscal benefits to both the City and State in excess of $400 million 30year Net Present Value. A significant aspect of Mulberry Commons will be a proposed bridge that is a direct connection to the tracks of Penn Station. The total estimated cost of the bridge – which will resemble New York City’s High Line – is approximately $30 million and with its addition will bring approximately 5,600 jobs to the downtown area, in addition to more than 5,000 construction jobs. Mulberry Commons is slated to open in late September 2018.

“We have long insisted that the creation of the Prudential Center not be a stand-alone project in our downtown, and that the entertainment facility provide more than just world-class events – it must bring real estate development, jobs, and prosperity to our entire city, “ Mayor Baraka explained. “Today we are keeping that covenant with our residents with this groundbreaking. Soon this entire area will be a thriving 24/7 neighborhood of housing, shops, and restaurants — attracting visitors and new residents, empowering our economy, and strengthening our city. I congratulate the entire team that made this day possible and look forward to seeing the final results.” www.thepositivecommunity.com

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L–R: Anthony Smith, executive director, Lincoln Park Coast Cultural District; Bob Santelli, executive director, The GRAMMY Experience; Mayor Ras Baraka; Dan Cherry, chief Marketing & Innovation officer, Prudential Center/New Jersey Devils; and Councilwoman Gayle Chaneyfield Jenkins

Lincoln Park Takes on New Luster Newark Native Celebrates 11 Years at Lincoln Park

I

n the late 1990s, Newark’s Lincoln Park neighborhood was at a low ebb. The area had fallen to the urban blight many cities face.

Fast forward to this past summer when the 12th Annual Lincoln Park Music Festival was the place to be with over 60,000 people converging on the expansive green space at the south end of downtown Newark to hear a weekend of jazz, gospel, R&B, soul, house, and hip-hop.

Local artists shared the stage with those known regionally and nationally. Food, clothing, and various types of artwork added even more vibrancy to the atmosphere.

Other areas of the park offered educational, health, and wellness resources to the event.

An example of what Newark is really made of, and as much of an event as the festival has become, it’s just a small part of what the Lincoln Park Coast Cultural District (LPCCD) produces in its efforts to revitalize a section of the city with a historic past and a great future.

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The Positive Community October/November 2017

BY G.R.MATTOX

Culture and a quality environment make a community. The value a neighborhood places, creates, and maintains for itself is the engine that drives the residents as well those who want to visit. Smith, born and raised in Newark, and celebrating eleven years at LPCCD, three as executive director, is one of those who saw this early on and committed himself to revitalizing this neighborhood using arts and culture events like the festival as a springboard. He’s committed to what he is doing and has helped bring stellar results to the neighborhood.

“For me,” he explained, “the festival is just an offshoot of how we celebrate our culture. In the 12 years we’ve held the festival, we’ve had no incidents. People come to the festival to enjoy.”

LPCCD has spurred the latest incarnation of a neighborhood centered around the park that changed its name when Abraham Lincoln made his visit and short speech from the steps of the South Park Presbyterian Church on the way to his inauguration. The area served as a base for the region’s abolitionist movement and early in the 20th century the large, stately homes surrounding the park were the residences of some of the city’s business and cultural elite.

From the 1930s through the 60s, “The Coast”— streets just behind those manses, embraced a thriving jazz scene. Hometown girl Sarah Vaughn performed at clubs dotting the area, as did Billie Holiday. It was the home of Savoy Records and the Coleman Hotel, where legendary gospel groups were able to rest and relax.

But by the early 1990s, while the seeds of revitalization were sprouting in the northern part of the www.thepositivecommunity.com

In Smith’s view, fostering music, art, and culture is the best way to give a voice to the voiceless downtown area, the park and the surrounding area at the south end of downtown seemed to have fallen by the wayside. In the late 90s, a series of meetings with local residents, civic leaders, business people, and the city administration addressed the situation, marking the beginnings of LPCCD. Smith was part of those early gatherings as a legislative aide to Councilwoman Gayle ChaneyfieldJenkins. Community needs were identified: affordable housing, jobs, and access to healthy food. Black music and culture would be the draw.

Smith, who came on full-time with the organization in 2002 working in Community Relations, saw the transformational possibilities: “You have all this energy down here, with the Newark Boy’s Chorus School and Symphony Hall,” he said. “With this we could build a cultural legacy.”

Smith brought his eclectic experiences working in a corporate environment and events like the Essence Music Festival and First Night Newark to add to the strategic plan for Lincoln Park’s renaissance.

In the years he has been at the helm of LPCCD, the results have been gratifying. Smith cites inclusive gentrification: “We are making sure that those who stayed here during the rough times are still here during the renaissance. Those who waited out the storm should be able to benefit from the fruits of our labor.” Smith also noted the many accomplishments that came about by creative placemaking, a term used for work that has been organically happening in the neighborhood using the arts and local assets as transformational vehicles, the community using its positive points to spur the upgrade of an area.

The results actually speak for themselves: property values have gone up in the area because of the 102 units of www.thepositivecommunity.com

efficient and affordable housing that have been built. “When it comes to development,” Smith says of the new housing, “our goal has always been home ownership. It’s good to be a renter, but with ownership you have a stronger stake in the community.”

A sustainable health and wellness program surrounding how residents eat, live, and add longevity to their lives is currently in place. This includes a large community garden Smith can see from his office window.

Since job growth is an essential element for a community to thrive, LPCCD provides green job training to Newark’s un- and underemployed. Following a six-week program, trainees can pursue a career in the field of energy efficiency or renewable technologies.

The non-profit is also expanding their arts and culture programs.

“Music Speaks” —a program which fosters the visual arts, photography and, of course music— is in development. The recent Newark Inter-

national Film Festival created the Lincoln Park Music Speaks Award to highlight the art of music video.

Always giving a nod to the history of the area, LPCCD’s most exciting project is the repurposing of the South Park Presbyterian Church, where Lincoln spoke. Now known as The Façade, the organization is working to transform it into an outdoor amphitheater where artists can perform, and a larger urban farm providing healthy, local food for the community and visitors.

In Smith’s view, fostering music, art, and culture is the best way to give a voice to the voiceless. LPCCD works to make those voices heard.

These voices in turn lead to the sustainability of this vital community.

But there is more to do. “The community is not whole and complete,” Smith observed. Now that the organization has built up the housing stock, either through its own efforts or through partnerships, and made the area a destination by way of the music festival, they are looking to enhance the amenities that make a community even more livable.

“We’re looking to bring in new restaurants, cafes, new clubs, and entertainment venues. Newark should have a balanced downtown.”

October/November 2017 The Positive Community

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10th Anniversary Trailblazers’ Summit & Luncheon The BWOI Power Circle is a Sisterhood of Cross-Industry, Multicultural Professional Women and Entrepreneurs

Mistress of Ceremonies Dr. Stacie NC Grant

B Keynote Speaker Michelle Coleman Mayes, author, The Power of You. Declare & Celebrate Your Success.

lack Women of Influence gathered on Saturday, September 23, 2017 at Manhattan’s W Hotel, in celebration of 10 years of supporting professional women and “Helping Each Other Win.” A full-day summit of workshops and guest speakers was built around a theme of "Prepare, Persist, Proclaim" the Trailblazer in you. The day also included BWOI's signature Trailblazers Awards Luncheon, which honored women who are little known but doing great things.

Featured Speakers were Dr. Stacie NC Grant, Dr. Sheila Robinson, Nicole Roberts Jones, and Michele Coleman Mayes.

Nicole Roberts Jones and Dr. Shelia Robinson

Authors: standing: (L–R) Elaine Meryl Brown, Micelle TaylorJones, Rhonda Joy McLean, and Cheryl Walker; seated: (L – R): Marsha Haygood and Valerie I. Rainford 2017 Trailblazer Awardees L–R: Adrienne Gonzalez, Rhonda Joy McLean, Vera A. Moore, and Thasunda Duckett Photos: Gerald Peart

Dr. Stacie NC Grant with 10th Anniversary Trailblazers Awardees (L-R): Rhonda Joy McLean and Vera Moore

Black Women of Influence 2017 volunteers

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The Positive Community October/November 2017

www.thepositivecommunity.com

Special Section

Karin M. Aaron Amina Bey Tai Cooper Aisha Glover Margorie Fields Harris Stacie Hillsman Kimberly Baxter McLain Gwen Moten Louise Scott-Rountree Alexis Trusty

women in charge A

s the City of Newark continues its rebirth—its renaissance, the people of Newark are at the heart of the changes and leading the way toward Newark’s future. As is often the case, women provide the heartbeat of the community, setting the pace for the rhythm that guides the growth and culture of New Jersey’s largest city.

Whether employed by the city of Newark, a non-profit organization, or within the private sector, these sistas are doing it for themselves and for everybody else who lives, works, or travels through the city. Together, these women are moving with and changing the beat of Brick City and her residents, working together toward the singular goal of helping Newark achieve its rightful place as a great American city.

Our page count prevents us from featuring more of the individuals who are helping to reshape the city, but we’ll be catching up with them in future issues as Newark continues to surprise, delight, shine, and surpass expectations. www.thepositivecommunity.com

October/November 2017 The Positive Community

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about the search for a tourism direc- about. So, when someone is looking tor in Newark. She admits, “My first for a place to travel and they have question was, ‘Is there tourism in three days, they can come into the Newark?’ The response was, ‘Newark city and have a good time. It’s not has been thriving for years. There is a just a pit stop. There are a lot of strong hospitality and tourism com- things that will capture your intermunity there.’” ests.”

With nearly 30 years of industry Visitors can see a concert, enjoy a experience in Virginia; Maryland; music festival, visit the Newark and Washington, DC, Aaron “was Museum, schedule a tour, explore stunned. I didn’t know the New Jersey art and landmarks, or visit the Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) was Prudential Center to cheer for the here. I didn’t know the Prudential New Jersey Devils hockey team.

Arena was here. I didn’t know busi- Aaron explained that visitors from nesses were thriving.”

China, the United Kingdom, India, Returning was Aaron’s opportunity and Canada are drawn to the value to “pay it forward” to the city where of an affordable destination that is her parents lived and worked for about 12 minutes away from more than 50 years, owning several Manhattan via mass transportation businesses. Newark was a place they and not far from Newark Liberty loved and spoke of proudly. Aaron International Airport. said, “I’m very proud of the advanceThe South Ward resident and her PRESIDENT AND CHIEF ments the city has made. I’m proud to nine-member staff have a goal of EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF say the city is my hometown.” increasing the domestic footprint.

THE GREATER NEWARK Established in July 2008, GNCVB is The re-launch of newarkhappena private, non-profit corporation that ing.com, a resource for things to see CONVENTION AND is funded primarily by hotels in and do, is scheduled for 2018.

VISITORS BUREAU Newark through a Tourism Through direct marketing, digital (GNCVB) Improvement District. The GNCVB is campaigns, and collaborations with located across the street from NJPAC, local bloggers, they’re attracting the Hahne & Co. Building, and additional travelers. As part of the Military Park. By 2015, the number of plan to “pay it forward,” GNCVB iniovernight guests visiting Newark had tiated paid internships and awarded increased to one million annually. scholarships to two Essex County “We are a travel destination. You can College students who are majoring get good food here. You are safe here. in Hospitality Management.

There are things to do here. There Aaron and her team encourage are arts, culture, and history here,” people to visit, live, work, and play in Aaron explained. “There’s family fun Newark. Don’t rely on what you

By Kaylyn Kendall Dines and there’s education here —all of think you know. Come see it for ven if you think you know those things you don’t often hear yourself.

Newark, Karin M. Aaron wants you to check out some of the many experiential gems the city has to offer. As president and chief execLOVED ONES: HER HUSBAND, THEIR THREE ADULT CHILDREN, AND A YORKIE utive officer of the Greater Newark RESCUE DOG NAMED KANDI Convention and Visitors Bureau SPORTS: WASHINGTON REDSKINS (GNCVB), Aaron invites you to explore her hometown. She left the MUSIC: ANDREA BOCELLI, CLASSICAL MUSIC; OPERA Garden State in 1994 only returning GUILTY PLEASURES: PIZZA; CHINESE FOOD; RING DINGS for quick trips to visit friends and family. Then, a recruiter told her

Karin M. Aaron

Rediscovering Newark and Paying It Forward

E

40 The 42 The Positive Positive Community Community October/November October/November2017 2017

thepositivecommunity.com www.thepositivecommunity.com

THE FUTURE LOOKS

EMPOWERING This year’s McDonald’s® 365 Black® honorees are a living testament to the power of inspiration.

With every personal victory, they’ve used their success to lift their community to new heights.

To learn more about the achievements and contributions of this group of extraordinary women, visit 365Black.com

FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: Chasity Hale, Sanya Richards-Ross, Margaret “Marty” Gillis, Valeisha Butterfield-Jones, Tichina Arnold © 2017 McDonald’s

Amina Bey

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, NEWARK WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT BOARD

One of Brick City’s Best and Brightest Shines Her Light on Her Home

By R.L. Witter

A

mina Bey is the executive director of the Newark Workforce Development Board and director of the Shani Baraka Women’s Resource Center. Born and raised in Brick City, she knows Newark personally. Her work has allowed her to get to know Newark and its residents intimately, and it is that intimacy that makes her so effective in her quest to share with others the Newark she knows and loves.

She easily identifies why her view of Newark is different from that of many others, “I really got it from my mother.

She’s always been a public servant and an advocate, so I just followed in her footsteps,” she said. Bey’s mother formed the first tenants association for their building, belonged to People’s Organization for Progress, and brought her children along to protest apartheid in the 1980s. “She took us to every type of cultural event —we lived at the library and the museum,” Bey chuckled. Her mother is Fredrica Bey, founder of WISOMMM (Women in Support of the Million Man March) Cultural Center in Newark.

In contrast to childhood days of culture and protest, in elementary school (before she fell in love with the Giants), Bey dreamed of being a Dallas Cowboys cheerleader .With maturity came different dreams. One was to follow in the

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footsteps of her hero, Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall. She was thrilled when Congressman Donald M. Payne, Sr. arranged for her to meet the legendary legal crusader just prior to his retirement. “I wanted to be the first black woman on the Supreme Court,” she recalled. The Supreme Court might not have been in her future, but a life of service definitely was. “This is my home,” Bey said deliberately. “So it just makes sense for me to work with my people, on behalf of my people.”

After receiving a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice at Stockton State College and a Master’s in Public Administration from Rutgers, Bey spent 15 years working with the Essex County Workforce Investment Board and the Division of Training and Development. After that, “Working for the Baraka administration was a natural transition. I supported him from the time he ran for mayor in 1994 and I support him now,” she said.

Bey has worked and continues to work with the unemployed and under-employed. She sometimes sees people, especially women and children, at or close to rock bottom when they are dealing with domestic violence and abuse. It is then that her calm and patient demeanor, diplomatic approach, strength, and determination serve both her and the community best.

If she could change one thing about Newark, “It would be the image that other people have of Newark,” she explained. “It’s a resilient city, full of intelligent and talented people… It’s beautiful. Newark has an abundance of culture, history, and refinement. People like to put this negative blanket over Newark and we’re not going to allow that.”

While some might say Bey’s childhood dreams went unrealized, others might see it differently. She’s living a wonderful life full of purpose, family, and joy. Her pride in her hometown makes her one of Newark’s biggest cheerleaders, and her work focuses on improving the lives of people in the community. Always humble, she’s quick to give credit for her accomplishments to her upbringing.

“Not everybody had a Fredrica Bey to set the bar and push them to achieve goals,” she said. True. But thankfully, Newark has Amina Bey to advocate for the city and its residents and represent Brick City’s best.

