October 2019

GOOD NEWS FROM THE CHURCH AND COMMUNITY

™ October 2019

ANNUAL NEWARK ISSUE GUEST EDITORIAL: NEWARK ALLIANCE CEO AISHA GLOVER: A CITY OF OPPORTUNITIES

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$2.95

INVEST NEWARK: CEO BERNEL HALL ENVISIONS NEWARK’S ECONOMIC FUTURE REDISCOVERING ARTS AND CULTURE IN NEWARK

UPDATE ON NEWARK WATER CHALLENGE

POSITIVEMUSIC

MATTERS

Mayor Baraka Leads with Solutions

!

™

buddy guy with Mavis Staples Sun, Nov 10 @ 7PM* GRAMMY® winner Buddy Guy has been singing the blues for all of his 83 years.

For this once-in-a-lifetime concert, he’ll be joined by the equally legendary Mavis Staples.

chaka khan Thu, Nov 14 @ 8PM* The reigning Queen of funk, soul and R&B returns to NJPAC with “I Feel for You,” “I’m Every Woman,” “Ain’t Nobody” and more.

musiq soulchild with marsha ambrosius & lyfe jennings nov 22

thanksgiving comedy fest DeRay Davis, Tony Rock, Jess Hilarious & Drew Fraiser Hosted by Smokey Suarez Fri, Nov 29 @ 8PM An uproarious night with some of the very best in stand-up comedy!

stephanie mills & the whispers Sat, Jan 18 @ 8PM Soul-stirring R&B hits from the original star of Broadway’s The Wiz.

*Part of the TD James Moody Jazz Festival

Oct_Positive_Community.indd 1

the roots with A Christian McBride Situation Sat, Nov 16 @ 8PM* The jazz-inflected hip hop band melds r&b and funk with NJPAC’s resident bassist Christian McBride.

raphael saadiq with special guest Thundercat Fri, Feb 14 @ 8PM The GRAMMY Award®-winning king of neo-soul is back with Jimmy Lee, his most personal record and tour to date.

@NJPAC • 1.888.GO.NJPAC • njpac.org Groups of 9 or more call 973.353.7561 One Center Street, Newark, NJ 10/4/19 9:13 AM

HARLEM HOLIDAY Wednesday November 20th, Wednesday November 20th, 2019 2019 LIGHTS 2019 Rain Date Nov. 25th Rain Date Nov. 25th www.HarlemLightItUp.com www.HarlemLightItUp.com

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OCTOBER 2019

CONTENTS

SECTIONS MONEY ...................................16 HEALTH...................................32 EDUCATION.............................42 CULTURE ................................46

Features

29 ON THE COVER: Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka and Director of Newark Department of Water and Sewage Utilities Kareem Adeem are leading Newark through its water challenges

&

also inside

Resurrecting Newark As A Global Gateway City ......... 17 Giving Homebuyers A Lift ......................................... 21 Helping Boost Minority Businesses .......................... 22 Tips for Using Microsoft Outlook .............................. 24 139th National Baptist Convention ......................... 25 New Beginnings at Mt. Pleasant Baptist .................. 27 Newark Abyssinian Baptist Welcomes TPC ................ 28 Water Donations Pour In ......................................... 32 UnitedHealth Partners with Atlanta HBCUs ............... 36 Curry Retires from Mount Zion ................................. 38

Publisher’s Desk .................................. 8 Touro Holds Fall Health Fair in Harlem .................... 39 Guest Editorial ................................... 11 City Verses: Voices of Jazz And Poetry ....................... 42 Guest Editorial ................................... 12 Newer Hope at Newer Village .................................. 44 Fitness Doctor .................................... 40 10th Annual Montclair Jazz Fest .............................. 46 Gospel Train ....................................... 56 Art & Culture Thrive I Newark ................................... 49 The Last Word .................................... 57 Rev. Minatee’s Triumphant Return ........................... 53 4

The Positive Community October 2019

www.thepositivecommunity.com

Pil l a r

C O L L E G E Truth in Education

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R C

GREAT

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OLL

MAKE THE DIFFERENCE!

ALL

TO PROGRESS

he clergy organizations, churches, community businesses and institutions listed below have committed to the purchase of at least 50 magazines per month at $1.50 each or they support this publication through the purchase of advertising. Find out more by calling 973-233-9200 or email rollcall@thepositivecommunity.com.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cross and Crown Christian Church, Orange, NJ Rev. Lula A. Baker, Pastor

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

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

Aenon Baptist Church, Vauxhall, NJ Rev Alphonso Williams, Sr., Pastor Agape Baptist Church, Newark, NJ Rev. Craig R. Jackson, Pastor Antioch Baptist Church, Brooklyn, NY Rev. Robert M. Waterman, Pastor Archdiocese of New York Brother Tyrone Davis, Office of Black Ministry

Ebenezer B.C. of Englewood, NJ Rev. Preston E. Thompson, Jr., Pastor Elizabeth, NJ Councilwoman-At-Large Patricia Perkins-Auguste Empire Missionary Baptist Convention Rev. Dr. Carl T. Washington, Jr., Pastor Evergreen Baptist Church, Palmyra, NJ Rev. Dr. Guy Campbell, Jr., Pastor

Messiah Baptist Church, East Orange, NJ Rev. Dana Owens, Pastor Metropolitan B.C., Newark, NJ Rev. Dr. David Jefferson, Pastor Mt. Neboh Baptist Church, Harlem, NY Rev. Dr. Johnnie Green Jr., Pastor Mt. Pisgah B.C., Brooklyn, NY Rev. Dr. Johnny Ray Youngblood, Pastor

Rev. Dr. Glenn Wilson, Pastor Ruth Fellowship Ministries, Plainfield, NJ Rev. Tracey Brown, Pastor Shiloh AME Zion Church, Englewood, NJ Rev. John D. Givens, Pastor Shiloh B.C., New Rochelle, NY Rev. Dr. DeQuincy M. Hentz, Pastor Shiloh B.C., Plainfield, NJ Rev. Sheila L. Thorpe, Pastor Shiloh B.C., Trenton, NJ Rev. Darell Armstrong, Pastor St. Anthony Baptist Church, Brooklyn, NY Rev. Dr. Walter L. DeLoatch, Sr., Pastor St. James AME Church, Newark, NJ Rev. Ronald L. Slaughter, Pastor

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

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

Berean B.C., Brooklyn, NY Rev. Arlee Griffin Jr., Pastor

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

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

St. John B.C., Scotch Plains, NJ Rev. Shawn T. Wallace, Pastor

Bethany B.C., Brooklyn, NY Rev. Dr. Adolphus C. Lacey, Sr. Pastor

First Baptist Church, East Elmhurst, NY

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

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

Bethany B.C., Newark, NJ Rev. Timothy E. Jones, Pastor

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

Mt. Zion B.C., Westwood, NJ Rev. Bernard Glee, Pastor

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

First Baptist of Jericho, Deptford, NJ Rev. Derek V. Gaitling, Pastor

New Garden State Jurisdiction COGIC NJ Bishop William Calhoon

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

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

New Hope Baptist Church, Metuchen, NJ Rev. Dr. Ronald L. Owens, Pastor

Baptist Ministers Conference of Greater NY & Vicinity Rev. Dr. Charles A. Curtis, President