MUSICAL TASTES: ALL TYPES OF JAZZ, AS WELL AS OLD SCHOOL HIP-HOP, AND JILL SCOTT ON HER BOOKSHELF: SO MANY BOOKS! THE SCI-FI AFICIONADO IS CURRENTLY RE-READING KINDRED BY OCTAVIA BUTLER FAVORITE HOBBIES: ATTENDING LIVE MUSIC PERFORMANCES AND FESTIVALS, LIVE THEATER AND DANCE GUILTY PLEASURE: SPA SERVICES INCLUDING SAUNAS, MASSAGES, AND A STEAM ROOM. “GIVE ME A SPA CERTIFICATE OR A BASKET OF SPA PRODUCTS AND YOU’VE GOT A FRIEND FOR LIFE!”

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Tai Cooper

CHIEF POLICY ADVISOR IN THE OFFICE OF THE MAYOR

Passionate about Newark and Serving Communities

By Kaylyn Kendall Dines

T

he Cooper family moved to Newark from Missouri when Tai Cooper, chief policy advisor in the Office of the Mayor, was 8years old. That was “a game changer,” she recalled. “I remember just being in love with the city,” The newness of the Renaissance City sparked her youthful curiosity.

Her dad, Marshall Cooper, had accepted a position as director of Neighborhood Services in the administration of then Newark Mayor Sharpe James. “I was that annoying little girl who always wanted to be around my dad and anything he did,” Cooper said. Her intrigue with catalytic change and

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urban planning issues began while standing at her father’s side and watching him work.

From middle school to high school she tagged along with him to events, groundbreakings and, on occasion, snow storms. She wanted to see what was happening. He believed that generational poverty limited opportunities for local residents. Tai remembers her father saying, “We’re going to build it back up to be something so much more powerful,” as the projects were being demolished. “I don’t know why, but that stuck with me,” she reflected.

Cooper earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Urban Planning from Rutgers University’s Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy, and a graduate degree in Urban Planning from the Robert F. Wagner School of Public Service at New York University. A position as an aide to the late Senator Frank Lautenberg, whom she labeled a “giant” in the field of public service, came next.

“The Senator really gave me a foundation to understand what public service meant. It’s not about you.

It’s not about anything else other than serving the public, serving your constituents, and serving people.

Our job is to help the most vulnerable amongst us,” Cooper, a North Ward resident, emphasized.

Now, on behalf of Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka, she works with members of federal, state, and local government to drive policies that shape urban areas. She considers Baraka a visionary and applauds his ability to be “intentional about making sure Newarkers are at the forefront of any development that happens.”

From day-to-day, Cooper focuses on issues including public safety, community engagement, philanthropy, and government innovation.

She is committed to Newark’s diverse population of nearly 280,000. With an increasing number of housing and rental units in the pipeline, that number is expected to surpass 300,000.

Pointing to a feeling of change in the air, Cooper added, “If you walk down Halsey Street on a quiet night or in the North Ward along Mt. Prospect, and even along Clinton Avenue, you get to witness it firsthand. From the college students to the artists, to the business community, they’re all there. Nobody’s afraid.

Just being able to observe that makes me so happy. There are such amazing resources in the city.”

DID YOU KNOW? LINCOLN PARK IS ONE OF TAI’S FAVORITE PLACES. IT’S WHERE SHE MET THE LOVE OF HER LIFE. DID YOU KNOW? TAI COOPER IS A FOUNDING STEERING COMMITTEE MEMBER FOR THE RUN SISTER RUN LEADERSHIP PROGRAM AT THE CENTER FOR AMERICAN WOMEN AND POLITICS, A UNIT OF THE EAGLETON INSTITUTE OF POLITICS AT RUTGERS UNIVERSITY (S)HERO: HER MOTHER; CONGRESSWOMAN BONNIE WATSON COLEMAN; SHIRLEY CHISHOLM INTERESTS: SPA DAYS, GOOD FOOD, SPENDING TIME WITH FRIENDS HER LEGACY: “I WANT OTHER WOMEN IN THIS CITY—YOUNG BLACK AND BROWN GIRLS—TO LOOK AND SAY, ‘I CAN DO THAT!’ I WANT THEM TO BE ABLE TO SEE WOMEN IN POWER WHO LOOK LIKE THEM, WHO REFLECT THEIR SAME VALUES, AND HAVE THEIR SAME GOALS IN MIND. I WANT THEM TO SAY, ‘THAT’S WHAT I WANT TO DO AND I KNOW I CAN BECAUSE THERE ARE OTHER WOMEN OF COLOR WHO ARE DOING IT RIGHT IN THE CITY.’”

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Aisha Glover

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF NCEDC CURATOR OF COMMUNIT Y AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

By Kaylyn Kendall Dines

B

orn and raised in New York City, Aisha Glover now calls New Jersey home. Why would a native New Yorker, leave Brooklyn? “I wanted to be very strategic and very purposeful about my next career move,” said Glover, president and chief executive officer of the Newark Community Economic Development Corporation (CEDC). Two years ago, she served as vice president of External Affairs at the Brooklyn Navy Yard Development Corporation.

Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka’s progressive vision and the volume of projects were appealing. “When I look at Newark I see much of what I saw in Brooklyn. One thing that attracted me here was an opportunity to help curate what it ultimately looked like while ensuring folks who looked like me don’t get pushed out. That’s what essentially happened when I was in Brooklyn,” she explained.

The CEDC non-profit mission aims to attract, grow, and retain companies by providing technical and business development support. According to Glover, more than $3 billion of development is underway in Newark.

Large projects managed by her office include Mulberry Commons and Riverfront Park. Mulberry Commons, a commercial, retail and open public spaces project, is expected to be completed in one year. Spanning three wards, the mile-and-a-half park was designed by the creator of Manhattan’s world-class High Line park.

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“It’s a great example of how we’re not only focusing on downtown,” Glover said of the 27 units of cooperative space in the South Ward combined with performance and gallery space for artists. “We want to make sure that we are keeping the character, and making sure that we’re retaining the pizzazz that is Newark. That’s why people come here. That’s why they go to the Iron Bound. That’s why they want to live in the North Ward and the Weequahic sections. People appreciate the individual character, the backgrounds, and different cultures that are here.”

Aisha still loves Brooklyn, yet she believes Newark is “well poised to be the next destination city” regionally.

“I had nothing to do with this business coming here,” she mused at a recent ribbon-cutting ceremony. “We did not assist them in anyway and that’s exactly how it should be. Oftentimes, the CEDC is responsible for a business coming in, really helping them to be open, to secure permits and approvals…We don’t have to be single-handedly responsible for attracting new retail and new commercial businesses. That’s when you know you’ve reached a tipping point of momentum and demand is happening without you.”

Glover has an undergraduate degree from Hunter College, City University of New York (CUNY), a graduate degree in Public Administration from CUNY’s Baruch College, and a leadership certificate from the Columbia Business School, School of Social Enterprise. “We have the skills, expertise and capacity of a full EDC. In terms of leading the ship and ensuring that we’re equitable in our approach, that’s the value I bring.”

CEDC serves approximately 2,000 businesses annually.

With 7,000 housing units in the pipeline, more than 10,000 additional jobs are anticipated in Newark.

Glover’s staff helps obtain business registration certifications and determine eligibility for bids. Retail, commercial, industrial, and corporate leaders receive assistance with real estate acquisition and community meetings facilitation.

“Whether you’re a small entrepreneur, large corporation, developer, or investor, this should be your first stop,” Glover says. Contact the hub when launching a business, redeveloping a park, or securing financing. The 26-member team will guide you.

MUSIC/ARTISTS: HIP HOP; 80S MUSIC; JAY-Z; THE ROOTS; PRINCE; SADE; STING HOBBIES: JOGGING/RUNNING; WALKING; HIKING; BEING OUTDOORS. SERVICE: MENTOR, CITY OF NEWARK’S MY SISTERS KEEPER INITIATIVE BELIEFS: STAY TRUE TO MYSELF; BE AUTHENTIC AND GENUINE; LIVE A PURPOSE-DRIVEN LIFE thepositivecommunity.com www.thepositivecommunity.com

Marjorie Fields Harris, JD POLITICAL STRATEGIST, COMMUNICATIONS EXECUTIVE & SELFPROCLAIMED SERVANT

By Kaylyn Kendall Dines

M

arjorie Fields Harris’ journey to City Hall began on Capitol Hill and includes managing and consulting on numerous political campaigns, contributing to three U.S. Presidential campaigns, and being elected first vice-chair of the Wake County Democratic Party in North Carolina. Harris has attended meetings with the likes of Henry Kissinger and Fidel Castro. A politically savvy communicator, she emphasizes, “At my core, I am a servant and everything I do goes back to service in some way.”

Leaving North Carolina and coming to New Jersey was a natural fit. “It happened to come together quite divinely and it’s been good. I love what I do. I love politics. I love people and I absolutely love communica-

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tions. So, this is an ideal position for me,” said Harris. She was born and raised, in Washington, DC, where she received an undergraduate degree in Journalism from Howard University, and a Law degree from Catholic University of America.

Exposure to the world broadened her point of view. She studied in Paris, lived in Canada, and traveled many places including Africa and South America. “Being able to embrace other cultures has made me better as a professional and as a woman. Whether I was visiting a favela in Brazil or passing out mosquito nets in a village in Rwanda,” she reflected.

Back in 2000, Harris was executive director for a national civil rights organization, and received a leadership award from the late Civil Rights Activist Coretta Scott King, for creating the “Redeem the Dream” theme for the 37th Annual March on Washington.

One evening, Harris stepped away from a holiday party at the White House and entered the unoccupied press briefing room. She posed for a photo behind the podium usually occupied by the press secretary.

Fifteen years later, as the new press secretary in the City of Newark, she used that picture as inspiration for a similar press room, and began hosting press events there rather than in the bustling City Hall Rotunda. It’s been nearly three years since she joined the Office of the Mayor as chief spokesperson. Setting the tone, developing messages and improving the rapport with

the media were initial priorities.

She draws on the depth of her expertise and the support of her seven-member staff to respond to media inquiries and monitor the city’s image. Harris is enthusiastic about announcing the coming of a Grammy Museum, groundbreakings at Riverfront Park and Mulberry Commons, as well as the resurgence of art in the city and progress made with the Teacher’s Village complex.

For her, Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka, who also attended Howard University, is a transformational leader whose priorities are in order.

The mayor of New Jersey’s largest city is “the first politician I’ve ever presented a national show to and he’s declined because he had his daughters that weekend…That is something that is absolutely unheard of in politics.” She said that shows he’s more committed to the people and things that are really important instead of the glory of the position.

“It’s refreshing and unusual,” said the press secretary.

Life has taught her many lessons.

When asked what she knows for sure, she replied, “I know politics and I know people.” Harris believes the mayor “will be part of the movement to usher in a new type of politician whose heart is really grounded in service.” She’s committed to both the Mayor and the city adding, “I live in the city, work in the city, and I’m building a foundation here. I’m invested. I feel totally invested in this community.”

GUILTY PLEASURE: SOLO SPA DAYS COMPLETE WITH A MASSAGE, FACIAL, AND A PEDICURE ON HER BOOK SHELF: SCI-FI; FROM SLAVERY TO FREEDOM BY JOHN HOPE FRANKLIN; SOUL ON ICE BY ELDRIDGE CLEAVER (S)HERO: MOTHER; GRANDMOTHERS; SHIRLEY CHISHOLM; MAHALIA JACKSON; SOJOURNER TRUTH; AND FANNIE LOU HAMER DID YOU KNOW? SHE IS MEMBER OF SAINT JAMES A.M.E CHURCH IN NEWARK AND ALPHA KAPPA ALPHA SORORITY, INC. PASSIONATE ABOUT ANIMAL RIGHTS, SHE HAS TWO POODLES NAMED ADDIS AND BLISS. October/November 2017 The Positive Community 47 October/November 2017 The Positive Community 45

Stacie Hillsman

SPECIAL ASSISTANT, NEWARK OFFICE OF THE MAYOR

On the Frontlines of Collective Change

By Kaylyn Kendall Dines

S

ome are naturally equipped to take charge in any given situation. Stacie Hillsman is one of those people. She has a nickname in the Office of the Mayor. “I cover an array of functions and duties. I’m atwill to the mayor. Hiring, firing, and getting information,” she explained. “He calls me ‘The Enforcer’ because he knows that I’m going to get the job done.” As liaison to the council, Hillsman shares information, sets up meetings, and occasionally travels outside of Newark to handle business on the mayor’s behalf.

“I love that I’m able to assist and help people. It has always been in my nature,” said the daughter of a reverend. Born and raised in Newark, she remembers how her father helped others. Hillsman says she is energized when the mayor asks her to step in and assist whether someone needs food, a job, or a listening ear.

“Newark is a changing, growing, and developing place. I know we have a lot of work to do,” she concedes.

Yet, she points to existing locations and initiatives that

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were created to make life better for local families: The Shani Baraka Women’s Resource Center; Occupy the Block; the Hire. Buy. Live. Newark initiative; the Youth Ambassadors program; and reentry programs that help “bring people back” after incarceration. “Our mayor believes in second chances and I share that vision. We can change a life and make a difference,” she explained.

The pace of progress hinges on people. Hillsman wants to see a shift in the “mindset of the people.” She wants stakeholders to take ownership of progress. It’s about active participation. It’s about Ujima, the third principle of Kwanzaa — collective work and responsibility. She explained, “A lot of times, we focus on the physical development and the jobs… While it is important to listen to what the needs are, patience and collective change are essential. I think people need to start believing in Newark and knowing that they’re part of the change.”

Each of Newark’s five Wards has a Center of Hope.

Hillsman encourages residents to visit these learning centers, which were started to give adults and children a place where they can grow, be mentored, get a GED, learn computer skills, or engage in arts and cultural activities.

Believing “it takes a village,” Stacie says that Ras J. Baraka goes beyond the call of duty to do his part. “What mayor occupies a block” on a weekly basis? He is visible, he listens to residents, looks at problematic areas and seeks solutions. “Who does that?” she asked rhetorically.

Occupying the block means members of the police and fire departments, code enforcement, and the health department blanket a particular neighborhood meeting residents and resolving concerns. Mayoral aides go doorto-door to keep up with the pulse of the community. On the last Friday of the month, Hillsman explained, “Look for the Baraka train.” A caravan of cars carries details about upcoming services, programs, and events.

Preventive health and wellness information, including where residents can get a free flu vaccine, is placed in the hands of everyone the team encounters.

Stacie says it’s important to have a grassroots approach to change and that starts at the top. “I believe God chose Mayor Ras J Baraka to be the captain of this ship.”

How does change occur? “Through unity,” she declared. “Sweep up. Set up a block association to collectively make the neighborhoods look better.” Stacie wants people to take advantage of educational opportunities offered at the Mayor’s Office of Employment and Training.

“Walk in the vision.” she advocates. “Share it. First, understand it. Then, believe it. Then, move with it.”

HOBBIES: SHOPPING TASTEBUD FAVORITES: CHICKEN, SALMON, AND SALAD MUSIC: R&B; LOVE SONGS; JAZZ BOOK OF CHOICE: THE BIBLE, IT COVERS LIFE. www.thepositivecommunity.com thepositivecommunity.com

Kimberly Baxter McLain, MBA, CPA

PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF THE NEWARK ALLIANCE

Leading by example and putting faith in action

By Kaylyn Kendall Dines

K

imberly Baxter McLain, president and chief executive officer of the Newark Alliance, found her life’s purpose at the intersection of her professional responsibilities and personal passions. An alignment exists between who she is and what she does for a living.

She grew up in rural South Carolina before receiving an undergraduate degree in Accounting from

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the University of South Carolina and a graduate degree in Business from Columbia University. McLain moved to the Garden State two decades ago and became familiar with Newark after making Metropolitan Baptist Church her church home. A few years later, she became the Newark Charter School Fund’s chief financial officer.

McLain’s interests converge in Newark, New Jersey. “It’s not just from a professional perspective. In addition to working, I also worship in Newark and I definitely think that is not by coincidence,” she explained. “It’s certainly by design that my path has led me to this great city where I spend basically six out of seven days a week.”

Last summer, McLain accepted the CEO position at the Newark Alliance where business, corporate, nonprofit, higher education, anchor institution leaders, and elected officials leverage their resources and expertise to foster progress locally. Corporate and community partners provide support for the Alliance. Although Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka is on the board, the Alliance is not a City of Newark agency.

Yet, the Alliance is engaged in the city’s Hire. Buy. Live. Newark initiative. A partnership between Newark's business community, the City of Newark, higher education and medical institutions, clergy, philanthropies, and workforce development programs, the goal is to reduce poverty and unemployment while strengthening the economy. Strategic priorities include education, arts, culture, and public safety. Stakeholders collaborate on topics that have policy implications

related to workforce and economic development.

The former Credit Suisse investment banker and certified public accountant at KPMG now advocates for families. She speaks truth to power, believing it’s not acceptable to improve the downtown district and ignore the wards. When McLain became CEO, she told members the Alliance “is a business and civic organization, but it’s the kind of membership organization where you don’t have benefits. You actually have responsibilities. I definitely believe that for the business, corporate, higher education, and non-profit sectors, the onus is on us to ensure that Newark is not just a good place for visitors, tourists and business owners, but the people who live in the city are also part of the renaissance. I don’t see that as a nice thing to do or a charitable endeavor. It’s really a responsibility.”

“I certainly don’t have the typical background of a lot of non-profit executives, McLain said, “however, in retrospect, I firmly believe that my steps are ordered. I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be and I needed to make every step along the way on my path to get here…Having grown up in a really small town —I’m talking a population of 200— I know what God can do.”

A two-question litmus test keeps her grounded and guides her actions: Would her two daughters be proud of what she’s doing? Are the outcomes of her decisions something she would want for her children? McLain said, “I want them to know, it wasn’t just lip service. I led by example.”

ON SUCCESS: “MY SECRET SAUCE IS FAITH MEETS PREPARATION MEETS HARD WORK.” HOBBIES: READING; EXERCISING; THEATER; BALLET; OPERA; MUSICALS (S)HERO: MOTHER; GRANDMOTHER; SUSAN L. TAYLOR, ESSENCE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF EMERITUS/FOUNDER, NATIONAL CARES MENTORING MOVEMENT; MICHELLENE DAVIS, ESQ., EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT/CHIEF CORPORATE AFFAIRS OFFICER, RWJBARNABAS HEALTH MUSIC: ANTHONY HAMILTON; JILL SCOTT; THE MISEDUCATION OF LAURYN HILL, FEATURING MAYOR RAS BARAKA’S NARRATIVE

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Gwen Moten

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, MAYOR’S OFFICE OF ARTS, CULTURAL DEVELOPMENT AND TOURISM

From Birmingham to Botswana . . . to Newark

By Glenda Cadogan

I

n her work life as the executive director of the Mayor’s Office of Arts, Cultural Development and Tourism for the City of Newark, Gwen Moten gets to support and sustain the cultural communities throughout the city and beyond. In this capacity she has helped to invigorate the city’s artistic and cultural endeavors through programming initiatives, community engagement, multifaceted collaborations, and partnering. An arts and cultural educator, event planner, international concert artist, entrepreneur, music conductor, researcher, lecturer and city commissioner, Moten has enjoyed a checkered career colored with performances on Broadway and alongside celebrated names like Harry Belafonte, Tony Bennett, Eartha Kitt, Debbie Allen, Wynton Marsalis, and Gregory Hines.

During the President Clinton Administration she was appointed U.S. American Cultural Specialist and assigned as a cultural liaison in Africa. However, despite her impressive credentials, it was a simple act of fate which defined Moten’s life story and now forms the foundation of her one-woman theatrical piece she uses as a teaching tool to

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inspire others. “It is the story of how my life almost came to a tragic end when I was a little girl,” she explained.

Growing up in Birmingham, Alabama during the Civil Rights 60s, Moten was best friends with Denise McNair, now immortalized as of one of the “Four Little Black Girls” killed in the tragic 16th Street Baptist Church bombing. “I was actually with my friend the night before and was supposed to have gone to church with her the next day. That morning, my mother just mysteriously said that I could not go. It made no sense because it was children’s Sunday and there was absolutely no reason why I could not go to church with my best friend.” The only reasonable explanation was that Destiny cheated disaster and so Moten—now a concert artist and choral trainer who has travelled throughout the United States and five continents—boldly stepped into a purpose-driven life. Using her musical gifts, she created a lecture/performance piece called From Birmingham to Botswana: The Journey of an African American International Traveler, in which she inspires others to be on purpose. In one of the most impactful lines in the piece she voices to her audiences, “Never let anyone tell you what you cannot do.”

Upon taking office in 2014, Mayor Ras J. Baraka appointed Moten executive director of the newly created Mayor’s Office of Arts, Cultural Development and Tourism with a wide-ranging mission to stimulate development in these three key areas. The office has been instrumental in the creation of new programs such as: Bring the Art to the Park and Blues People Festival International; and continuing education programs including community choral education sessions with The Voices of Newark Choir, Historically Black Colleges and Universities Choir Concerts, and the Youth Who Uplift recognition program.

Honored as a living legend in the City of Newark, Moten is the developer and producer of the Newark SingFest, where multi-cultural gatherings take place for children and adults to discover, sing, and acknowledge the histories of numerous ethnic cultures. She also serves as City Commissioner on the Newark Landmarks and Historic Preservation Commission.

An accomplished producer, conductor, music copyist, and transcriber, Moten said: “It is my mission to make sure that there is a linkage between the Mayor’s office and the community in the areas under my portfolio. I do so by moving with a positive attitude and sharing my gifts.” She continued, “Ultimately that’s my goal, to enlighten, and give hope to world simply by sharing my life experiences.”

MUSIC: ALL TYPES OF MUSIC, IMPOSSIBLE TO CHOOSE FAVORITE ARTIST: ANYONE WHO IS GOOD AT THEIR CRAFT FAVORITE HOBBIES: MUSIC, ALL FORMS OF THE ARTS AND TRAVELING WHAT DO YOU ENJOY: PEACEFUL ENVIRONMENT AND INTELLECTUAL CONVERSATION GUILTY PLEASURE: WATCHING TOO MANY DOCUMENTARIES

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Rev. Louise ScottRountree Servant of the People

By Glenda Cadogan

E

ven when she did not recognize it as such, throughout her life Rev. Louise Scott-Rountree has shown a gift for ministry. In her mind she was just “giving a word.”

But even as a young girl, Rev. Louise’s gifts were evident to the adults in her life, including her father, Rev. Dr. Malachi D. Rountree, a Baptist minister. “I was made to participate in programs, sing, and go to church,” she recalled. So, in her youthful mind she made a quiet pledge. “I told myself that as soon as I could get away from these people, I ain’t doing this no more,” she quipped. There is an old saying that human beings make plans and God laughs. Indeed, God must have had a hearty laugh at young Louise’s child-

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like intentions. In fact, so did everyone else to whom God’s anointing on her life was glaringly evident.

With this anointing and her passion for community service, engendered by her mother and the late Katherine “Kitty” Taylor, Louise started her “ministry” as an advocate for senior citizens.

Her public service work has continued unabated, culminating in her current position as director/manager of Clergy Affairs and head of the Inter-Faith Alliance for the administration of the Mayor of Newark, Ras J. Baraka. In this capacity, she proudly works to unify the faith-based population, as well as assisting in improving the quality of life for residents by servicing families in need from grief counseling to food distribution. “I am privileged that I get to fellowship with imams, rabbis, pastors, and bishops,” said Rev. Louise.

“Moreover, I am proud that this is the first time in years that we have had an active inter-faith alliance in the Mayor’s office. “It is a time when I am truly motivated by the leadership in the city of Newark.”

Self-described as a “servant of the people,” she continues to touch lives from the cradle to the grave. It was a cold winter Sunday in January of 2006 when the Rev. Dr. George Blackwell, III and the congregation of the Good Neighbor Baptist Church of Newark decided to witness her ministerial license.

“When my pastor first asked me to

pick a date I had no idea what the reason was,” she said. “All I knew was that the third Sunday in January was the first available date on the church’s calendar. I then learned that the church was going to witness my license.” On that day, in 20degree weather, a filled-to-capacity church became a living testimony to the work of this servant leader.

Sisters Inspiring Sisters is another initiative of the mayor’s office that was birthed under Rev. Louise’s leadership. “Some of us have dropped the ball when it comes to speaking to our young girls,” she stated. “The Mayor readily accepted that fact when I suggested to him that someone needs to be speaking to our young girls. He green-lighted the project and Sisters Inspiring Sisters was created as an avenue for successful women to speak to our elementary and high school girls, letting them know that they can overcome whatever is going on in their lives if they only persevere.”

Motivated by the New Testament scripture that reminds us to never get weary in well doing, Rev. Louise Rountree is not troubled by the naysayers and doubters. “I am motivated by one thing and one thing only,” she revealed, “to treat people right! Because when God is ready to have a conversation with me, it will not be about what other people did to me, but about how I treated other people. This keeps me going, even when the going is rough.”

MUSIC: ALL TYPES OF MUSIC BUT ESPECIALLY GOSPEL FAVORITE ARTIST: TOO MANY TO CHOOSE ONE WHAT DO YOU ENJOY?: HELPING PEOPLE FAVORITE HOBBIES: READING (HAVE NO TIME TO DO ANY OTHER) GUILTY PLEASURE: LATE NIGHT SWEETS

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Alexis Trusty

DIRECTOR, THE NEWARK YOUTH OFFICE

Changing Lives and Turning Challenge into Triumph

By Kaylyn Kendall Dines

E

very day Alexis Trusty wakes up, she asks herself, “Who am I going to impact today? How am I going to influence change?” Serving as director of the Newark Youth Office is how she does it. The office, which thrives primarily from sponsorships and volunteerism, did not exist before Ras J. Baraka became mayor of New Jersey’s largest city.

Shakira McKnight, an employee in Newark’s Recreation Department, is an advisor for the Newark Youth Ambassadors program in Trusty’s department.

Five teenagers, one from each ward, participate in the program, building their leadership skills and voicing their opinions about changes they want made in their neighborhoods. During weekly meetings, ambassadors are exposed to various aspects of city government. They have an opportunity to learn about policy, legislation, and the responsibilities of a mayoral aide. The young

www.thepositivecommunity.com thepositivecommunity.com

leaders host town hall meetings and encourage their peers to participate in community outreach programs and community clean-up projects.

“These young people made me a better person,” declared Trusty. “As older people, we feel like we know everything,” but they keep her grounded. She hosts a Newark Kids Rock talent showcase and Rock the Career Runway, featuring notable professionals who have excelled in their industries. The responsibility was given to Trusty by the mayor. “He made me feel like I matter.

To be a part of something is also a change. I feel relevant and I have a stake in something.”

At one point in her life, Trusty doubted herself, mainly due to the sexual abuse she suffered as a child. But, she decided to turn a tragic situation into a triumphant story. “I was the ugly duckling who wasn’t being accepted. Then, I gave myself to God and started praying.

Counseling was fine, but I gave all of it to God. I’m not going to allow anybody to make me feel unworthy. I looked in the mirror and said, ‘Girl you’re amazing.’ It was the rebirth of Alexis. I said, ‘Enough is enough.’”

This Newark resident feels blessed and compelled to help others move toward their greatness. When the federal government launched the My Brother’s Keeper initiative during President Barack Obama’s administration, she had a vision for women. Trusty approached the mayor and received approval to launch My Sister’s Keeper (MSK), a pilot program with the mission to educate and empower women through career coaching, mentoring, community engagement, and healthy lifestyle workshops.

Trusty proudly hosts empowerment symposiums that bring together 700 girls citywide. She is grateful to the women who volunteer to make it happen. “We laugh, cry, argue, eat, and do amazing events…We do all of it as a family,” added Trusty.

“All of the trials and tribulations that I went through, I had to go through,” Trusty explained. “Nobody should be molested. Nobody should be beaten up or bullied.

This is part of my testimony. I’m still standing. I didn’t allow it to beat me up too badly, and I’m standing.

That’s my story. My job is to change lives,” Trusty notes the positive impact Mayor Baraka has made in her life.

“The way I pay him back is that people can look at me empowering others and making sure they get the tools necessary so they can live their lives. Every day I wake up and make a difference. If I don’t, I feel like I didn’t do my job.”

HOBBIES: WRITING; TALKING; TRAVELING MUSIC: NINA SIMONE SOURCE OF INSPIRATION: YOUNG PEOPLE

October/November The Positive Positive Community October/November2017 2017 The Community 53 51

Health ideas for wellness

Shani Baraka Multiservice Center Empowering Women/Ultimately Saving Lives

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pened in May of this year, the new 12,000 sq. ft. building in Newark’s South Ward houses a onestop center for women in crisis. The center has special meaning for Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka and his family and is named in honor of his sister, Shani, who was killed in 2003, a victim of domestic violence.

At only 31 years old, Shani Baraka left an indelible mark on all who knew her. She taught science and language arts at Valisburg Middle School in Newark and as assistant basketball coach at Malcolm X Shabazz High School, helped the girls team attain a championship status.

An activist for the LGBTQ Community and Women’s Rights, her spirit permeates the operation of the center and honors her memory by providing a safe haven for women and children.

The Domestic Violence Response Team of the Newark Police Department is located in the facility along with Missing Persons and Special Victims Units. Medical and social services are also available in the multi-faceted agency. The goal of the center is to meet the needs of women and their families in crisis and transition, and provide support, care, protection, and empowerment for women of all ages in the City of Newark.

The Center provides myriad programs and services facilitated by the city along with several community partners— services designed to target the causes of the crisis, not just the symptoms. Many women face a number of problems throughout their lives and at times need help.

The Shani Baraka Women’s Resource Center is available for women in need of a job, a place to live, counseling, or help against violence. — TPC Staff Photo: Risasi Dias

MISSION: To empower women and their families to achieve safe, healthy, and self-sufficient lives by providing support, education, counseling, information, and services in a safe environment.

VISION: • To be a progressive center, serving our community • To expand and grow to meet the changing needs in women’s lives • To help women and families help themselves to develop safe, healthy and self-sufficient lives • To provide the gifts of hope and courage, changing lives for the better – forever Partners: • City of Newark, NJ - Office of the Mayor • City of Newark - Department of Health and Community Wellness • City of Newark – Police Department • City of Newark - Domestic Violence Response Team • City of Newark – Municipal Council.

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The Positive Community October/November 2017

L–R: Second from front left; Amina Bey, with Ras' mother Amina Baraka, and Mayor Ras J. Baraka surounded by celebrants www.thepositivecommunity.com

Amina Bey, Executive Director

Saint Michael’s Medical Center Celebrates 150 Years in Newark “With the commitment of Dr. Prim Reddy and the resources of Prime Healthcare, we’ve been able to make significant investments in Saint Michael’s,” Iannaccone said. “Saint Michael’s is one of the most modern healthcare facilities in the region.”

Throughout its history, Saint Michael’s has been a pioneer in the medical field. The hospital was the first in New Jersey to perform open-heart surgery, and the first to develop a cardiac catheterization program. It was also the first hospital to open an HIV testing center in New Jersey and has tested and diagnosed thousands of cases of the disease since it was first discovered in the 1980s. Saint Michael’s also opened one of the first women’s breast center’s in the state, the Connie Dwyer Breast Center.