Bethlehem Missionary B.C., Roselle, NJ Rev. Jeffrey Bryan, Pastor Beulah Bible Cathedral Church, Newark, NJ Gerald Lydell Dickson, Senior Pastor Calvary Baptist Church, Garfield, NJ Rev. Calvin McKinney, Pastor Calvary Baptist Church, Morristown, NJ Rev. Jerry M. Carter, Jr., Pastor Canaan B. C. of Christ, Harlem, NY Rev. Thomas D. Johnson, Pastor Canaan B.C., Paterson, NJ Rev. Barry L. Graham, Pastor Cathedral International., Perth Amboy, NJ Bishop Donald Hilliard, Pastor

Rev. Patrick Henry Young, Pastor

First Park Baptist Church, Plainfield, NJ Rev. Rufus McClendon, Jr., Pastor First Baptist Church, South Orange, NJ Rev. Dr. Terry Richardson, Pastor General Baptist Convention, NJ Rev. Dr. Lester W. Taylor, Jr., President

New Hope Baptist Church of Hackensack, Hackensack, NJ Rev. Dr. Drew Kyndall Ross, Senior Pastor

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

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

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

New Reid Temple COGIC East Orange, NJ Bishop William Calhoon

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

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

Christian Love B.C., Irvington, NJ Rev. Brandon Keith Washington, Pastor

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

Clear View Baptist Church, Newark, NJ Rev. Curtis W. Belle, Jr., Pastor Community B.C., Englewood, NJ Rev. Dr. Lester Taylor, Pastor Community Church of God, Plainfield, NJ Rev. Antonio Porter, Pastor

New Hope Baptist Church of East Orange, East Orange, NJ Rev. Dr. Vernard E. Hinton, Pastor

Imani Baptist Church, East Orange, NJ Rev. William Derek Lee, Senior Pastor It Is Well Living Ministries, Clark, NJ Rev. Kahlil Carmichael, Pastor Macedonia Baptist Church, Lakewood, NJ Dr. Edward D. Harper, Pastor

North Selton AME Church, Piscataway, NJ Rev. Dr. Eric and Myra Billips, Pastors

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

St. Matthew AME Church, Orange, NJ Rev. Melvin E. Wilson, Pastor St. Paul’s B.C., Montclair, NJ Rev. Dr. Bernadette Glover, Pastor St. Paul Baptist Church, Red Bank, NJ Rev. Alexander Brown, Pastor St. Paul Community B.C., Brooklyn, NY Rev. David K. Brawley, Pastor Tabernacle B.C., Burlington, NJ Rev. Dr. Cory L. Jones, 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

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

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

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

Welcome Baptist Church, Newark, NJ Rev. Dr. Elijah C. Williams, Pastor

Pilgrim B. C., Newark, NJ

World Gospel Music Assoc., Newark, NJ Dr. Albert Lewis, Founder

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

ADRIAN COUNCIL PUBLISHER’S DESK

SAVING OUR OWN COMMUNITY:

The Great American Emancipation Day Awards Banquet

B

ehold the above image of our forefathers— the ancestors—born perhaps five or six generations ago. In this photograph taken sometime in the late 1800s you can sense the creative, earnest, poised, dignity and self-respect in these individuals. Courageous souls filled with faith and hope. Their prayers, sacrifices and hope for true liberty; a healthy and prosperous future have been with us to this very day. This is what our folks looked like in the post-Civil War days; at the dawn of our freedom journey as American citizens in this land.Through many dangers, toils and snares, and extraordinary triumphs, our story continues…

For twenty years, The Positive Community (TPC) has consistently delivered Good News from the Church and Community to scores of churches (see page 7) and thousands of readers and their leadership in the NY/NJ region. We tell our own story (narrative) on our own terms about the people and institutions of progress and goodwill. The cornerstone

8

The Positive Community October 2019

of our ministry has been and will forever be this: the progress of our children and the integrity of our African American culture, values and traditions—our collective soul— means everything!

The Cultural Narrative

In 2012, TPC created and introduced the Cultural Narrative in anticipation of the January 1st, 2013, 150th Anniversary commemoration of the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation (The Great Emancipation) on January 1st, 1863.

On New Year’s Eve, 2012, hundreds of churches participated in TPC’s Great Watch Night Initiative (see TPC, Jan. ’13).

It’s a simple exercise: 1) Sing the Negro National Anthem; 2) before or after the midnight prayer, a young person will read the Cultural Narrative before the congregation; 3) exit the sanctuary with everyone singing the Negro hymn, “We’ve Come this Far by Faith!” Among many churches and clergy groups this practice has already become an established tradition. www.thepositivecommunity.com

Thisisis iswhat whatour ourfolks folkslooked lookedlike likein the post-Civil War days; at the dawn of our This This what our folks looked like inin the post-Civil post-Civil War War days; days; at atthe the dawn dawn ofofour our freedomjourney journeyas asAmerican Americancitizens citizensinin this land.

Through many dangers, toils freedom freedom journey as American citizens this land. land.

Through Through many many dangers, dangers, toils toils andsnares, snares,and andextraordinary extraordinarytriumphs, triumphs, our story continues… and and snares, and extraordinary triumphs, our story story continues… continues… ident Abraham Lincoln ended slavery for four million The great Cultural Narrative isreal real and is positive. ident Abraham Abraham Lincoln Lincoln ended ended slavery slavery for forfour four million million of of of The The great great Cultural Cultural Narrative Narrative isisreal and and ititisit is positive. positive.

It isIt is ident our people in the Confederate states; two hundred thouan enduring truth, a qualitative experience, the story to pass people in inthe theConfederate Confederatestates; states;two twohundred hundred thouthouanan enduring enduring truth, truth,a qualitative a qualitativeexperience, experience,the thestory story to to pass our people sand Negro troops were mobilized to fight alongside along to future generations.

It’s the Spirit of Truth that sand Negro Negro troops troops were were mobilized mobilized totofight fight alongside alongside thethethe along along to to future future generations. generations.

It’s It’s the the Spirit Spirit ofof Truth Truth that that willwill sand Union Army.

At moment, the Civil to the save speak to your soul!

See for yourselves—read Narrative Union Union Army.

Army.

At At that thatthat moment, moment, the theCivil Civil War WarWar totosave save thethe speak speak to to your your soul! soul!

See See for for yourselves—read yourselves—read the thethe Narrative Narrative Union became to end slavery, athat war that cost over loud to yourself; for maximum results, have a young per- Union Union became became the thethe war warwar totoend end slavery, slavery, a awar war that cost cost over over outout loud loud toto yourself; yourself; for for maximum maximum results, results, have have aayoung young per700,000 American lives.

New Year’s isimportant an important rehearse itand and then read italoud. aloud.

You will know 700,000 American American lives. lives.

New New Year’s Year’s Day DayDay is isanan important sonson rehearse rehearse it itand then then read read ititaloud.

You You will will know know this thisthis is is 700,000 in in American American history, history, especially especially for forthe the African African AmerAmertrue true and and real real once once it itisitisspoken and and heard. heard.

Ideally, Ideally, as as aas a rightrightdate in American history, especially for the African Amertrue and real once isspoken spoken and heard.

Ideally, a right- date ethnic ethnic community. community.

Indeed, Indeed, without without January January 1, 1, there there of of passage, passage, wewe should should see see totoit every every child child would would learn learn to to ican ican ethnic community.

Indeed, without January 1, there passage, we should see toitthat itthat that every child would learn would be be no noMartin Martin Luther Luther King King Holiday, Holiday, nono Black Black HistoHistoread, read, comprehend, comprehend, memorize, memorize, and and speak speak the the Cultural Cultural NarraNarrawould be no Martin Luther King Holiday, no Black Historead, comprehend, memorize, and speak the Cultural Narra- would Month, Juneteenth, Juneteenth, President President Barak Barak Obama, Obama, Motown Motown tivetive byby the the time time they they reach reach age age ofofof 13.

13.

No No home, home, classroom, classroom, ry Month, Juneteenth, President Barak Obama, Motown by the time they reach age 13.

No home, classroom, ry Month, Queen ofof Soul!

Soul! or or house house ofof worship worship should should bebebe without without aacopy. copy.

Download Download it it or Queen or Queen of Soul! or house of worship should without a copy.

Download forfor free at www.the positive community.com.

Yes, this who free at www.the positive community.com.

Yes, this for free at www.the positive community.com. Yes, this who A Grand Grand Celebration Celebration wewe truly are! truly are!

A Grand Celebration we truly are!

TheThe Positive Positive Community’s Community’s Great Great American American Emancipation Emancipation Day DayDay Positive Community’s Great American Emancipation Banquet Banquet is is about about renewal, renewal, revival—the revival—the spiritual spiritual and and culculSave-the-Date Save-the-Date Banquet is about renewal, revival—the spiritual and culSave-the-Date tural resurrection resurrection ofofthe thethe people. people.

It’s It’sabout about origins origins and andand OnOn January 1st, 1st, 2020, 2020, New New Year’s Year’s Day, Day, from from 2pm–6pm, 2pm–6pm, tural resurrection of people.

It’s about origins OnJanuary January 1st, 2020, New Year’s Day, from 2pm–6pm, tural destines. The TheBanquet Banquetpromises promisestotobebeboth botha solemn a solemn occaoccaallall roads roadslead leadtotothe thehistoric historicRobert Robert Treat Treat Hotel’s, Hotel’s, grand grand destines. all roads lead to the historic Robert Treat Hotel’s, grand destines. The Banquet promises to be both a solemn occaand aajoyful joyfulexperience. experience.The Theobjective objective is is toto showcase showcase ballroom, ballroom,ininNewark, Newark,NJNJfor forthe theinaugural inaugural Great Great American American sion and ballroom, in Newark, NJ for the inaugural Great American sion and a joyful experience. The objective is to showcase very best bestof ofblack blacklife lifeand andculture cultureininAmerica: America: fashion, fashion, Emancipation Emancipation Day DayAwards AwardsBanquet.

Banquet.Dress Dressyour yourbest—in best—in classic classic the very Emancipation Day Awards Banquet. Dress your best—in classic the very best of black life and culture in America: fashion, music, the the arts, arts,and andeconomic economicdevelopment, development,intellectual intellectual black—as black—as our ourancestors ancestorsdid didon onthis thisoccasion occasion 150 150 years years ago; music, theachievements. arts, and economic development, intellectual black—as ancestors did on this occasion 150 years ago; andmusic, cultural cultural achievements.

AAspecial special New NewYear’s Year’s Day Day cuicuiand and wear wear a smile! aour smile! and cultural achievements.

A special New Year’s Day and wear a smile! sine, prepared prepared by

by Rev. Rev.Kevin KevinSmallwood, Smallwood,owner ownerofof Two TwocuiOnOn that thatday, day,wewewill willhonor honorthree threegiants giants of of community community sine, bywill Rev.be Kevin Smallwood, ownerare ofareTwo On that day, we honor three Municipal giants of community and andprepared Five Five Loaves Loaves will be served. served.

All Allcommunities communities service—Torchbearers service—Torchbearers ofofwill Progress—Newark Progress—Newark Municipal Council Council Fishsine, Fish and Five Loaves will be served.

All communities are service—Torchbearers of Progress—Newark Municipal Council invited to to participate participateininthis thisnoble, noble,righteous righteous affair! affair!

President, President, Hon. Hon.Mildred MildredC.C.Crump; Crump;New NewYork YorkState State NAACP NAACP invited invited to participate in this noble, righteous affair!

President, Hon. Mildred C. Crump; New York State NAACP It’s It’s aa grand grand celebration celebrationofofAmerican Americanfreedom, freedom, life-aflife-afConference Conference President, President,Hazel HazelN.N.Dukes; Dukes;and andNational National Baptist Baptist It’sideals, a grand celebration of American freedom, life-afConference President, Hazel N. Dukes; National Baptist firming firming ideals, values values and andtradition. tradition.

Come Comecelebrate celebrate TheThe Convention, Convention, USA, USA,General General Secretary, Secretary, Rev. Rev.and Calvin Calvin McKinney, McKinney, firming ideals, values and tradition.

Come celebrate Convention, USA, General Secretary, Rev. Calvin McKinney, Positive Positive Community’s Community’s 20th 20thanniversary anniversary ofofloving lovingservice service to toThe pastor of of Calvary BC, Garfield, NJ. honorees: pastor Calvary BC, Garfield, NJ.Organization Organization honorees: Community’s 20th anniversary of loving service pastorofofofHarlem Calvary BC, Garfield, Organization honorees: community community on onEmancipation Emancipation Day/Freedom Day/Freedom Day. Day. For For to Friends Rev. Jacque.

AA DeGraff, presFriends HarlemHospital, Hospital, Rev.NJ. Jacque.

DeGraff, pres- ourPositive community on Emancipation Day/Freedom Day. Friends of Harlem Hospital, DeGraff, pres- theour prayers prayers of ofour ourforefathers forefathers and andfor forthe thesalvation salvation of of the theFor ident; ident; African African American American Clergy ClergyRev. and andJacque.

Elected ElectedA Officials Officials (AA(AAsouls ofprayers generations generations yet unborn, unborn,let letusus step step into into 2020 2020 to-of to-the CEO, Brooklyn), Rev. Waterman, president; CEO, Brooklyn), Rev.Dr. Dr.Robert Robert M. Waterman, president; theof of ouryet forefathers and for the salvation ident; African American ClergyM. and Elected Officials (AA- souls gether, with aa true truevision vision who whowewelet really really are: are:liberated liberated and African American ofofCommerce of Jer- gether, and African American Chamber Commerce of New New soulswith of generations yetofof unborn, us step into 2020 toCEO, Brooklyn), Rev.Chamber Dr. Robert M. Waterman, president; and and daughters daughters ofofthe the Most MostHigh; mighty mighty descendants descendants of of sey,sey, John Harmon, president.

John Harmon, president. with a true vision ofHigh; who we really are: liberated and African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jer- sonsgether, The Great Great Emancipation—1863!

Emancipation—1863!