From left to right: Dr. Claudia Komer, Saint Michael’s CMO; Assemblywoman Eliana Pintor; the Rev. Ronald Slaughter, pastor of Saint James AME Church and chair of Saint Michael’s; Robert Iannaccone, CEO of Saint Michael’s Medical Center, state Sen. M. Teresa Ruiz and Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin of the Archdiocese of Newark.

hile the practice of medicine has W changed since Saint Michael’s Medical Center opened its doors 1867, one thing has remained constant -- the commitment to serve the community.

At a celebration marking its 150th anniversary in September -- on the Feast of Saint Michael the Archangel -- the Newark hospital recommitted to its goals of providing the highest quality medical care to the community.

“Whether international wars, overwhelming disease, racial and ethnic inequality, or socioeconomic injustice, Saint Michael’s embraced those challenges and the commitment to serve the Newark Community prevailed,” said Dr. Claudia Komer, the hospital’s chief medical officer, speaking to guests in the courtyard of the hospital during the gala anniversary celebration.

Cardinal Joseph Tobin of the Archdiocese of Newark blessed the hospital, which was founded by the Franciscan Sisters of the Poor, who came from Cincinnati, Ohio, to open a hospital for the city’s growing, poor immigrant population.

“I am thrilled that the hospital not only has survived for 150 years, but is a thriving center of healing that provides the highest quality healthcare to those who have made this region

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their home,” Cardinal Tobin said. “It is entirely appropriate that we celebrate this joyous occasion on the Feast of Saint Michael.”

The 150-year anniversary marks a significant milestone for Saint Michael’s in an extremely competitive healthcare marketplace that has witnessed numerous hospital closings in the last two decades.

Saint Michael’s was purchased in May 2016 by Prime Healthcare, a California-based healthcare corporation that operates nearly four dozen hospitals across the United States.

Prime Healthcare also owns Saint Mary’s in Passaic and Saint Clare’s Healthcare in Morris County.

Saint Michael’s CEO Robert Iannaccone said Prime Healthcare’s purchase of Saint Michael’s has brought new investment and growth to the hospital.

In the last year, Saint Michael’s has invested more than $21 million in upgrades, including the installation of the EPIC system for electronic records, new monitoring devices and the latest cancer treatment equipment to the Cancer Center. Less than a decade ago, the hospital also added a new wing with a state-of-the art emergency room. A new Fast Track unit in the Emergency Room was recently opened that will reduce the hospital’s shortest-in-the-region wait times even further.

The Positive Community October/November 2017

The Rev. Ronald Slaughter, the pastor of Saint James AME Church and the chair of Saint Michael’s board, said the hospital plays a vital role in the community. Slaughter was among those who rallied the community to support the sale of Saint Michael’s to Prime.

At the time, a state-commissioned report recommended the hospital be closed as an acute-care facility.

“One of the reasons that I was so passionate about saving Saint Michael’s is the vital role it plays in our community,” said Slaughter, whose church is among the largest in Newark. “If Saint Michael’s wasn’t here, our community’s access to healthcare would be severely hampered. Saint Michael’s survival was vital to the community.”

Central Ward Councilwoman Gayle Chaneyfield Jenkins said Saint Michael’s is one of Newark’s thriving institutions that not only provides healthcare, but jobs to local residents.

“Saint Michael’s is an economic engine in this city,” said Chaneyfield-Jenkins, who lead the charge on the City Council to save the hospital.

Chaneyfield Jenkins also noted that the hospital sits amid a growing residential community, with thousands of new housing units built or in the planning stages.

“As Newark’s Central Ward and business center continues to grow, all of these new residents will be looking for high quality health care,” Chaneyfield Jenkins said. “Fortunately, they will not have to go far because Saint Michael’s is right in their backyard.”

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KAHLIL CARMICHAEL THE FITNESS DOCTOR

Kahlil Carmichael MAPCC, MDIV, CPT is the pastor of Live Well Church, in Somerset, New Jersey. He is a fitness specialist at The Fitness Doctor, a fitness and wellness consulting company; and the author of 50 Tips for a Better You. He is a contributor to Guideposts magazine. His first publication, Living Longer Living Better, is available now. Go to www.livewellchurch.org for more information.

Itching Ears

A

s pastor of Live Well Church, I have learned to expect people’s inability to receive truth and hear a hard word of advice and/or correction.

Well-meaning people often disregard sound advice I offer on how to lose weight, become healthier, and live well (body, mind, and spirit).

I find those who are pursuing better health are equally guilty as those I minister to within faith-based circles and churches. These individuals have itching ears.

“Itching ears” is a term used in the Bible to describe individuals who seek messages and doctrines that condone their lifestyle as opposed to the teachings of the Apostles. I believe itching ears is an appropriate term for those who are on a spiritual journey, but it brilliantly fits some d health and fitness enthusiasts as well.

Many successful, highly intelligent, insightful, and astute individuals are unable to accept the truth about weight loss and exercise. They’d rather look for an alternate route to well-being—a way that does not cost them anything.

There are always two choices, two paths to take. One is easy, and its only reward is that it’s easy. It is easier for some people to stop eating altogether or diet than utilize the discipline required to make healthier food choices. It’s easier to pay $3.99 per month for a gym membership that is never used than to invest in a professional trainer who can help guide and motivate you to success. Taking a pill or drinking special potions is easier than doing what needs to be done to live longer, live better, and live well.

So, what are the simple truths that those with itching ears are missing? Glad you asked. Eat healthier, exercise consistently, and live well.

Eat Healthier Consume more fruits and vegetables; decrease food portions; significantly decrease sugar and salt; supplement your diet with vitamin D, magnesium, and omega 3s.

Exercise Consistently Remember the truth that less is more. Exercising three to four days per week for about 30 minutes each workout will help you maintain a healthy weight and improve your appearance. Utilize weights to build strength and muscle to

56 The The Positive Positive Community Community 58

October/November October/November2017 2017

burn body fat and keep you lean. Don’t do it alone. Get professional help—a trainer or fitness coach. Of course, my staff and I are here to help you. Call for an appointment.

Live Well Living well requires balance. It’s not all or nothing. Little steps every day help to accomplish goals. When we focus on living well, we focus on things such as seeking God through prayer and worship; getting proper rest; spending time with our family; maintaining regular visits with your physician; and enjoying each day.

Jesus reminds us there are two paths, narrow and wide.

We are told by Jesus, who is the Christ, that many will chose the wide path, which leads to nothing. But few will choose the narrow path, which leads to life.

Those with itching ears will follow the wide path because everyone else is doing it and it seems fruitful. But there are a few individuals who have planned to seek and follow the narrow path of truth and life. Obeying and following truth is never easy. But the fruits are freedom and results that will remain.

Peace and Blessings.

Exercise Consistently, Eat Healthier, and Live Well.

To grow spiritually and improve physically or have Pastor Carmichael present his wellness seminar to your church or group, email Pastor@itiswellchurch.com or visit our website at www.livewellchurch.org thepositivecommunity.com www.thepositivecommunity.com

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St. Paul Community Baptist Church’s MAAFA 2017 MAAFA leading lady LaLa Scott

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The Positive Community October/November 2017

Photos: Martin Dixon, DeuxYeuxPhotographie

F

or the 23rd consecutive year, New York-based and nationally recognized pastor, Rev. David K. Brawley of East New York’s St. Paul Community Baptist Church (SPCBC), presents The MAAFA: “A Sojourn to Justice.”

The theatrical production recognizes and reflects the journey of African slaves to America from 1500-1900. Attracting more than 3,000 people every year, the play follows the journey of more than 100 million slaves through the Middle Passage during a period of history known as the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade. The MAAFA offers people from all walks of life a chance to understand the nature of the treatment the ancestors of black Americans went through upon generations of Africans in America.

As part of the presentation, the SPCBC campus transforms into The MAAFA Museum, a visual/interactive walking tour. Visitors experience “Africans in America” in a new and enlightening way with art, authentic artifacts, wood carvings, quilts, historic vignettes, and more. The MAAFA Museum tour is appropriate for adults and students grades 4 and higher.

The term MAAFA (pronounced Mah-AH-fah) is a Kiswahili word that gives definition to the catastrophic event experienced by millions of African people during the Middle Passage journey from Africa bound for enslavement in the Americas. The word MAAFA is the concept of Dr. Marimba Ani, African-American scholar and author, and has been adopted in contemporary scholarship. –AAC

Rev. David K. Brawley and Glenn E. Martin, founder and president of JustLeadershipUSA

www.thepositivecommunity.com

Let’s Get Everyone Covered.

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E R FO Fun at NCEDC Golf Tournament SHORT-TERM REHABILITATION

MAKING HARLEM STRONG Harlem Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation provides outstanding short-term rehabilitation programs and an array of customized treatment programs designed to get you back on your feet after a hospital stay.

A We bring together the region’s foremost rehabilitative physicians, nurses, therapists, and clinicians to offer superior rehabilitation care, providing you with individualized therapy using state-of-the-art equipment and technology.

L–R: Deputy Mayor, Dept. of Economic and Housing Development, Carmelo Garcia; Ray Catena Sales Associate H. Dan Dunn; NCEDC President and CEO Aisha Glover; and Jeff Dunn, founder and executive director of the Incubator Inc.

Photos: Peter Gillo

L–R: Veronica Manning, executive director, Unified Vailsburg Services Organization with Newark City Councilman Joseph McCallum

T

he Newark Community Economic Development Corporation hosted its first fundraising golf tournament on September 28, 2017 at the Forest Hill Field Club in Bloomfield, NJ. Contractors, developers, investors, and stakeholders enjoyed a perfect day, weather wise on the greens —we can’t vouch for how the golfers actually fared. But one lucky player won a lease of a 2018 Mercedes Benz courtesy of corporate sponsor Ray Catena As the primary economic development catalyst for the State of New Jersey’s largest city, Newark CEDC is organized to retain, attract, and grow businesses, enhance small and minority business capacity, and spur real estate development throughout the city’s 20 diverse neighborhoods.

There was much to celebrate! —TPC Staff

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The Positive Community October/November 2017

Harlem Center

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Website

Watch the Gubernatorial debate

Chamblee’s Square Restaurant Chamblee’s Famous Peach Cobbler Filling Ingredients

Dough Ingredients

6lbs (#10 can) of Del Monte Yellow Sliced Peaches in Light Syrup (save/reserve 50% of syrup) ¼ pound of Butter 1 Teaspoon of Nutmeg 1 Teaspoon of Cinnamon 1 ½ Tablespoons of Vanilla Flavor 1 ½ Tablespoons of Coconut Flavor 1 Tablespoon of Almond Flavor 1 Tablespoon of Vanilla, Butter, Nut Flavor 1 Cup of Sugar (add more for sweeter taste) 4 teaspoons of Carnation Milk

a pinch of Baking Powder 1 cup of Aunt Jemima Flour 1 Egg ½ cup of Whole Milk ½ Teaspoon of Crisco

Combine above ingredients together including the peach syrup and heat in pot on low for 7 minutes. (Stir occasionally)

Knead together. Dust rolling pin with flour. Roll dough very thin.

Put half of dough in a baking dish. Bake at 425 degrees for 12 minutes (until brown). Remove from oven and pour filing on.

Cut remaining dough into 1 ½ inch wide strips. Placing strips in criss-cross pattern from end to end. (Optional: Sugar & Cinnamon can be sprinkled over dough). Bake in oven until golden brown.

Serves 15

596 Hunterdon Street • Newark, NJ • (Corner Madison Ave.)

973-824-8725

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October/November 2017 The Positive Community

63

“De un hogar... a otro” DONATE TODAY EVERY BIT HELPS NEW JERSEY PUERTO RICAN CONGRESS

Hurricane Maria has caused catastrophic flooding in Puerto Rico and has left many in desparate need of assistance.

Many are homeless or without power/water.

QUESTIONS - DONATIONS - PRESS INQUIRIES:

nj4pr.org

donate@nj4pr.org

PO Box 403, Keasbey, NJ 08832

Give the gift of live entertainment this holiday season!

A CHRISTMAS CAROL

By Charles Dickens Adapted by David Thompson | Directed by Adam Immerwahr

December 5 - 31, 2017

Sponsored by

STONES IN HIS POCKETS

By Marie Jones | Directed by Lindsay Posner

January 12 – February 11, 2018 15th Anniversary Production of

CROWNS

Written and Directed by Regina Taylor Adapted from the book by Michael Cunningham and Craig Marberry

March 13 – April 1, 2018

TURNING OFF THE MORNING NEWS A World Premiere

Mimi Francis in A Christmas Carol 2016, photo by T. Charles Erickson

By Christopher Durang | Directed by Emily Mann

May 4 – June 3, 2018

mccarter.org | 609.258.2787 | 91 University Place, Princeton, NJ 08540 www.thepositivecommunity.com

October/November 2017 The Positive Community

65

Education the art + science of learning

Good Times Continue for Actor John Amos Photo courtesy of Military.com

Award-winning Actor’s New Book Carries on His Work with Young People

L

angston Hughes School in East Orange was John Amos’ first stop on the book tour to promote his first children’s book, A World without Color.

Award-winning film and television actor John Amos sat casually with fourth- and fifth-grade classes at Langston Hughes Elementary School to read and talk about the book, and answer questions from the young learners about his career and the writing process.

Amos explained that the idea for the book came to him because of the controversy over race, “I just thought that there’s so much discussion and so many arguments these days on both sides of the table in regard to people of color, it might be interesting if we could imagine what a world would be like without any color at all,” he explained. “So if everything was exactly the same, there would be no discussion or argument about different colors. But wouldn’t it be a dull, mundane world without it?”

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BY G.R.MATTOX

The Positive Community October/November 2017

A graduate of East Orange High School, Amos wrote the imaginative and thoughtful parable along with children’s book author Dustin Warburton and author and illustrator Lenny K. It tells the story of Bleakersville, “where everything was gray on gray,” and a little boy named Casey, who, fed up with the dreariness of his town, slowly introduces happiness and positive feelings to people in the town who have never experienced them via the colors he sees.

Receiving favorable press, one reviewer wrote about A World without Color that it was “a great read with a positive message.” Another said that his kids “loved it” and it was “great for all ages.”

Amos, who has appeared in numerous roles in television and film for almost four decades, including the ground-breaking original mini-series Roots, the iconic television sitcom Good Times, the television series The West Wing, and many films including Coming to

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America, Let’s Do It Again and Madea's Witness Protection, also spent the morning answering questions from the students about his professional athletic and acting careers; his one man play, Halley’s Comet, which he recently performed at South Orange Middle school; and his non-profit foundation of the same name that he created for at-risk youth. Then, turning the tables he questioned the students about the kinds of stories they like to read and why they like to read them.

Amos revealed that while he tried boxing and football, and was even an illustrator at one time, he found his greatest strength was in storytelling, and praised people like his parents and teachers for encouraging him toward what has become a successful acting career.

Veronica Vargas, Community Business Development manager at Barnes & Noble Inc. and a member of the team that organized the book tour, which included an appearance at a local B&N later in the week, was delighted. “I can’t express what a wonderful opportunity it was for me to see Mr. Amos interact with the students and how impressed I was with the amount of research they did to get to know him before his visit,” she said.

Langston Hughes School Principal Dr. Vincent Stallings agreed. “This is an exciting day for the school and an example to our students of where hard work, talent, and imagination can take you.”

Sunday, 10/29/2017 • 11 am-2 pm • 300 Jay Street, Brooklyn NY 11201

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NEW EXCELSIOR SCHOLARSHIP YOU MAY BE ABLE TO ATTEND CITY TECH TUITION-FREE!

October/November 2017 The Positive Community

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Church and Sorority Working Together Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Pi Theta Omega Chapter Provides Backpacks for Youth

BY REV. CAROL PATERSON

C

alvary Baptist Church in Morristown, NJ and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated— Pi Theta Omega Chapter have developed a partnership through which children whose parent(s) are incarcerated don’t have to go back school ill-equipped.