Some Some may may ask, ask, “… “…

Brother Brother Council, Council, why why New New Year’s Year’s Day? Day? sons and daughters of the Most High; mighty descendants of sey, John Harmon, president.

I attend I attend church church Watch Watch NightServices; Services; after after we sip sip Year’s egg egg nog Some may ask, “…Night Brother Council, whywe New Day? The Great Emancipation—1863! with with friends friends and andfamily, family,and andthen then go gototosleep. sleep.we II spend spend thenog I attend church Watch Night Services; after sip egg first first day day of of the the new new year year at at home, home, eating eating and and watching watching thethe On On January January 1st, 1st, 2020, 2020, New NewYear’s Year’sDay, Day, with friends and family, and then go to sleep. I spend bowl bowl games games on on TV.” TV.” My My answer: answer: On On this this day day in in 1863 1863 (156 (156 first day of the new year at home, eating and watching the from from 2pm–6pm, all allroads roads lead totoYear’s the thehishisOn 2pm–6pm, January 1st, 2020,lead New Day, years years ago), ago), the the Emancipation Emancipation Proclamation Proclamation signed

by PresPresbowl games on TV.” My answer: On this signed day in by 1863 (156 toric toric Robert Robert Treat Treatall Hotel’s, Hotel’s, grand grand ballfrom 2pm–6pm, roads lead to ballthe hisyears ago), the Emancipation Proclamation signed by Pres-

room, room, inRobert Newark, Newark, NJ NJ for for the theinaugural inaugural toricin Treat Hotel’s, grand ballGreat Great American American Emancipation Emancipation DayAwards Awards room, in Newark, NJ for Day the inaugural Banquet.

Banquet.

Order Orderyour your tickets ticketstoday. today.

Great American Emancipation Day Awards

Scene Scene from from TPC’s TPC’s 15th 15thanniversary anniversarygala galaat atNJPAC NJPAC www.thepositivecommunity.com Scene from TPC’s 15th anniversary gala at NJPAC

!!!

Banquet.

Order tickets today.

A special special thanks thanks to toyour our oursponsors, sponsors, community community partners ofof progress: progress: A specialpartners thanks to our sponsors, Prudential Prudential Financial, Financial, United United Airlines, Airlines, community partners of progress: and and AARP. AARP. Prudential Financial, United Airlines, and AARP.

October 2019 The Positive Community

9

THE NEWARK MUNICIPAL COUNCIL Congratulations and Best Wishes to THE POSITIVE COMMUNITY For Your Annual City of Newark Special Issue THANK YOU FOR YOUR TREMENDOUS COMMITMENT TO NEWARK N. J.

Mildred C. Crump

President and Council Member-At- Large

Augusto Amador

Council Member East Ward

LaMonica R. McIver Central Ward

Carlos M. Gonzalez

Council Member-At- Large

Eddie Osborne

Council Member-At-Large

John Sharpe James

Council Member South Ward

Luis A. Quintana

Council Member-At-Large

Joseph A. McCallum, Jr.

Council Member West Ward

Anibal Ramos, Jr.

Council Member North Ward

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

October 1, 2019 It is my sincere honor and privilege to submit words of gratitude in recognition and appreciation to The Positive Community as you publish your annual City of Newark issue. Your publication has become a media and cultural icon in the Newark community. Your annual City of Newark issue is significant because of the impact that your publication has made on Newark residents and countless others. The Positive Community has come to mean so much to a populace that has often found itself absent of the media resource you provide.

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

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

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

Respectfully and Gratefully Submitted,

Mildred C. Crump President, Newark Municipal Council

AISHA AISHA GLOVER GLOVER GUEST GUEST EDITORIAL EDITORIAL

Aisha Aisha Glover Glover is is President President & & Aisha Glover is President & CEO of the Newark CEO of of the the Newark Newark Alliance Alliance CEO Alliance

Moving Newark Forward: A City of Opportunity

O

ne ne year year ago, ago, October October 2018, 2018, Newark Newark Mayor Mayor Ras Ras J. J. ne year ago, October 2018, Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka released Newark Forward: A Blueprint Baraka released released Newark Newark Forward: Forward: A A Blueprint Blueprint for for Baraka for Equitable Equitable Growth Growth and and Opportunity Opportunity in in Newark.

Newark.

Equitable Growth and Opportunity in Newark.

In it, he and his administration, along with In it, it, he he and and his his administration, administration, along along with with vital vital input input In vital input from from the the broader broader Newark Newark community community of of stakeholders, stakeholders, from the broader Newark community of stakeholders, provided provided recommendations recommendations for for concrete concrete steps steps to to contincontinprovided recommendations for concrete steps to continue Newark’s positive trajectory, working toward ue Newark’s Newark’s positive positive trajectory, trajectory, working working toward toward inclusive inclusive ue inclusive and and equitable equitable growth. growth. Those Those proposals proposals are are now now starting starting and equitable growth.

Those proposals are now starting to bear fruit, most notably: the creation of an to bear bear fruit, fruit, most most notably: notably: the the creation creation of of an an Equitable Equitable to Equitable Growth Growth Commission, Commission, onboarding onboarding of of aaa new new deputy deputy mayor mayor Growth Commission, onboarding of new deputy mayor with deep expertise in affordable housing, with deep deep expertise expertise in in affordable affordable housing, housing, the the advanceadvancewith the advancement ment of of aaa Land Land Bank Bank strategy, strategy, neighborhood neighborhood developdevelopment of Land Bank strategy, neighborhood development plans, and progress around ment plans, plans, and and progress progress around around local local hiring. hiring. ment local hiring.

As As aaa city, city, we we have have reached reached another another milestone milestone of of sorts. sorts.

As city, we have reached another milestone of sorts.

Two years ago, Amazon announced its search for Two years years ago, ago, Amazon Amazon announced announced its its search search for for aaa localocaTwo location tion for for its its second second headquarters. headquarters. The The City City of of Newark Newark put put tion for its second headquarters.

The City of Newark put forward forward aaa compelling compelling proposal proposal that that landed landed it it on on aaa shortshortforward compelling proposal that landed it on shortlist list of of 20 20 contenders contenders from from across across the the country country joining joining the the list of 20 contenders from across the country joining the likes of Atlanta; Boston; Chicago; New York; Washington, likes of of Atlanta; Atlanta; Boston; Boston; Chicago; Chicago; New New York; York; Washington, Washington, likes DC; DC; and and Los Los Angeles Angeles (e.g. (e.g. the the usuals). usuals). Last Last year, year, Amazon Amazon DC; and Los Angeles (e.g. the usuals).

Last year, Amazon put an end to that search—and the related national put an an end end to to that that search—and search—and the the related related national national frenfrenput frenzy. zy. New New York York City City (Long (Long Island Island City) City) and and Washington, Washington, zy.

New York City (Long Island City) and Washington, DC DC (Crystal (Crystal City) City) received received the the prize. prize.

DC (Crystal City) received the prize.

While I have repeatedly While II have have repeatedly repeatedly vowed vowed to to stop stop talking talking about about While vowed to stop talking about the Amazon bid, I recognize the power of what the Amazon Amazon bid, bid, II recognize recognize the the power power of of what what it it did did for for the it did for Newark.

Newark. The The process process helped helped us us strengthen strengthen how how we we colcolNewark.

The process helped us strengthen how we collaborate laborate across across sectors; sectors; reminded reminded us us of of the the critical critical role role laborate across sectors; reminded us of the critical role of our city’s brand; and caused companies, investors, of our our city’s city’s brand; brand; and and caused caused companies, companies, investors, investors, popoof potential tential students, students, and and residents residents to to take take aaa second second look look at at us. us. tential students, and residents to take second look at us.

Newark Newark is, is, indeed, indeed, better-off better-off post-Amazon post-Amazon HQ2.

HQ2. We We have have Newark is, indeed, better-off post-Amazon HQ2.

We have had had an an opportunity opportunity to to reflect reflect on on what what our our mayor mayor and and our our had an opportunity to reflect on what our mayor and our leadership have promoted and advanced.

It is equity. leadership have have promoted promoted and and advanced. advanced. It It is is equity. equity. leadership As As Newark Newark experiences experiences its its most most significant significant revitalizarevitalizaAs Newark experiences its most significant revitalization (nearly $5 billion in development tion (nearly (nearly $5 $5 billion billion in in development development underway; underway; 11,000 11,000 tion underway; 11,000 residential residential units), units), it it is is no no small small challenge challenge to to figure figure out out residential units), it is no small challenge to figure out how how to to be be pro-development pro-development and and pro-equity pro-equity while while shakshakhow to be pro-development and pro-equity while shaking ing off off dated dated misconceptions. misconceptions. Resilient, Resilient, triumphant, triumphant, ing off dated misconceptions.

Resilient, triumphant, steeped in history, rooted in great steeped in in history, history, rooted rooted in in great great pride, pride, and and committed committed steeped pride, and committed

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The Positive Community October 2019

to remain diverse and accessible to newcomers who want to to remain remain diverse diverse and and accessible accessible to to newcomers newcomers who who want want to benefit from its assets as well as those who have lived to benefit from its assets as well as those who have to benefit from its assets as well as those who have lived lived here for generations—that’s Newark. With its vibrant arts here here for for generations—that’s generations—that’s Newark.

Newark. With With its its vibrant vibrant arts arts community, location 20 minutes from Manhattan, uncommunity, community, location location 20 20 minutes minutes from from Manhattan, Manhattan, ununmatched tech infrastructure, award-winning educational matched matched tech tech infrastructure, infrastructure, award-winning award-winning educational educational options, and talent, Newark is an exceptional city. So, we options, options, and and talent, talent, Newark Newark is is an an exceptional exceptional city. city. So, So, we we have used the attention to underscore why Newark is so have have used used the the attention attention to to underscore underscore why why Newark Newark is is so so special.

These efforts led to the city receiving a national special. special. These These efforts efforts led led to to the the city city receiving receiving aa national national award for its effectiveness in leading the effort to brand award award for for its its effectiveness effectiveness in in leading leading the the effort effort to to brand brand aa Newark that is a multi-cultural, economically growing a Newark Newark that that is is aa multi-cultural, multi-cultural, economically economically growing growing community. community. community.

But this is beyond aa campaign.

We are building awareBut But this this is is beyond beyond a campaign. campaign. We We are are building building awareawareness for the real work taking place across Newark’s stakeness for the real work taking place across ness for the real work taking place across Newark’s Newark’s stakestakeholders, including its corporations and institutions. Here holders, holders, including including its its corporations corporations and and institutions. institutions. Here Here are a few examples: are are aa few few examples: examples: •• Audible, an Amazon company, named one of the • Audible, Audible, an an Amazon Amazon company, company, named named one one of of the the 100 Most Brilliant Companies by Entrepreneur 100 100 Most Most Brilliant Brilliant Companies Companies by

by Entrepreneur Entrepreneur Magazine because of its social mission Magazine Magazine because because of of its its social social mission mission •• Rutgers University ranked 4th in the country (tied • Rutgers Rutgers University University ranked ranked 4th 4th in in the the country country (tied (tied with Howard University) for social mobility with Howard University) for social mobility with Howard University) for social mobility •• New Jersey Performing Arts Center ranks among • New New Jersey Jersey Performing Performing Arts Arts Center Center ranks ranks among among the most diverse cultural institutions in the nation the most diverse cultural institutions in the most diverse cultural institutions in the the nation nation •• RWJ Barnabas Health created an entire department • RWJ RWJ Barnabas Barnabas Health Health created created an an entire entire department department to address social determinants of health and is the to address social determinants of to address social determinants of health health and and is is the the first in the country to combine policy efforts with first in the country to combine policy efforts first in the country to combine policy efforts with with outreach outreach outreach •• Prudential Financial’s range of investments, pro• Prudential Prudential Financial’s Financial’s range range of of investments, investments, proprograms, and partnerships directly address inclusive grams, grams, and and partnerships partnerships directly directly address address inclusive inclusive economic growth. Fortune magazine designated it aa economic economic growth. growth. Fortune Fortune magazine magazine designated designated it it a “Change the World” company “Change “Change the the World” World” company company Significant strides toward achieving the goals of NewSignificant Significant strides strides toward toward achieving achieving the the goals goals of of NewNewark Forward are evident just one year later, and Newark ark ark Forward Forward are are evident evident just just one one year year later, later, and and Newark Newark continues to be a robust, diverse city. It is clear our colleccontinues continues to to be be aa robust, robust, diverse diverse city. city. It It is is clear clear our our colleccollective priorities are in the right place and the right people tive priorities are in the right place and the right tive priorities are in the right place and the right people people are at the helm as disruptors, ambassadors, and stewards are are at at the the helm helm as as disruptors, disruptors, ambassadors, ambassadors, and and stewards stewards of a more equitable Newark. of a more equitable Newark. of a more equitable Newark. www.thepositivecommunity.com

Steve Johnson Auto Specialist- BRAM Automotive

Hello, my name is Steve Johnson and I’m an Auto Specialist here at BRAM Automotive. I believe everyone is entitled to driving a nicer, newer car and my goal is to provide you with an excellent car buying experience. Whether it’s for an Audi, Chevy, Lexus or a Nissan, please do not hesitate to reach out to me with any and all questions, comments, or concerns at the email and number provided below. I look forward to getting you into the car you deserve!

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"Ken Gibson, Pearl Beatty, Lebby Jones, Trish Morris-Yamba and Ramon Rivera each dedicated their lives to helping others, improving their community and putting the needs of others before their own. They are deserving of being remembered as 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

Honor Ken Gibson, Pearl Beatty, Lebby Jones, Trish Morris-Yamba and Ramon Rivera during the

ESSEX COUNTY LEGENDS WAY CEREMONY

With the County Executive are (from left) Assemblyman Ralph Caputo, Sheriff Armando Fontoura, Gibson’s family members and friends, including his wife Camille, Lt Governor Sheila Oliver and Deputy Chief of Staff William Payne.

Newark's First African American Mayor

KENNETH A. GIBSON

PEARL BEATTY

First President of Essex County Board of Chosen Freeholders

With the County Executive are Lt. Governor Sheila Oliver (left) and Beatty’s family members and friends.