The members donate, solicit, prepare, and distribute backpacks and school supplies to these elementary school children as a joint labor of love. The effort encompasses one of the Pi Theta Omega’s international program targets—Educational Enrichment through AKA One Million Backpacks. Over the last two years, the chapter has provided over 800 backpacks filled with over 10,000 school supplies to those in need across the region.

Students are identified through Rev. Herman Scott, chair of the CBC Prison Ministry and chaplain of the Morris County Bureau of Corrections. Backpacks are

prepared by the sorority and delivered to Rev. Scott for distribution. This year marks the sixth year of the partnership, as the Pi Theta Omega Chapter continues to provide substantial support to promote and encourage learning and education, as well as address needs within the community.

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated—Pi Theta Omega Chapter was established in May, 1986 and is the first African American Greek letter organization in Morris County. The chapter”s local youth programs are launched in September through its: PTO-AKA Gems program for middle school girls (6th through 8th grades) and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority’s signature ASCEND program, focusing on STEM for male and female students in grades nine through 12. Applications are still being accepted for both programs, and may be obtained by contacting: pithetaomegapresident@gmail.com.

AKA-Pi Theta Omega Chapter President Aida Roberts-Bush presents backpacks to Rev. Herman Scott and members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated–Pi Theta Omega Chapter

68

The Positive Community October/November 2017

www.thepositivecommunity.com

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A 2020 Vision:

Hire.Buy.Live.Newark

RUTGERS-NEWARK JOINS OTHER ANCHORS MAKING COMMITMENTS

BY PETER ENGLOT

R

utgers Newark Chancellor Nancy Cantor joined City of Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka and leaders of numerous other local anchor institutions in a press conference this past June regarding a major collective impact initiative to dramatically reduce poverty and unemployment and strengthen the city's economy by the beginning of the next decade. Under this initiative known as “Hire. Buy. Live. Newark,” each of the partner organizations from the public, private, and nonprofit sectors is establishing specific targets for employing more Newarkers and increasing procurement of goods and services from Newark-based businesses.

Among the most ambitious elements is an effort that the cross-sector partners are calling “Newark 2020,” the aim of which is to connect 2,020 unemployed Newarkers to work by 2020. According to a recent report from the New Jersey Institute for Social Justice, Newark’s 33% poverty rate among minority populations is nearly double

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The Positive Community October/November 2017

the national average, and only 18% of jobs in Newark are held by city residents — half the proportion of that in comparable cities. For their part in increasing access to jobs for Newarkers, Chancellor Cantor and Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences (RBHS) Chancellor Brian Strom announced that their institutions, combined, aim to make 220 local hires.

Another element of the initiative is to increase local procurement by Newark’s anchors, spurred by the findings of a 2014 study funded by the Prudential Foundation that showed six representative anchors combined were spending only 3% of their procurement dollars with Newark businesses. Projections released at the press conference indicate that increasing local procurement to 10% would add $33 million to Newark’s economy. Cantor and Strom announced their intention to increase the combined local procurement of Rutgers-Newark and RBHS by 20% by 2025. www.thepositivecommunity.com

“It is absolutely critical that in a city, state, and nation where inequalities increasingly map to race and class, anchor institutions join together and collaborate with public leaders to forge a new path forward,” said Cantor, who is recognized internationally as a thought leader on anchor institutions. “Higher education institutions, in particular, are perfectly positioned to pool our expertise with that of private and nonprofit partners, but even more immediately to join forces with other anchors concertedly to hire more local talent, buy more through local supply chains, and encourage employees and students to live locally. That is precisely what we are committing to do.”

The thinking behind Hire. Buy. Live. Newark has been informed by extensive research into the breadth and depth of Newark’s network of more than 400 manufacturers conducted by Kevin Lyons, professor of professional practice at Rutgers Business School, Newark and New Brunswick, and director of its Public-Private Community Partnership Program. Lyons has been working for several years with regional collaborators to improve key business functions of Newark-based manufacturers such as supply chain and logistics, workforce development, business development strategies, new decision-making tools for industrial production databases, and new ways to analyze customer demand. One notable major success was when he connected Newark Beth Israel Hospital to local manufacturer Rock Ya Socks LLC to meet a need for socks given to hospital patients. That contract is now being scaled up to meet needs across Beth Israel’s parent organization, RWJ Barnabas Health.

Guided by its strategic plan unveiled in fall 2014, Rutgers-Newark already has been making substantial, strategic investments that intertwine its educational, research, and economic development missions while making sig-

Guided by its strategic

nificant impact locally. For example, the RU-N to the TOP Scholarship program is supporting more than 700 Newark and New Jersey residents to help transform educational access and opportunity by increasing college attainment.

Seed grant programs established by Cantor have provided nearly $10 million over the past three years to support multi-disciplinary, collaborative projects that bring together what the university calls “communities of experts” from across higher education institutions and public, private, and nonprofit organizations, along with community residents, to work collaboratively on pressing challenges locally that reflect some of the most complex problems facing the nation and the world. Many of the funded projects focus on improving safety and health in urban neighborhoods, expanding educational pathways for students of all backgrounds, spurring inclusive urban economic development, and leveraging arts and culture to increase community vitality.

The principles underlying Hire. Buy. Live. Newark reflect those described by Cantor in remarks she recently gave at the invitation of New Jersey Secretary of Higher Education Rochelle Hendricks in launching the New Jersey Coalition of Anchor Institutions at a convening last month. “It is high time to roll up our sleeves and learn from and with our neighbors, the very ones whose children will increasingly attend our institutions and define the future of our cities, our state, and our world,” Cantor said. She went on to suggest that anchor institutions can help their cities, and America as a whole, reap the benefits of tapping their diverse talent pools, but only “if we do the hard work of collaboration and share our current prosperity with those who will make it last going forward.”

Peter Englot is senior vice chancellor for Public Affairs and chief of staff to Chancellor Nancy Cantor.

• 15 Washington Street, a historic neoclassical skyscraper on Washington Park

plan unveiled in fall 2014,

restored and renovated in 2015 to house 330 graduate and undergraduate students who are helping to bring increased vitality to downtown.

Rutgers-Newark already has

• The building features a Great Hall that has become a popular site for

been making substantial, strategic investments Perhaps even more visible to the Newark community, Rutgers-Newark has been investing in infrastructure projects designed to leverage the physical, cultural, and intellectual assets of the university and the community. Major capital projects initiated or completed by RutgersNewark in recent months include: www.thepositivecommunity.com

major gatherings hosted by community organizations and Clement’s, an occasional jazz club programmed by the Rutgers-Newark Institute of Jazz Studies, the world’s most comprehensive jazz archive.

• Express Newark, the 50,000 square foot university-community arts col-

laboratory in the magnificently renovated Hahne & Co. Building where artists and community residents collaborate, experiment, and innovate in partnership with Rutgers University – Newark faculty, staff, and students with the goals of engaging in public work, creative practice, and democratic dialogue in order to promote positive transformation

• Relocation of the university’s Barnes & Noble College Bookstore to Hahne’s

• Site preparation for the innovative Honors Living-Learning Community

that will house 400 students, many of whom will be from Newark and Greater Newark October/November 2017 The Positive Community

71

A Testimonial: Newark School of Theology Celebrates 20 Years!

Meet Rev. Douglas Bendall, Ph.D. Founder and President

By Orlene Cummings with Jennifer Fell Hayes

I

t is often remarked that when others are fleeing a hazardous event first responders are running toward the danger. So it is with pastors called to serve in challenging ministries. Every church leader is called to put the needs of others before their own. Therefore, every ministry in the church is a diaconal ministry; i.e., a servant ministry. Humble service that increases the quality of life for others is the distinguishing mark of Christian service.

We see this same commitment in the Old Testament. Although Jerusalem was under siege from the Neo-Babylonians, Jeremiah purchased a field in Anathoth from his cousin. He acted upon God’s promise that even after defeat, land would once again be sold in Israel. Regardless of seemingly insurmountable obstacles, Jeremiah obeyed.

The Church stills lives and acts with the same trust in God that Jeremiah exhibited in his lifetime. We see this in Newark, especially in many of the smaller congregations that serve the poorer and less advantaged persons in our city. Although they may have few resources in buildings, money, and theological education, many among our inner city pastors bring the love of Christ to those at whom our society does not bother to take a second look.

It is in this modern day sort of Anathoth that I met a scholar-theologian and community leader, The Rev. Douglas Bendall, Ph.D., the founder of The Newark School of Theology in Downtown Newark. Although he received a doctorate in Process Theology under the direction of Dr. Bernard Loomer, the scholar who named this branch of theology, and has a daughter who is a tenured professor at Oxford University, Dr. Bendall says God called him to establish an educational ministry in Newark in January 1975, first as pastor of St. Andrew’s Church in the South Ward. In August of the same year, Bendall was led to his primary calling, to establish a school of theology in Newark.

The Calling By the Grace of God, The Newark School of Theology (NST) was founded in 1997. It embodies a dream Dr. Bendall carried for over 25 years to establish a school of theology for inner city ministers and lay persons that embodies Dr. King’s Dream of the Beloved Community and promotes the healing of Newark through its certificate programs.

The Newark School of Theology offers graduate level theological education to anyone who desires to study theology at this level, either to develop a deeper understanding of God or to prepare for more effective ministry in their community. Because the school is designed to offer high quality theological education to pastors and lay persons who lack a college degree, it does not offer the full three year curriculum found at more traditional schools. Classes are offered at a fraction of the cost of more traditional schools. Although NST is dependent upon tuition income and donations, it offers generous support to students with unusually low and very low income. Because there is no religious affiliation required for enrollment, anyone from any faith tradition who can do the course work is welcome to study at The Newark School of Theology.

The Newark School of Theology offers six certificate programs and a college completion program. It prepares students for Church leadership as pastors, deacons, and lay persons.

Classes use texts that are studied at the leading seminaries, colleges, and universities in North America. Faculty members have earned graduate degrees from Princeton, Drew University, Union Theological Seminary, The Graduate Theological Union and other well-known schools of Theology.

70 The The Positive Community October/November 2017 72 Positive Community October/November 2017

thepositivecommunity.com www.thepositivecommunity.com

Drs. Douglas and Lisa Bendall (daughter) at Oxford University.

Many NST alumni have continued their studies at other well-known schools. These include The University of Chicago, Princeton University, Rutgers University/New Brunswick, Thomas Edison State College, Montclair State University, St. Elizabeth’s College, Princeton Theological Seminary, The New Brunswick Theological Seminary, Drew Theological Seminary, Union Theological Seminary, The New York Theological Seminary, General Theological Seminary, and several others. One graduate now teaches in the Honors Program at New Jersey State University. Among its faculty, one is now a professor at Princeton Theological Seminary, another is a department chair at Pillar College.

Dr. Anthony Monti, now deceased, worked with the eminent Quantum physicist-theologian, The Rev. Dr. John Polkinghorne, at Cambridge University. Our graduates have become priests, pastors, deacons, lay leaders, teachers, and founders of new ministries in the larger community of Newark.

The Vision The Newark School of Theology is a response to an identified need for high quality religious education as a way to promote liberating readings of the Gospel within a community that offers few opportunities to its members to learn from the leading Biblical scholars and theologians of today and in the past. Its goal is to equip its students with the same quality of education that Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., acquired in our leading schools of theology. NST is alive with the hope that armed with the same kind of education that Dr. King acquired, members of our community will be energized to carry out liberating ministries of their own and work together for the healing of the larger Newark community.

When asked to describe his vocational call and his path to it, Dr. Bendall paused and said it was a long and winding road. He was not raised in the Church but “came to consciousness” after World War II when he began to ponder the problem of evil in the world. The Cold War forced him to think about the ways in which humans are sometimes cruel to one another. News reports about the Holocaust convinced Dr. Bendall that in some nations humans had lost their humanity during WWII. It seemed to him that the loss of humanity is a danger that confronts all of us in the modern world. In The United States the sheer irrationality and evil of racism deeply disturbed Dr. Bendall as a boy growing up in Baltimore, Maryland. The problems of racism and poverty thepositivecommunity.com www.thepositivecommunity.com

led Dr. Bendall to commit to a lifelong stance to take action and confront the evils we find around us. His zeal prompted him to begin to study the great thinkers of the past to learn how he can join the fight against the presence of evil and the depraved indifference to life exhibited by the atrocities of the Holocaust and racism in The United States. It was while at St. John’s College, Annapolis, Maryland, studying the Great Books of Western Civilization, that Dr. Bendall first learned of the work and ministry of Dr. Martin Luther King. Thanks to Dr. King’s insight and courage, Dr. Bendall saw for the first time that there are effective, non-violent ways to fight the evils of our age. Armed with his studies and the example of Dr. King, Dr. Bendall set out on a journey to become “fully human”, a phrase that means a life lived in commitment to combating the evils that stem from choices that harm others and a lifestyle that is free from participation in evil actions.

The Future Dr. Bendall is now a retired Episcopal Priest but devotes his time to the continued development of his school, the Newark School of Theology. It is in this particular platform that he engages in a form of evangelism, prophetic community work, and pastoral leadership. He does not bury himself and his true self in his identity as a pastor. He believes in being fully human and encourages others to do the same.

Dr. Bendall stated that he would advise anyone to bravely embrace life with all its challenges and not fear change. A large part of becoming fully human requires a willingness to question one’s previous self and to be prepared to change one’s mind. In actuality, we never exist outside of the love of God, regardless of where we find ourselves. God loves us wherever we are; and God’s love is unfailing.

Dr. Douglas Bendall inspires me as a community leader because of his willingness to be honest about his own journey. It is also because of his selflessness that I am currently a student at a nearby school of theology. While I was previously enrolled in the Newark School of Theology, Dr. Bendall sensed that it would be more advantageous for me to enroll in a more traditional school of theology.

I am eternally grateful that God chose to use this altruistic man to direct me to my present school of theology, where I can receive the full course of studies that are required for a Master of Divinity degree. I have a dream that one day I will acquire a doctoral degree and teach at the Newark School of Theology. I will always support Dr. Bendall’s vision and determination to provide the best possible theological education to people who have been taught they are not worthy of it.

The Newark School of Theology will celebrate the 20th Anniversary of its founding at the Robert Treat Hotel in January 2018. Co-Chairs of the Trustee Board, Marcia Brown, Esq., Vice-Chancellor at Rutgers University/Newark and Adrian A. Council, Publisher of The Positive Community, and Dr. Douglas Bendall, Founder, invite everyone to attend this joyful event.

Additional information on The Newark School of Theology can be found on its webpage www.thenewarkschooloftheology.org, by sending a message to nstnewark@aol.com or calling 973-297-0505.

October/November 2017 The Positive Community 71 October/November 2017 The Positive Community 73

Education Sunday At Union Baptist Temple

I

t was Education Sunday at Union Baptist Temple in Bridgeton, NJ. Senior Pastor Rev. Albert Morgan “God’s Mailman,” a member of the Bridgeton Board of Education, celebrated educators from surrounding communities in Cumberland and Salem counties. It was a day of praise and prayer for school administrators, teachers, parents and the children. The sermon, delivered in a college lecture style, was called It’s Time to Download. Taken from Proverbs 22:6 “Train up a child in the way he should go…” the message spoke to the challenges of raising and educating young people in today’s digital society; in an ever-increasingly complex world.

Pastor Morgan reminded the congregation that our sustaining hope for the future remains grounded in our faith, our cultural values, and the ideals of the race!

Union Baptist Temple graciously welcomed Publisher Adrian Council’s contribution to Education Sunday.