LEBBY C. JONES

With the County Executive are Irvington Mayor Tony Vauss (left), Lt. Governor Sheila Oliver (third from left), Deputy Chief of Staff William Payne (second from left) and Jones’ family members and friends.

TRISH MORRIS-YAMBA

With the County Executive are Morris-Yamba’s husband Zachary Yamba (fourth from left), Essex County Deputy Chief of Staff William Payne (second from left) and Yamba’s family members and friends.

Essex County Freeholder At-Large & Irvington Councilwoman

Executive Director, Newark Day Center/Greater Newark Fresh Air Fund

RAMON RIVERA

Founder, La Casa de Don Pedro

With the County Executive are (from left) Deputy Chief of Staff William Payne, Newark Councilman Anibal Ramos, Rivera’s family and friends including his son Ramon, Lt. Governor Sheila Oliver and NJ State Senator and Deputy Chief of Staff Teresa Ruiz.

M Money

buiness, finance + work

Working together for Growth YWCA Northern New Jersey and Bergen County Black Business Network Collaborate

C

ommitted to supporting the economic growth and development of black businesses in Bergen County, YWCA Northern New Jersey recently announced the Bergen County Black Business Network (BCBBN) is now a program under their umbrella.

BCBBN, a networking and peer advisory group for established entrepreneurs and intrapreneurs, assists its members in building businesses through the exchange of referrals, leads, and business ideas. BCBBN meets on

Leon Ellis

BCBBN Founder Corethia V. E. Oates

the second Friday of every month.

The first joint event hosted by the two organizations, a Financial Wellness Forum, took place on Saturday, September 21st at Community Baptist Church of Englewood. BCBBN leaders presented informative workshops including: Your Money Personality Type, Are You Prepared for Entrepreneurship?, Home Care Cost on Seniors, and Caregivers and Insurance...Are you Covered? —TPC Staff

By Glenda Cadogan

L–R: YWCA’s Jessica Manaco-Copell with BCBBN members Crystal Burns, Michele Brown, Dedra N. Tate, James D. Brown, BCBBN Founder Corethia V. E. Oates, Tamarha Ellerbe, Angela Logan, Tia Jackson, Tammy D. Felton, and Lori Murphy of the YWCA Northern New Jersey thepositivecommunity.com Summer 2017 The Positive Community 17 www.thepositivecommunity.com 16 The Positive Community October 2019

Photos courtesy of YWCA

Faith & Love Fuel His Vision

Fo c u s e d on t h e Fu tu r e

Invest Newark: Resurrecting Newark As A Global Gateway City

By R.L. Witter

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Photos: IMU Media

ewark has long been on the comeback trail; coming back from blight, coming back from crime, coming back from press coverage that somehow always seems to highlight the negative while missing positive strides and milestones altogether. Too often, it seems, the good people and things in and of Newark are all but extracted from Newark and held up as anomalies or oddities, rather than the dedicated and deliberate fruits of intense labor, tenacity, and competence.

Enter Newark Community Economic Development Corporation, helmed by President and CEO Bernel Hall.

Hall, a recipient of a Harvard M.B.A. who has “always had an entrepreneurial spirit,” has put together a worldclass team whose mission and passion are the economic success of Newark citizens and businesses, thus improving the quality of life of all who live in, work in, and visit Newark. Hall was a quick sell on the advantages of Newark. “When I was looking to buy my first home, Newark made sense,” the North Carolina native explained. “Newark is one of the few places with an international airport, an international seaport, five major highways, three universities of higher learning, all within 30 minutes of each other. There aren’t ten other cities like that, so that intrinsic value needs to be brought out by people who grew up here or may have left and come back, and also people who have fresh eyes.”

Hall’s eyes and sharp mind are focused on “a restoration to being the global gateway city it was designed to

“I think Mayor Baraka has recognized diversity of thought is just as valuable as diversity of economic drivers, suppliers, entrepreneurs, and citizenry” www.thepositivecommunity.com

October 2019 The Positive Community

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Fo c u s e d on t h e Fu tu r e be.” He understands the importance of teamwork, not just among his organization, but in relation to the City of Newark and other businesses and institutions. “I think Mayor Baraka has recognized diversity of thought is just as valuable as diversity of economic drivers, suppliers, entrepreneurs, and citizenry,” Hall remarked. “So he has been one to say, ‘Go out and hire staff that obviously is passionate about Newark and Newark’s evolution, but at the same time has a high level of competence’ to carry out his vision in a way that may not have been in-house before.” It is with this in mind that Hall contemplated people and positions much in the way a grandmaster contemplates a game of chess. “Over the last nine months, we have assembled a world-class team of professionals featuring over $20 Billion in real estate, business, and community development transaction experience,” he explained. “The decision to rename the organization ‘Invest Newark’ speaks to a renewed imperative to encourage higher levels of public, private, and ‘people’ investments throughout the City. At Invest Newark, our mission is in our name.”

The Team “As the chief financial officer and chief investment officer of Invest Newark, I have two primary responsibilities,” explained Ladell Robbins, “ensuring our organiza-

tion is financially healthy and compliant and mobilizing capital for our various economic development initiatives.

I was attracted to Invest Newark because I believe in the Mayor's vision of inclusive prosperity and the role Invest Newark can play in making this happen within the City of Newark.” He continued, “I am hopeful that my many years of experience organizing investments in developed and undeveloped economies globally will be useful in strengthening Invest Newark and promoting investments, which will help Newarkers prosper.”

Senior Vice President of Business Development Polina Bakhtelarov is equally excited and committed to her mission. “I lead Invest Newark’s efforts in growing Newark’s middle class via neighborhood-based business expansion, homeownership opportunities, and MWBE business growth. I initially contemplated coming to Newark five years ago, but I am glad that I waited and acquired the additional skills and expertise to properly serve our residents and entrepreneurs.” Bakhtelarov’s experience and skill set are well suited to the task at hand. “I bring to the team eight years of government experience; the majority of which were spent repositioning distressed and underutilized assets and leading community development initiatives. My goal is to leverage my experience to expand urban wealth creation opportunities within the City of Newark.”

L–R: Franklyn Ore, SVP Real Estate Development; Polina Bakhteiarov, SVP Business Development; Bernel Hall, President & CEO; Annette Muhammad,SVP Land Bank Development; Ladell Robbins, CFO & CIO

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The Positive Community October 2019

www.thepositivecommunity.com

Fo c u s e d on t h e Fu tu r e As a native Newarker, Senior Vice President of Real Estate Development Franklyn Ore brings not only his educational and professional experience, but also a sense of insider knowledge and investment. “It is a privilege to serve. My responsibilities include leading a team of real estate professionals focused on spurning and managing mixed-use and mixed-income development throughout the City of Newark,” he explained.

“Our goal at Invest Newark is to drive the Mayor's economic development vision as well as provide high quality real estate development and neighborhood amenities to Newark's residents. I am deeply honored to be at the forefront of Newark's renaissance, helping to create transformative residential and commercial projects that will reimagine the landscape of Newark in the years to come.”

“We want to give people at all income levels the opportunity to become homeowners and invest in Newark in a way they may not have been able to do in the past.”

TOP (L–R): Franklyn Ore, SVP Real Estate Development; Roger Johnson,VP Real Estate Transactions; Jereri Edwards, Director of Finance; Bernel Hall, President & CEO; Ladell Robbins, CFO & CIO; Osiris Jackson, Staff Accountant; Chike Uzoka, AVP Business Development & Entrepreneurship; Francisco Gleim, Director of Marketing BOTTOM (L–R): Polina Bakhteiarov, SVP Business Development; Annette Muhammad,SVP Land Bank Development; Norma Gonzalez, VP Real Estate & Economic Development; Elizabeth Seagle, Executive Assistant to the President; Elizabeth DaSilva, AVP Business Development & UEZ Coordinator; Hilda Castellanos, Economic Development Analyst

The Goal With his team in place and all hands working toward the common goal of improving and developing Newark from an economic perspective, Hall is poised to have real and lasting impact on Newark and the lives of those who make it their home. Possibly the greatest impact will be made by New Jersey’s first land bank. “The Mayor has been working on the land bank for almost nine years now,” Hall explained. “It’s probably the signature event in his tenure thus far… The idea is to remove blight throughout the city of Newark, repurpose the properties back to the fiscal tax roll, and in doing so enact disposition policies that foster economic development and inclusive prosperity.” www.thepositivecommunity.com

He continued, “We want to create homeownership opportunities first and foremost for Newark residents, but also for people coming in from outside of Newark… We want to give people at all income levels the opportunity to become homeowners and invest in Newark in a way they may not have been able to do in the past.”

Some of the programs being discussed include longterm tenants having first right of refusal when the property becomes subject to foreclosure, and allowing residents living adjacent to blighted properties the opportunity to purchase the lot from the land bank at a heavily discounted Continued on next page October 2019 The Positive Community

19

INVEST NEWARK

Continued from previous page price. “We also want to see more outside-in economic opportunities for small business owners,” said Hall. “We want to see more businesses out in the wards; we believe downtown will pretty much take care of itself.” The vision for the land bank doesn’t stop there. “Making good business sense is a part of what we’re trying to do. Joint venture partnerships with local and MWBE contractors so they can have more responsibility over rebuilding their own neighborhoods, foster growth and wealth in their own areas, and also hire Newarkers so the rising tide will lift all boats as the city returns properties to the tax roll.”

Another program near and dear to Hall’s heart is MWBE certification. “I’m not a fan of trickle-down economics because generally we don’t have anything to trickle down,” he explained. “We really have to make sure we are certifying, licensing, legitimizing, and capitalizing MWBE businesses in places where demographics reflect them having the most impact… to grow wealth and hire locally.”

Moving Forward In addition to all of the other projects Invest Newark has undertaken, they are also reworking their website. “We’re creating a business directory off all businesses in Newark with a focus on the small ones,” Hall explained. “Anyone — whether within or outside of Newark — will easily be able to go to a drop-down box and find what they’re looking for in relation to businesses in Newark… We’ll also have a portal

featuring large corporate partners so Newark businesses will always know where there are contracting opportunities with our corporate and government communities. And lastly, we’re going to have a calendar of community events to make the city smaller so we can always know what’s happening in the city and be in a position to support one another.”

With clear-cut goals and both a path and a team to get him there, Hall is all-in with and for Newark. “It is an honor to serve the Mayor and the citizens of Newark as the president and CEO of the City’s primary economic development catalyst, Invest Newark,” he said. “My job is to advance the economic prosperity of all Newarkers by administering the State of New Jersey’s first land bank; fostering inclusive prosperity via local and MWBE business growth; and creating platforms for infrastructure investments that bolster Newark’s global competitiveness.”

On a personal note, Hall has a relationship with Metropolitan Baptist Church and appreciates the beauty of Newark in addition to its convenience. “To get up on a Saturday morning and run through Westside Park…” he said with a combination of joy and awe. “It’s a masterpiece of a park and is terribly underutilized. It gives me room to explore my thoughts. And my second favorite place is the Riverfront.” With that same sense of awe and adventure he remarked, “Even though it’s not televised, the economic revolution of Newark has already begun.”

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The Positive Community October 2019

www.thepositivecommunity.com

Giving Homebuyers a LIFT $500 Million Invested By Wells Fargo

By The End Of 2019

L–R: Wells Fargo Home Mortgage Diverse Segment Manager Vonetta Hawkins and Wells Fargo Private Bank Northern NJ Regional Manager Robert Ross

L–R: NJ Community Capital Executive Director Wayne Meyer, City of Newark Deputy Mayor Allison Ladd, and Wells Fargo Northern NJ Region Bank President Greg White

L–R: Wells Fargo Northeast Government Relations Director Steve Ball, Wells Fargo Housing Leader Kim Smith-Moore, and Wells Fargo NJ Community Relations Leader Tomas Porturas

Photos: Karen Waters

O

ffering homebuyer education plus $20,000 down payment assistance grants, Wells Fargo, NeighborWorks(R) America and its network member New Jersey Community Capital recently launched the 75th LIFT program for Essex County, NJ homebuyers.

Since 2012, LIFT programs have assisted nearly 22,000 homeowners in nearly 900 municipalities, who have purchased more than $3.36 billion in real estate supported by a total investment of $475 million by Wells Fargo. LIFT programs will grow to $500 million invested by Wells Fargo by the end of 2019. Mortgage loans made through LIFT programs are not exclusive to Wells Fargo.

With a $5 million philanthropic commitment by the Wells Fargo Foundation, the NeighborhoodLIFT program will create more than 180 Essex County homeowners by offering $20,000 down payment assistance grants that require completion of HUD-certified homebuyer education.

The NeighborhoodLIFT program for Essex County follows Wells Fargo’s announcement in June of an evolution in the company’s philanthropic strategy, which includes a $1 billion commitment over the next six years to address the U.S. housing affordability crisis.

To reserve a $20,000 down payment assistance grant, eligible homebuyers must be pre-approved for financing with an eligible lender to purchase a home in Essex County and earn 100% or less of the area median income, which is $100,600 in Essex County for a family of four. Military service members and veterans, teachers, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and emergency medical technicians may reserve down payment assistance grants of $22,500.

“This innovative collaboration is critical to creating sustainable homeownership in Essex County,” www.thepositivecommunity.com

Front row (L-R): New Jersey Community Capital Executive Director Wayne Meyer; Irvington Township Mayor Tony Vauss; Newark Deputy Mayor Allison Ladd; Wells Fargo Housing Leader Kim Smith-Moore; NeighborWorks America Northeast Regional Vice President Joanie Strassman Brandon; Orange Township Councilwoman Adrienne Wooten; East Orange Director of Policy, Planning, and Development Daniel Jennings; Wells Fargo Home Mortgage Diverse Segment Manager Vonetta Hawkins Back row (L-R): Orange Township Mayor Dwayne Warren, Wells Fargo Northern NJ Region Bank President Greg White, and Wells Fargo Northeast Government Relations Director Steve Ball

said Joanie Straussman Brandon, Northeastern regional vice president with NeighborWorks America.

“The required homebuyer education classes provided by certified professionals better prepare NeighborhoodLIFT homebuyers to achieve their goal of sustainable homeownership.”