In his remarks, Adrian made very plain the enduring value of being responsible for our own African American history—our story. Owning The Positive Community’s Obama Commemorative Issue is a positive step in the right direction. It is up to each of us to do all we can to protect, preserve, and promote our very best. Council’s visit is part of TPC’s ongoing church tour to member congregations that subscribe to the magazine’s Great Roll Call to Progress (pg.7). – TPC Staff

Rev. Albert Morgan delivers sermon

Adrian Council presents the TPC Obama commemorative issue

View the entire sermon online: www.thepositivecommunity.com

Educators and school administrators being recognized by the congregation

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The Positive Community October/November 2017

www.thepositivecommunity.com

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Secrets to College Admissions

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BY CHANEL DONALDSON

Expanding Newark’s College-Going Culture

Photos: John Henry and Chanel Donaldson

T

his summer, the Newark City of University-Newark called “Debunk- derstand the critical importance of Learning Collaborative (NCLC) ing Myths about Financial Aid,” part partnering with other institutions to hosted “Secrets to College Ad- of a wellness series created to demys- help make college more accessible missions: What You Wish They Told tify the perceived idea that college is to all Newarkers and we are proud You about College!” a five-session series not affordable. The session was imme- to play a part in this important iniof college knowledge workshops held diately followed by a mini-college fair tiative,” says Newark Public Library in local library branches in each ward with all sponsoring colleges on hand Director Jeffrey Trzeciak. of the city. The series was co-sponsored to share their specific resources.

Approximately 120 Newark youth, by the Newark Public Library, the City NCLC is an ambitious effort to parents, and prospective college stuof Newark, Newark Public Schools, help Newark become a more econom- dents participated in the summer seand all of NCLC’s higher education ically vibrant city by increasing the ries, gaining valuable insight on how partners: Essex County College, New number of residents that have educa- to apply to any college, as well as the Jersey Institute of Technology, Pillar tion or training beyond high school. tools and resources needed to help College, Bloomfield College, Rutgers Working with a cross-section of part- them finance a college education.

University-Newark, Berkeley College, ners throughout the city, NCLC aims Attendees were able to ask questions Felician University, Rutgers Biomedi- to increase Newark’s post-secondary related to their specific needs and cal and Health Sciences, and Mont- attainment rate from the current 18.1 many walked away with resources they clair State University. percent to 25 percent by 2025. didn’t even know existed.

Inspired by Rutgers University“We’re working to expand the “The Secrets to College AdmisNewark’s “Road Map to College,” college-going culture throughout the sions series is a great opportunity for each session covered tips, tricks, and city,” says NCLC Executive Director Newark residents to get an ‘inside resources to help Newarkers under- Reginald Lewis. “We want to make look’ at admissions and financial stand how to apply to and finance sure that every resident in Newark aid,” stated Dr. David Williams, direcR A receives W E N the fo information , K R A Wand E Nknowlni Ntor O IofTAdmissions UTITSN I ROH CNA college. The series kicked off inKthe at Rutgers UniverSM A R to G make O R Pinformed C I M deciE D A sity-Newark.

C A D E S“The A B program’s - H C R Adesign ESER South Ward at the Weequahic Branch edge needed on July 18, 2017. Through August 8, sions about choosing a college.” affords us an opportunity to have a E Y L L A B O L G dna Y L L A C O L , G N I N R A E L L A I T N E I R E P X 2017, the session moved to different Secrets to College Admissions was real conversation about admissions T I N UtoMsupport M O CtheYexpansion T L U C AofF and dna financial T N E Daid UT S ‘demystifies’ ESREVID neighborhood branches in each ward Ycreated that O I Twhat A Ccan U be DE ELBAD R O FIn FA and was presented by a team of admis- Newark’s college-going culture.NThe a challenging process. sions and financial aid representatives series was intentionally crafted to be as the end, it seems that our attendees from one of the sponsoring colleges. accessible and inclusive as possible, by really benefit from the session, and The final culminating celebration bringing resources to residents where that they have a little more relief and took place on August 16, 2017, at the they live. One session, held in the East less stress about how to move forward Main Newark Public Library located Ward at the Van Buren Branch, was pre- in the college search process.” in the heart of Newark’s downtown. sented in both English and Spanish.

UDE.SRE Tinformation UR.K AWEN ForG more on R NCLC, Attendees from the previous sessions “Our libraries are a critical complease visit nclc2025.org. were invited back to the culminating munity resource, accessible to anyFor more information on upcoming Rutgers celebration, which included a deep one throughout the city at our Main University-Newark Debunking Myths sessions, dive into financial aid by Rutgers Library and seven branches. We unplease visit admissions.newark.rutgers.edu.

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The Positive Community October/November 2017

www.thepositivecommunity.com

UNIVERSITY | NEWARK U NUI V N EI VRESRI TSYI T |YN |ENWEAW R AKR K UNIVERSITY | NEWARK

A N C H O R I N S T I T U T I O N in N E W A R K , of N E W A R K A NACNHCOHRO IRN IS N TS I TT U I TTU IO T INO in N N in EN WEAWRAKR, Kof, N of EN WEAWRAKR K R - BS A D TAI O CN A DinE M M ES W A R K AE NSCEHAOR RC H IN T SI TE U N IECW PARROKG , RofA N R ER SES AERACRHC- H BA - BS A ES DE A D CAACDAED MEI M C I PCR PORGORGARMASM S E L SLEEDA R LL and RX EP SE ER A IRECNHT -I BAA AN C IANDGE, ML IOCC A PR OYG R A MGSL O B A L L Y E XE PX EP RE I ERN I ETN IA T LI ALLE A L ER A NRI N G I N, GL ,O LCO ACL A LY L Land Y and G LG O LB O A BL A LY LLY D IV FA C LOYM and MUN I TOYB A L L Y EX PE ER R SI EE NSTTIU AD L ELNE TA Rand NIN GC, UL L OTCYA L GL DIV D EI V RE SR E SSET U S TDUE D NETNand T and F A FCA UCL U TY L TCYOCMOMMUMNUI T NYI T Y A ATF IO D IFVF EORRSDE ASBTLUED EE D NU T Cand AN CULTY COMMUNITY A FA FO F FRODRADBA LB E LEEDEUDCUACTA IO T INO N AFFORDABLE EDUCATION

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NEWARK.RUTGERS.EDU N ENWEAWRAKR. K R .URTUGTEGRESR. S E .DEUD U NEWARK.RUTGERS.EDU

Where Where Where Where Opportunity Opportunity Opportunity Opportunity Meets Meets Meets Meets Excellence Excellence Excellence Excellence

Culture

music, art + literature L–R: Jeremy Johnson; Savion Glover; Gwen Moten, director of the Mayor’s Dept. of Cultural Affairs; Leon Denmark, executive director, Newark Symphony Hall; and Ruby Annette Evans, executive assistant, Newark Arts Council

Photos: Risasi Dais

Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka and participants at the Arts & Culture Economic Prosperity Press Conference at Newark City Hall.

Jeremy V. Johnson, Newark Arts Council executive director

Newark: A City of the Arts

N

ewark’s nonprofit arts and culture industry generates $178,328,298 in annual economic activity, supports 4,963 full-time equivalent jobs, and creates an additional $15,568,000 in local and state government revenues. Those were the numbers quoted at a recent press conference at Newark City Hall, called

by Mayor Ras J. Baraka to discuss the impact of arts and culture on the city. The latest Arts & Economic Prosperity 5 (AEP5) study, conducted by Americans for the Arts, which is the most comprehensive economic impact study of the nonprofit arts and culture industry, provided the statistics.

“Communities that embrace arts and cultural education, activities, and events are far richer than those who do not, “ said Mayor Baraka. “Newark is a ‘City of the Arts,’ where access to spoken word events, musical and dance performances, film, art exhibits, theatre offerings, museums, and libraries add exponentially to our economic health. The impact of our commitment to the arts is felt in our communities, our businesses, our institutions, and our households, and contributes to the revitalization that our city is experiencing. This report acknowledges the significance of our investment in this vital sector of Newark.”

Newark native and Tony Award-winning artist Savion Glover and Newark Arts Executive Director Jeremy Johnson discussed the importance of the city’s arts and culture industry to strengthening Newark’s prosperity.

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“Newark has always been home, but also, it has always been an absolute cultural gem and the birthplace of so many talented artists and brilliant young people” said Mr. Glover. “So I’m not surprised to see the incredible impact that the arts have on Newark as a whole and where we’re going as a city.”

The importance of this study cannot be overstated,” said Mr. Johnson. “It provides direct evidence that the arts and culture industry has a meaningful and significant impact on the economic vitality and vibrancy of our city. At Newark Arts we’ve long believed that arts and culture mean business, and now we have the data to back it up.”

According to Shané Harris, vice president of corporate giving, Prudential Financial Inc., and executive director of The Prudential Foundation, “The arts are an economic and employment powerhouse in Newark.

Based on this study, grant-makers and corporations like Prudential should feel optimistic about continuing to invest in the arts.”

“Whether transforming our understanding of ourselves or transforming the shape and condition of our communities, nothing unlocks our potential to innovate like the arts,” said Peter Englot, Newark Arts board president and senior vice chancellor at Rutgers University-Newark. The AEP5 study puts that into stark relief, underlining why investing in the arts is not just a good thing to do, it’s the smart thing to do.” —TPC Staff www.thepositivecommunity.com

kirk franklin ledisi with special guest pj morton nov 26

Ella & Dizzy: The Centennial Celebration Gregory Porter (above)

Chris Botti Wed, Nov 8 @ 7:30 PM

GRAMMY®-winning trumpet master Chris Botti returns to NJPAC!

John McLaughlin & Jimmy Herring Fri, Nov 10 @ 8 PM

Guitar virtuosos from Mahavishnu Orchestra and Widespread Panic.

Sat, Oct 28 @ 2PM & 7:30PM Full score performed live with the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra.

HARRY POTTER characters, names and related indicia are © & ™ Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. J.K. ROWLING`S WIZARDING WORLD™ J.K. Rowling and Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. Publishing Rights © JKR. (s17)

Sat, Dec 9 @ 10AM, 2PM & 6PM Sun, Dec 10 @ 10AM & 2PM Treat the family to the live tour of Nickelodeon’s hit animated series, PAW Patrol! © 2017 Spin Master PAW Productions Inc. All Rights Reserved. © 2017 Viacom.

gary owen michael blackson & smokey suarez

an evening with savion glover

Fri, Nov 17 @ 8PM An evening with three of the busiest new stars on the stand-up scene!

Thu, Dec 7 @ 7PM The Tony-winning tap master brings a thrilling dance production sure to blow the lid off the season!

the hip hop nutcracker with special guest mc kurtis blow

forces of nature dance company

Fri, Dec 15 @ 7PM NJPAC’s very own holiday hit is back—an urban mash-up that reimagines Tchaikovsky’s classic score with explosive hip-hop choreography.

Sat, Dec 16 @ 2PM & 7:30PM Celebrate Kwanzaa with this daring theatrical dance company and special guest poets Ntozake Shange and Sonia Sanchez.

Ella & Dizzy The Centennial Celebration Sun, Nov 12 @ 7 PM

An all-star celebration of Ella Fitzgerald and Dizzy Gillespie featuring Gregory Porter, Lizz Wright, Valerie Simpson and more!

For full listing visit njpac.org/moodyjazz

saturday arts training programs Sign up today for programs in jazz, dance, hip hop, film and musical theater! njpac.org/education

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

10/5/17 11:48 AM

Determined to Make History: A Book Review of Herb Boyd’s Black Detroit

BY PATRICK DELICES

M

ore often than not in the history textbooks and collegiate classrooms, the people who make history are habitually and deliberately erased or marginalized. Thus, their political voices are silenced as historical traces of their impact on the economic, political, and cultural development of human affairs are destroyed, hidden, never told, or told incorrectly.

However, in Black Detroit: A People’s History of SelfDetermination, award-winning journalist Herb Boyd resurrects the historical voices of a people who have been kept voiceless politically. By accurately telling a people’s story, Boyd flawlessly connects a historical people (black folks) to a political city (Detroit), making Boyd’s narrative of a people’s history of Black Detroit not only historical, but also political.

Brilliantly, in his 416 page tome, Boyd captures the people’s history of self-determination in Black Detroit by introducing us to his own story of self-determination as his family was part of the history-making process known to the world as the Great Migration. As Boyd and his family migrated from Alabama to Detroit, Boyd at the age of four not only encountered the race riot of 1943, but also encountered Jim and Jane Crow, sharecropping, inequality, and the Ku Klux Klan (KKK).

These encounters with race riots, segregation, labor exploitation, economic oppression, inequality, and the KKK make this hefty text not only rich with information, but also timely with its analysis and call to action given the recent rise of the Alt-Right, Nazis, and racial tensions in the United States. As such, Boyd does more than simply draw upon a historical narrative of Detroit and its people. By way of primary sources, eyewitness accounts, and sharing his personal experience, he successfully injects a strong dosage of analysis by systematically and critically synthesizing economics and politics with culture.

In terms of economics, Boyd features Detroit as the once powerful nucleus of trading, manufacturing, the auto and music industries, and employment opportunities in the United States, only to become overwhelmed by economic hardship and ruin by way of industry shutdown, joblessness, and foreclosures.

In regard to politics, Boyd skillfully demonstrates the manner in which a people who have been enslaved and marginalized became self-determined and shaped Detroit and its people as illustrated in those involved in the Underground Railroad; abolitionist William Lambert; Minister Malcolm X of the Nation of Islam; and Mayor

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Herb Boyd

Coleman Young, the first black mayor of Detroit, who found themselves embroiled in political scandals as seen in Mayor Kwame Malik Kilpatrick, which ultimately caused an aversion to the political process and a strong distrust of local politicians.

Finally, Boyd synthesizes economics with politics by touching upon the culture, psychological will, and creativity of the people who made Detroit the musical sensation of the United States with Berry Gordy’s Motown, which was once an economic and cultural powerhouse and the politicalcultural voice and consciousness of not only Detroit, Black America, and the United States — but also the world.

For Boyd, despite its economic decline, political antipathy, and cultural sterility, Detroit can and will resurrect itself to become a great city again, only if its people are determined to not only write its history, but also to make history. For me, however, Boyd has not only written a first-rate historical account and an outstanding analysis about Detroit and its people, he has also made history by giving voice to the voiceless. And for that, among many other reasons, this well-written, wellresearched book is one of Boyd’s best literary compositions and one of the best books written about Detroit and its people. As such, Herb Boyd should be slated for the Pulitzer Prize because Black Detroit not only speaks truth to power, it also speaks truth to empower.

Patrick Delices served as a research fellow for the late Pulitzer Prize historian Manning Marable at Columbia University and taught the History of Haiti, Black Politics, Caribbean Politics, and Caribbean International Relations at Hunter College of the City University of New York. Currently, Patrick Delices is a candidate for New York City Council and can be reached at www.voteforpatrickdelices.com. www.thepositivecommunity.com

Happenings at the Newark Museum | November 2017 ate This series is supported by:

hursdays at the

Newark Museum

Reinvent your Thursday evenings.

Doors open 5 pm | Program 6-9 pm FREE admission (includes two drink tickets)

The Art of the Bling!

Light it Up

November 16

December 21

November is Real Jewelry Month and we’re all about that bling-bling! Join us for an evening of jewelry making, live performances, music, and more inspired by the Museum’s current exhibition: Jewelry: From Pearls to Platinum to Plastic.

Celebrate all things sparkly, shiny, and bright for the winter solstice. We’ve got a global mash-up of holiday-themed activities, performances, and art inspired by the Museum’s collection. Light refreshments will be served.

49 Washington Street, Newark, NJ 07102-3176

For more details, visit our website. newarkmuseum.org

www.thepositivecommunity.com

973.596.6550 TTY 711 On-site parking available for a fee.

October/November 2017 The Positive Community

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Mass incarceration a stunningly comprehensive and well-disguised system of racialized social control that functions in a manner strikingly like Jim Crow.

Michelle Alexander, The New Jim Crow

Paula Mayo, president/executive director, The Interchurch Center

New York State Senator Velmanette Montgomery

Exploring Re-Entry TEXT AND PHOTOS BY BOB GORE

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n my work, I have the privilege of attending a wide variety of conferences and seminars. I can safely say the Interchurch Center's Re-Entry 2 was the most meaningful in memory. I'll tell you why. The focus was on one of our most pressing and costly public concerns. According to the Vera Institute, "America is at a tipping point. In a country that continues to lead the world in locking up its own people, mass incarceration has emerged as a defining civil rights issue." Prisons have become an uncontrolled burden to taxpayers and a scourge on many families, particularly, African Americans.

It is estimated that one in three African-American men between the ages of 20-29 are in the criminal justice system and like so many others, my family is reflected in those numbers.

The brainchild of Paula Mayo, president of the Interchurch Center and Rev. Dr. Valerie Oliver Durrah, a rare assemblage of more than fifty organizations offered specialized employment, healthcare, and housing programs for those returning home.

Hosted by The Interchurch Center, in cooperation with The Positive Community, the conference co-convening partners included Bard Prison Initiative; The Redemption Center Inc.; Center for NU Leadership on Urban Solutions; Greenhope Services for Women, Inc.; The Osbourne Association; College and Community Fellowship; Providence House, Inc.; Hour Children, Inc.; The Riverside Church; Women’s Prison Association; New York Theo-

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logical Seminary; and The Fortune Society.

The keynote speaker, New York State Senator Valmanette Montgomery, called the attendees “...the frontline of the re-entry movement.” The senator, a longtime advocate of criminal justice reform, cautioned the audience not to waiver and to be aware of current political attitudes that aim to reverse the gains won over the past decades. She encouraged thinking beyond re-entry to “…building a preventative system, dealing with the causes of incarceration.”

The war on drugs, zero tolerance policing, and profiling have contributed to the ballooning of jail populations.

Between 1980 and 2015, incarcerations increased from roughly 500,000 to over 2.2 million. The United States makes up about 5% of the world’s population and has 21% of the world’s prisoners. Though African Americans and Hispanics were approximately 32% of the US population in 2015, they comprised 56% of all prisoners. The cost to run federal and state prisons, and local jails, is said to cost the government $80 billion annually.

New York State was the costliest, on average $60,000 per inmate. The city paid $167,731 to feed, house and guard each inmate last year, according to a study the Independent Budget Office released this week.

Because of skyrocketing costs, prisons do little to rehabilitate. More than half of those released are re-incarcerated by the end of the first year. Within three years of release, about two-thirds of ex-inmates are rearrested. www.thepositivecommunity.com

personal interest stems from circumstances surrounding two close relatives, “ My nephews I'll call Bill and Sam. In many ways quite similar and equally intelligent, they were both convicted of felonies in their late teens and sentenced to five-year terms. Bill, who had completed high school, worked in the prison kitchen. Upon release, he joined a re-entry program offering vocational guidance, job assistance, and housing aid. He enrolled in a local community college culinary program and eventually earned an associate degree. Sam, on the other hand, chose to navigate his return home without help. He eventually began associating with old friends and soon went back to his old ways. Thus began a cycle of repeated incarcerations.

Over the years he passed through parole several times without success. As we anticipate his next return, I and other family members remain hopeful and pray.

Bob Gore

”

Anthony Isaacs of Ready Willing & Able

From the Exodus Transitional Community brochure: “The disorienting moment of returing home from prison reminds us of the Book of Exodus, wherein the Hebrews wandered through the wilderness for 40 years after being freed from bondage before finding the Promised Land.”

Cheryl Wilkins, senior program manager, Columbia University’s Center for Justice

“There is a greater need for successful re-entry programs,” said Paula Mayo. “We know there are difficulties securing jobs and stable housing, as well as re-connecting with families.”

Release from prison is not re-entry. Without adequate employment, housing and health counseling support, return to prison is a near certainty.

The incarceration of a parent is a major cause of underperformance of elementary school children. Economic Policy Institute says, “Evidence is overwhelming that the unjustified incarceration of African American fathers (and, increasingly, mothers as well) is an important cause of the lowered performance of their children” and of the racial achievement gap.

Re-entry is an emerging category of community programs created by unabated recidivism, spiraling costs of incarceration, and the inability or unwillingness of prisons to prepare inmates to return home Screening of a powerful portrait of families struggling with life in the criminal justice system closed the day. The title, MILWAUKEE 53206, refers to the ZIP Code where the highest percentage of black men in America—62 percent—are currently in prison or have served time. www.thepositivecommunity.com

If the Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act (CCRA) passes Congress, carrying a gun into NYC from out of state will be easier than ever.

Learn how you can help keep our city safe and stop the CCRA at CyVanceForDA.com Paid for by Cyrus Vance for Manhattan District Attorney

October/November 2017 The Positive Community

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Screens on the Scene at NIFF Newark International Film Fesitival Brings Film Fans to Newark

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he beautiful atrium of the Hahne’s Building on Broad Street was the venue for the opening reception of the 2017 Newark International Film Festival. During the awards portion of the three-day festival (September 8-10), legendary filmmaker Melvin Van Peoples received the Hannibal Goodwin Award, named for the Episcopal priest who invented celluloid film in1887 in Newark.

As the birthplace of celluloid film, NIFF seeks to revolutionize the creation, immersion, submission, and viewing process of filmmaking with a groundbreaking 365 strategic approach. The festival mission is to empower diverse voices, create a unique space for emerging talent through fellowships and developmental mentoring, and revolutionize the industry for generations to come.

The three-day event included feature films, shorts, workshops, and panel discussions in a variety of venues from the Cityplex to the Newark Museum, Symphony Hall, NJIT Theater, and Rutgers’ Express Newark. — TPC Staff

The Hannibal Goodwin Award being presented to legendary filmmaker Melvin Van Peebles by Warrington Hudlin during the 2017 Newark International Film Festival.

Author Benilde Little was a presenter during the Awards Program of the 2017 Newark International Film Festival.

Actress Eva Marcille co-hosted the Awards Festival.

Photos: Risasi Dais

Kenneth Gifford, director of the 2017 Newark International Film Festival, speaking during the Awards Program at Symphony Hall in Newark

DoitAll Dupre, a former member of the hip hop trio Lords of The Underground and current candidate for a 2018 Newark City Council position.

Actor Eric Payne spoke at the film festival.

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Comedian Rob Stapleton dancing onstage to a “New Edition” song. www.thepositivecommunity.com

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ws.com ws.com 2016 ISSUE 3

GREAT GOLF - SPECIAL EDITION

13

PATRICIA BALDWIN

Ricky Calls It 10 GRACE & PEACE FAMILY, he number 10 is a powerful number, often used when one wants to distinguish the top 10 best songs or the top 10 favorite places to eat. And if you were to measure in comparison to show something to be greater, you'd say “Oh it was ten times better than the other movie.”

Numerically, ten represents divine order and harmony. In Genesis 1 we find the phrase “God said” is noted ten times, which is a testimony of His creative power. God gave man the Ten Commandments; a tithe is 10 percent of our earnings and is a testimony of our faith in the Lord. What I'm saying is that when you get to ten, you have achieved a major milestone. Therefore, when you get to that level, please recognize that God's favor, grace, and love are the foundation for it all and for that, one must be grateful.

That testament is true for Choirmaster Ricky Dillard.

After almost 30 years, he has reached a significant chapter in his music career. This tenth album shows that Dillard shows no signs of stopping anytime soon and we're glad!

This project takes us back to the sounds of his original choir classics. The Grammy®-nominated, multi-Stellar Award-winning minstrel has taken the traditional sounds of choir and added every other genre of music style from jazz and classical to hip hop and R&B, without compromising the integrity of the gospel. His 10 debuted at #1 on Billboard’s Top Gospel Albums chart with the lead single (which could have been the title of the album ) “I Survived It,” a New-G chant that encourages and promotes a praise for the grateful who didn't think they would make it through. This mid-tempo groove excites you to rock and praise as they modulate the phrase “I survived It/So come what may I'll be okay.” Then in the break, his adopted hometown DC-area “go-go” sound comes out so you can get your praise dance on. This single is in constant rotation on the radio, and the anticipation for the album as well as the single was expected not just from fans, but from the eOne music team that Ricky Dillard calls home.

“I remember how excited we were when Dr. Dillard joined the family with Keep Living (2011). He worked,

T

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made history, and we celebrated the success Amazing (2014) brought him & New G, with him,” says Gina Miller, VP and general manager, eOne Nashville. “To be standing here again, as we anticipate the impact 10 will make, we know the music embodies hope and encouragement, which is needed at this time more than ever before. It's an honor to be on this journey with Ricky, as he preserves and presents this new body of work for choirs, churches, and worshippers around the world.”

On this project, the Minister of Music at Ebenezer A.M.E. Church in Washington, DC allows us to experience the tenth live recording from a historical day, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day 2017, and respectfully it did not disappoint. This exceptional live showcase features the veteran Dillard and New G Choir in top form with help from some of the top gospel artists like BeBe Winans, Tina Campbell, Karen Clark Sheard, and Le'Andria Johnson lending their vocals.

There is a reason why our Father allows us longevity in our ministry, careers, or anything else where we strive to put our hands or hearts to work. It's to be proven and to prove who you are and what you're made of to yourself. Through each test or adversity, character is built and you will learn that without Christ we are nothing. But most importantly, you will prove that all glory goes and belongs to God. Thanks Ricky for a perfect 10 for the Kingdom! thepositivecommunity.com www.thepositivecommunity.com

JOANNE J. NOEL THE PREACHING PROFESSOR

Professor Joanne J. Noel, B.A., M.A., M. DIV., DMIN is Chair of General Studies and Associate Professor of English, Pillar College.

Que Sera Sera & Divine Sovereignty

S

ome people believe that the future is up in the air.

Que sera sera—whatever is going to happen is going to happen. However, the story of the potter in Jeremiah 18:1-10 points to certainty in God by emphasizing the sovereignty of God in a nation’s affairs and in the lives of individuals.

God has a plan for America and a plan for individuals.

The favorable future of nations and individuals is in God’s hands and will culminate in one of two ways: disaster or deliverance. For God has one response to sin and repentance (cf. Jeremiah 18. 8). Thus, the que sera sera perception collapses in the face of texts like Jeremiah 18.

Jeremiah (7th–6th BCE) prophesied to Israel when they were in the midst of personal and national crisis.

There was a litany of missteps that derailed their continuous prosperity: oppression of the poor, including widows and orphans; mistreatment of strangers; and worship of false gods.

So God gives Jeremiah a message for Israel at the potter’s house. Symbolically, the potter’s house was the place of planning (for God has a plan for the nation); a place of pursuit (for God is in pursuit of the heart of his people); and a place of pounding (for God wants to mold this nation so that they will inherit the prosperity he has planned for them). The scene at the potter’s house shatters the apathy that derives from the notion of que sera sera. It says that God is not exclusively transcendent, but God is immanent, up close, and personal.

When clay is first taken from the ground, it has to weather for weeks. When it is dry, it is then dumped into a wooden trough and covered with water to get it soft.

Then, it is stirred until it disintegrates and a thin slimy mud is formed. The potter gets the air bubbles out because if he/she doesn’t, the vessel will break once it’s put in the oven. Also, as the clay is on the rotating wheel, the potter uses water and his hands to shape it, which indicates that God puts sweat equity into forming those whom he has called. So it’s not Que Sera Sera for Israel.

Concomitantly, it’s not que sera sera for us either; for God has a plan, a purpose, and a promise for those who trust in Him.

www.thepositivecommunity.com thepositivecommunity.com www.thepositivecommunity.com

A dynamic exists between divine sovereignty and human responsiveness. As the clay yields to the potter, so too, God desires human responsiveness. When we resist the process of the divine potter, we resign ourselves to “que sera sera.” However, yielding to the divine potter implies a willingness to participate in the process of making our future bright. The moral life of Israel was bleak and the future, with the impending invasion of Babylon, was also bleak. Similarly, in America, life is sometimes peppered with hardships compounded by protests against racism, terrorist attacks on Americans, and continuous vitriolic rhetoric from high officials. The future seems up in the air.

However, the scriptures offer hope for overcoming, and for those who trust God, the future is not up in the air. Government policies or terrorist attacks and natural disasters may impede us, but they can’t ultimately derail God’s intention for us.

Que sera sera speaks to the futility of hoping for a favorable outcome, but the analogy of the potter disrupts that futility and indicates God’s ability to change what it is. The potter has the capacity to mold the clay into the greatest and most efficient vessel. And even if the vessel is marred, the potter doesn’t discard it, but reshapes it. The scene at the potter’s house is a reminder that God is the divine potter who has a purpose, plan, and promise for every individual. Ultimately, it will be what God says it is.

October/November 2017 The Positive Community October/November 2017 2017 The October/November ThePositive Positive Community Community

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Jazz Is Alive in Brooklyn Central Brooklyn Jazz Consortium Celebrates

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Keynote Speaker Rob Crocker, WBGO on-air personality

Photos: Lem Peterkin

rooklyn’s largest African-American cultural institution, Weeksville Heritage Center, was filled with sounds of America’s classical music in early May, 2017 when the Central Brooklyn Jazz Consortium (CBJC) celebrated its 18th Annual Central Brooklyn Jazz Festival Gala. A festive evening of dance, culinary delights, beverages, and music by noted jazz trumpeter and band, the Duane Eubanks Quintet, was enjoyed by aficionados, dilettantes, and residents of central Brooklyn. Rob Crocker, Brooklyn-born WBGO radio personality, delivered inspiring commentary.

CBJC is committed to the development of audiences and the nurturing of institutions and individuals throughout Brooklyn that affect jazz as well as other cultural expressions: including dance, theater, visual arts, comedy, poetry, and music. Aiming to provide a forum for cultural exchanges and build partnerships with the goal of reestablishing connections between African American artists and their communities, CBJC recognizes the contributions of artists and the role they play in perpetuating culture, while promoting the dignity of a people. With a principal goal of developing venues that are affordable, accessible, and attractive to young people, elders, and other adults, gala tickets were made available to supporters for $1.00. — Courtesy CBJC

CBJC Chairman Clarence Mosley Jr.; Bessie Edwards, treasurer; Angela Hope Weusi owner of For My Sweets and Kalahari Gallery and CBJC Communications Director, Bob Myers

Duane Eubanks Quintet

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www.thepositivecommunity.com

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October/November 2017 The Positive Community

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Photo: Karen Waters

William Greene, Jr. Retires

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s a teenager William Greene, Jr. shined shoes in his father’s barbershop in Montclair, NJ. After completing barber school in New York City in 1950 at age 21, he became a coiffeur, cutting and styling hair there. In March of this year, Greene, now 88, retired. He had suffered a stroke, which followed the heart attack he endured the previous October. On June 3, 2017, family, friends and customers gathered at the Spain restaurant in Newark to wish Mr. Greene well.

The shop, Kayo’s, was named after his father, who, as a semi-pro baseball pitcher, struck out a lot of batters.

It seems as if once you experienced Kayo’s, you never changed barbers again.

Mr. Greene began cutting Robert Jackson’s hair when Jackson was just seven years old. Over fifty years later, he was cutting the hair of Montclair Mayor Robert Jackson. Despite the long relationship, “I still call him Mr. Greene, out of respect,” Mayor Jackson told The Montclair Times. “He has such a great sense of the community and has been through multi-generations of granddads and dads and cutting their hair and knowing their families,” the mayor continued. “He’s a guy you can talk

Clear View Baptist Church In Conjunction the Clear View Baptistwith Church

William Greene, Jr. and granddaughter Ava Harriott, age 4 together for the retirement celebration.

to about anything — world affairs, golf, you name it, he can talk to you about it — from lofty things to the very mundane, Mr. Greene can give you very learned opinions and advice on a whole bunch of things.”

Today the shop is owned and run by Frank Adé Pauleus.

Mr. Greene not only cut Pauleus’ hair when he was a baby, he mentored him and gave him many pearls of wisdom.

Clear View Baptist In Conjunction with the Church North Jersey Clear View Baptist Church Clear View Baptist Church In Conjunction with the In Conjunction with the North Jersey In North Conjunction withAssociation the Missionary Baptist Jersey Clear View Baptist Church Rev.North Ralph M. Branch, Moderator Jersey North Jersey Missionary Baptist Association Missionary Baptistwith Association In Conjunction the

Featuring:

Our Rev. RalphPresents M. Branch, Moderator Missionary Baptist Association Missionary Baptist Association North Jersey Rev. Ralph M. Branch, Moderator Rev. Ralph M. Branch, Moderator Rev. Ralph M. Branch, Moderator

Presents Presents OurOur Annual College Fair Presents Our Missionary Baptist Presents OurAssociation Annual College Fair Annual College Fair Annual Annual College College Fair Fair Rev. Ralph M. Branch, Moderator

Presents Our

Saturday, 11,2017 2017 Saturday,November November 11, Annual College Fair Saturday, November 11, 2017 11:00AM –– 3:00PM 3:00PM Saturday, November 11, 11, 2017 11:00AM Saturday, November 2017 11:00AM – 3:00PM 11:00AM 3:00PM 11:00AM – 3:00PM Financial Aid– Session 12:30 – 1:00PM Financial Aid Session 12:30 – 2017 1:00PM Saturday, November 11, Financial Aid Session 12:30 – 1:00PM

Aid Session 12:30 – 1:00PM – 3:00PM FinancialFinancial Aid11:00AM Session 12:30 – 1:00PM

Clear View Baptist Church Financial Aid Session 12:30 – 1:00PM

Clear View Baptist Church Clear View Church 314 – 320Baptist Hobson Street Clear View Baptist Church 314 – 320 Hobson Street (Corner of Chancellor Avenue) ClearClear View Baptist Church 314 – 320 Hobson Street 314 –of 320 Hobson Street (Corner Chancellor View Baptist Church Newark, New JerseyAvenue) 07112

and more… and more… and more…

ofChancellor Chancellor Avenue) (Corner of Avenue) 314 – (Corner 320 Street Newark, Jersey 07112 926-0471 314 Hobson – (973) 320New Hobson Street Newark, New Jersey 07112 (973) 926-0471 (Corner of Chancellor Avenue) Newark, New Jersey 07112 (Corner of Chancellor Avenue) www.clearviewnewark.com (973) 926-0471 Sis. Tracy Hillsman, Chairperson Scholarship www.clearviewnewark.com Newark, New Jersey 07112 Ministry (973) 926-0471 Newark, New Jersey 07112 Rev. Curtis W. Belle Jr., Pastor Ministry Sis. Tracywww.clearviewnewark.com Hillsman, Chairperson Scholarship (973) 926-0471 Sis. www.clearviewnewark.com Tracy Hillsman, Chairperson Scholarship (973) Rev. 926-0471 Curtis W. Belle Jr., Pastor Ministry www.clearviewnewark.com Rev. Curtis W. Belle Jr., Pastor Sis.www.clearviewnewark.com Tracy Hillsman, Scholarship Ministry Sis. Tracy Hillsman,Chairperson Chairperson Scholarship Ministry

Rev. CurtisW. W. Scholarship Belle Pastor Rev. Curtis BelleJr., Jr., Pastor Chairperson Ministry And more Sis. Tracy Hillsman, and more…and more…

Rev. Curtis W. Belle Jr., Pastor and more…

90 The Positive Community October/November 2017

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opular Harlem socialite, Shirley Scott, was joined by friends and family to celebrate her 75th Birthday at Harlem’s Red Rooster restaurant. A joyful time was had by all.

Photo: Seitu Orunde

Birthday Celebration

Eunice Sings Mahalia A tribute to the world’s greatest gospel singer, Mahalia Jackson, performed by Eunice Newkirk & friends.

Saturday, November 11, 2017 | 7:00 p.m.

W83 Ministry Center, Redeemer Presbyterian Church 150 West 83rd Street | New York, New York 10024 For more information & tickets, visit eunicenewkirk.com

SATURDAYS 12PM

SUNDAYS 1:30PM

BEATLES BRUNCH

GOSPEL BRUNCH

STRAWBERRY FIELDS

HARLEM GOSPEL CHOIR

sun oct

22

fri oct

MACEO PARKER

tue oct

31

27 GLORIA GAYNOR thu nov

HALLOWEEN FUNKDOWN

GEORGE CLINTON

2

& PARLIAMENT FUNKADELIC

fri nov

3

HOLIDAY CONCERT SERIES

12/24, 25, 29 + 1/15

BBKINGBLUES.COM

sun nov

OLETA ADAMS

fri nov

10

PAUL MOONEY & MARSHA WARFIELD 2 SHOWS

5

WAR

wed nov

MORRIS DAY AND THE TIME

/BBKINGBLUESNYC

15

MUSIQ SOULCHILD

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PRIVATE EVENTS & GROUPS OF 10+ CONTACT: EVENTS@BBKINGBLUES.COM | 237 WEST 42 STREET | (212)997-4144 | TICKETMASTER.COM (800)745-3000 www.thepositivecommunity.com

October/November 2017 The Positive Community

91

“Powerful, funny and uplifting!

A musical that both sexes can enjoy.”

- Talkin’ Broadway

Written by

arcic

Dorothy M

From the Soundtrack of Your Life A high energy celebration of women featuring Top-40 songs like RESPECT, Stand by Your Man, Girls Just Wanna Have Fun, These Boots are Made for Walkin’, I Will Survive, Greatest Love of All…

“Hysterical!” - LA Times St Luke’s Theatre, 308 West 46th Street Telecharge.com 212-239-6200 ForTheGirlsTheMusical.com

92

The Positive Community October/November 2017

www.thepositivecommunity.com

How to Prepare your Hard Drive for Restoration MATERIALS NEEDED: • Sponge • H20 • Sealable plastic bag • Gloves • Wet hard drive WHAT TO DO: 1.

Carefully inspect the drive. Don’t attempt to dry the water-damaged drive or wipe away excess debris, even if it’s your first instinct. This could decrease the chances of data recovery or cause more damage to the internal components of the device.

2. Don’t power the device on. If there is water on any of the electrical components or internals of a drive, you can ruin your chances of recovery forever.

3. Put on gloves — the water your drive was damaged in could be contaminated. Wet the sponge, then place it and the hard drive in a plastic bag to help it retain moisture from water submersion. As the moisture levels decrease, corrosion levels and damages increase (think dried salt crust from ocean water). DO NOT DRY THE HARD DRIVE! 4. Make sure to remove as much air from the bag as you can before sealing it so that there is less oxygen to react with the hard drive.

5. Deliver the drive to your trusted IT provider or data recovery team. Time is of the essence here, particularly if your drive has been exposed to saltwater, which is far more corrosive than freshwater.

Now that you know what to do, a few tips on what NOT to do: WHAT NOT TO DO:

•

Do not open your water-damaged hard drive. No matter how curious you are, doing so will probably not end well. Your hard drive’s external casing could be the last line of defense against outside contamination. Only a data recovery professional should dismantle your drive.

•

Do not attempt to clean your drive with household cleaning products. It should go without saying that such an attempt could cause significant damage and prevent any chance of data recovery.

•

Do not try to power on the drive. Plugging in a water-damaged hard drive could cause further damage. And if there is still moisture in the circuit board, you could cause a short-circuit, damaging other equipment as well.

•

Do not let the drive sit for too long. Time is not on your side in instances of water-damaged drives. Data recovery engineers would rather receive a damp hard drive overnighted than a dry hard drive a day or two after the incident. The longer water damage sit, the more your business is at risk for complete data loss.

•

Do not try to use software data recovery. For starters, you should not be plugging in your hard drive in the first place.

Secondly, these tools are only good for addressing logical data loss. They have little to no fault tolerance if your drive has a mechanical issue.

•

Do not bury it in rice. This technique is often used for phones, which are far more water resistant than hard drives and can survive damage more readily. Allowing your hard drive to sit while you try to suck the moisture out of it is very counterproductive to data recovery efforts.

At the end of the day, nothing beats reliable, remote, and redundant data backup. But if you have a water-damaged hard drive, CMIT Solutions can help. If you have a device on the fritz or are concerned about the impact of a natural disaster on your business, contact us today. We know how devastating a disaster can be—and we’re here to make sure even the worst data catastrophe won’t knock your business down for the count. www.thepositivecommunity.com

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

October/November 2017 The Positive Community

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MWANDIKAJI K. MWANAFUNZI THE WAY AHEAD

Some Christian Thoughts Regarding Immigrants

A

s I write this column, in mid-to-late September 2017, news media report public discussion within the U.S. Government and beyond regarding moving toward deportation of adult children of foreigners who immigrated to the United States without proper documentation. This would reverse the leniency accorded by the “Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals” law (DACA), enacted through an executive action signed by President Barack Obama in August 2012.

According to Wikipedia.com, DACA allows some foreign folks who entered the U.S. as minors, then remained here illegally, to receive a renewable two-year period of “deferred action” from deportation and be eligible for a work permit.

As of 2017, approximately 800,000 people were enrolled in the DACA program. They are frequently called “Dreamers,” after the proposed “Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors” (DREAM) Act. In September 2017, the Trump Administration rescinded the DACA leniency toward the children of undocumented immigrants. But full implementation of the rescission has been delayed six months, to give Congress time to decide what to do about folks who presently benefit from the policy.

As for the DREAM Act, United States Senators Dick Durban (an Illinois Democrat) and Orrin Hatch (a Utah Republican) first introduced the DREAM Act in Congress in 2001. Since then, it has been reintroduced several times, but has never passed.

Readers, let’s advocate, from a Christian perspective, passage of the DREAM Act and continuance of DACA. God commanded Moses and the ancient Jews in Exodus 22:21, “You shall not wrong or oppress a resident alien, for you were aliens in the land of Egypt.” The sentiment is reiterated in Exodus 23:9, “You shall not oppress a resident alien; you know the heart of an alien, for you were aliens in the land of Egypt.” (NRSV) If you’re thinking, “Hey, that’s Old Testament!” know that Jesus Christ upheld Old Testament Law. During the Sermon on the Mount, He said: Do not think that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I did not come to abolish but to fulfill. For truly I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not the

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smallest letter or stroke shall pass from the Law until all is accomplished. Whoever then annuls one of the least of these commandments, and teaches others to do the same, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever keeps and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. —Matthew 5:17-19 (New American Standard Bible)

Christ also said, “I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.”—Matthew 25:40 (New International Version) Speaking of the truth, quiet as it’s kept, other than Native Americans, everyone living in the United States is an immigrant or descends from immigrants. So who does any American think he is when he deprives, discriminates against, or oppresses others because they are immigrants?

Let’s speak truth to power, or at the very least, recognize truth.

And, we should not become so focused on identifying the Trump Administration’s faults that we fail to recognize and strive to correct our own faults, individual and collective. Jesus Christ admonished, “Why do you look at the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, let me take the speck out of your eye’, and behold, there is a log in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye.” — Matthew 7:3-5 New American Standard Bible Let’s strive to correct our faults and remove the log from our own eyes, even as we work to correct faults in high earthly places, such as the United States government. thepositivecommunity.com www.thepositivecommunity.com

Deeply Rooted

In the Community

P

ERRY

FUNERAL HOME

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REASONABLE At PERRY FUNERAL HOME EvEry FamIly Is aFForDED ThE samE CourTEous, DIGNIFIED, aND sympaThETIC uNDErsTaNDING

34 mercer street Newark, NJ 07103 • 973-824-9201 Mrs. Virginia Perry, President NJ Lic. No.3289 • Samuel C. Arnold, Manager NJ Lic. No. 3180 www.thepositivecommunity.com

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The Last Word

GOOD NEWS FROM THE CHURCH AND COMMUNITY

thepositivecommunity.com October/November 2017

™

Vol. 17, No. 9

BY R.L. WITTER

I CHOOSE TO BE MY SISTERS’ KEEPER

I

Publisher Adrian A. Council, Sr. Editor-in-Chief Jean Nash Wells Associate Editor R. L. Witter Sales Angela Ridenour Adrian Council, Jr. NGS Communications, Inc. Satori MPR Marc Williams Contributing Writers Mwandikaji K. Mwanafunzi g.r. mattox Patricia Baldwin Rev. Theresa Nance Glenda Cadogan Helene Fox Rev. Dr. Joanne Noel Photographers Bob Gore Wali A. Muhammad Seitu Oronde Rev. Dr. William L. Watkins, Jr. Darryl Hall Vincent Bryant Hubert Williams Brian Branch Price Karen Waters Art Direction & Layout Penguin Design Group Martin Maishman Production Assistant April Davis The Positive Community Corp.

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

94 The The Positive Positive Community Community 96

™

expected to begin with something about cool fall temperatures reminding us that winter will soon be here. But, it would seem that Mother Nature is in charge and she’s doing her, which means unseasonably warm weather one day, followed by abnormally cool the next. If nothing else, this weather is a great reminder that: despite what some might say, climate change is real; and sometimes it’s just a cold, cold world.

As Amina Bey sagely told me during our interview, “women are the heartbeat of the home.” I’d even take it a step further and say we’re the heartbeat of the universe. We are more often than not the caretakers, counselors, confidantes, and warriors of the world, all while working full-time and doing what my Gram called “swimming like ducks”—looking calm and cool on the surface while paddling like crazy underneath.

I’m always impressed by and full of admiration for the women who grace the pages of The Positive Community.

They shine as examples for the rest of us, working diligently to improve everything from their families to their communities, and churches. And they do it all while continuing to add cracks to that glass ceiling that should be breaking sometime soon.

Gen. John Kelly, the current President’s chief of staff, recently said that he was raised in a time when “Women were sacred and looked upon with great honor. That’s obviously not the case anymore, as we see from recent cases.” Women from all walks of life bristled at his comment, asking what exactly he meant by it. Personally, I found it offensive, but sadly true.

No, I’m not saying that we are delicate flowers to be protected by big, strong men. What I am saying is that I feel the current administration does not see women or our needs as sacred.

October/November October/November2017 2017

How could they and quash legislation that would’ve guaranteed us equal pay for equal work? I guess some might say allowing employers to partner with health insurance companies to deny us with affordable birth control illustrates the sanctity of our bodies as life-giving vessels, but when they then want to remove prenatal and childbirth costs from insurance coverage, it muddies the waters at the very least. And need I mention the Sexual Predator-in-Chief?

A few months ago a photo circulated of a group of powerful white men seated around a table, identified as the Freedom Caucus, there to decide the future of women’s health as it relates to insurance coverage. As black women in America, we are all too familiar with white men having agency over our bodies. Conditions have definitely improved, but they are far from optimal and we still have a long journey ahead.

While I am concerned, I take comfort and find strength in the women on these pages and the millions of others in this country who are determined to make a difference and be part of the solution to this and so many other problems. As women we must reflect upon how much we’ve accomplished despite myriad obstacles and remember just how powerful we are when united.

Our most powerful ally is our Lord and Savior, and one of our strongest weapons is our faith. Our collective prayers and efforts will continue to sustain us as long as we work to sustain ourselves and each other. One of the most generous gifts our Father has given us is free will. We can choose to honor and accept Him, or not. We can choose to worship Him, or not. We can choose to band together to improve things for everyone. We cannot afford not to. thepositivecommunity.com www.thepositivecommunity.com

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

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