Approved homebuyers will have up to 60 days to finalize a contract to purchase a home in Essex County and can obtain mortgage financing from any participating lender. To reserve the full grant amount, participants buying a primary residence with the NeighborhoodLIFT program must commit to live in the home for five years.

October 2019 The Positive Community

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NJ Connects: Helping Boost Minority Businesses Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka

Photos: Raymond Hagans

L–R: Jeff Dunn, NJ Economic Development Authority Senior Venture Officer Lexie Demirali, and Dr. Deforest Soaries

NJ Senator Ron Rice

NJ Senator Sandra B. Cunningham

I L–R: Andrew Simmons, Lachay’s Construction Development; Ramelle Massey, Massey Insurance; and John Harmon, African-American Chamber of Commerce

L–R: NY/NJ Port Authority Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer Michael G. Massiah, NJ Economic Development VP for Policy and Communication Tai Cooper, Superintendent State Education Commissioner Lamont Repollet

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The Positive Community October 2019

t’s an exciting time for the State of New Jersey.

Under the leadership of Governor Phil Murphy, the State of New Jersey is committed to diversity and inclusion, which includes diversifying its contracting supply chain. NJ Connects is the first annual businessbuilding forum dedicated to connecting diverse suppliers with billion-dollar public and private sector business opportunities in the State of New Jersey.

The goal of NJ Connects is to provide access to information and resources that will assist businesses and the state in growing a fairer and more inclusive economy.

Annually, billions of dollars are spent in the procurement of goods, services, and construction projects. Utilizing the State of New Jersey as a business partner can open up opportunities for businesses, be it a start-up, mid-size, or large company looking to expand into new markets.

The day’s programming was designed to address the needs of business owners to connect to the appropriate public and private sector resources;, learn how to do business in the State of New Jersey; and obtain pertinent information regarding federal, state, and local government programs. Additionally, over 750 attendees networked with inspired industry leaders, as well as public and private procurement professionals in a setting filled with interactive plenary sessions, panels, and workshops. www.thepositivecommunity.com

Lt. Governor Sheila Oliver

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October 2019 The Positive Community

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The Positive Community October 2019

www.thepositivecommunity.com

National Baptist Convention 139th Annual Session L–R: Rev. Dr. Lester Taylor, Deaconess Dr. Dorothy Campbell, and Rev. Dr. Guy Campbell

L–R General Baptist Convention President Dr. Lester Taylor; Tracy Bracewell; and St. John’s B.C. Pastor Rev. Shawn T. Wallace, Sr.

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L–R: Tracy Bracewell, Althea Bryan, Nellie Suggs, and Evangelist Laura Wright

he National Baptist Convention (NBC USA Inc.) met September 1-6, 2019 in the Morial Convention Center in New Orleans, LA. More than 20,000 delegates from across the country gathered for panels, prayers, and spiritual guidance at the convention themed “Envisioning the Future Exceptionally.”

Highlight of the week: General Baptist Convention of NJ (GBCNJ) Pastor Shawn T. Wallace, Sr. was the guest speaker for the Women’s Auxiliary District Presidents’ breakfast on Tuesday, September 3rd. Pastor Wallace was introduced by GBCNJ Rev. Dr. Lester W. Taylor, and the New Jersey Women’s Auxiliary delegation received the first place award for attendance.

Dr. Jerry Young, pastor at New Hope Baptist Church in Jackson, MS, has served as president of NBC USA since 2014. Rev. Calvin McKinney, pastor of Calvary Baptist Church in Garfield, NJ, is general secretary.

Negations & Financial Specialist

www.thepositivecommunity.com

October 2019 The Positive Community

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The Positive Community October 2019

www.thepositivecommunity.com

L–R: Mount Pleasant Baptist Church Pastor Rakeem S. Thomas, Sr.; First Lady Jocelyn; and children

Union Baptist Temple, Bridgeton, NJ Pastor Rev. Dr. Albert L. Morgan Photos by Karen Waters

Mount Pleasant Baptist Church

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allelujah! New Beginnings. The congregation of Mount Pleasant Baptist Church in Newark celebrated the completion of the renovation and restoration of the church sanctuary in September. Throughout their eight-year journey to the conclusion of the project, church members never lost sight of what God promised and praised Him for His continued

www.thepositivecommunity.com

blessings. Dr. Kerwin B. Lee of Berean Christian Church, Stone Mountain, GA preached the guest sermon on Saturday. God’s Mailman, Rev. Dr. Albert L. Morgan of Union Baptist Temple, Bridgeton, NJ, delivered Sunday’s consecration sermon entitled “This Is Dedicated to the One I Love.” Mount Pleasant Baptist Pastor Rakeem S. Thomas, Sr. shared a

heartfelt message, concluding: “Out of a consecrated and committed life can flow all sorts of new ways of ministry and innovation for us individually and collectively. Mount Pleasant let’s move forward. Let’s take this momentum and turn it into a movement. Let us be ALL IN. Together, let’s make a difference in our community and beyond.”

October 2019 The Positive Community

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Rev. Dr. Barry R. Miller presenting the Cultural Narrative

Newark Abyssinian Baptist Church Cultural Narrative Visit

P

Photos: Karen Waters

arishioners at Abyssinian Baptist Church in Newark, NJ were warm and welcoming during The Positive Community’s visit on Sunday morning, September 15, 2019. Abyssinian’s new senior pastor, Rev. Barry R. Miller, introduced Publisher Adrian Council, Sr. and the Cultural Narrative. The church also celebrated its Officers’ Annual Day, Installation and Ordination. Rev. Miller preached a dynamic sermon entitled “The Fear of Failure Causes Us to Fail.”

Seated: Rev. Barry R. Miller with L–R: Rev. Charles Temes, First Lady Jill Miller, Rev. Angril Phelps, and Rev. Mary Hines

Congregants worshipping

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The Positive Community October 2019

www.thepositivecommunity.com

Frontline

It’s Not the Water . . . It’s the PIPes Newark replaces Leads Service Pipes throughout the City at no cost to Residents

Photo: Risasi Dais

By Helene Fox

Newark is currently replacing all of the city’s 18,720 lead service lines. it will be the largest American city to do so.

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his morning in Newark, the sound of jack hammers will closely follow the dawn as construction crews begin digging up streets. By mid-morning, workers will be standing in rectangular trenches with boots five feet below street level.

In those ditches, they will find what they came for: lead water lines, some dating back to days when these streets were cobblestone and horse drawn wagons outnumbered rumbling Model-Ts. The lead service lines connect each homeowner’s pipes to the city’s water mains. After disconnecting in the homeowner’s basement, workers use a winch to pull the old, malleable metal tube some 50-feet through the ground, and once extracted, a machine called ‘The Mole’ will snake a new copper line through the same hole. Then, one of America’s most feared infrastructure problems will be solved for another Newark family.

Today in Newark, this will happen 50 times as Mayor Ras Baraka’s lead service replacement program hits its stride. When Newark finishes replacing all 18,720 lead service lines, it will be the largest American city to do so. In addition, it will be the first to do it with no cost to property owners, either through higher taxes, water rate hikes, homeowner contribution to the project, or major help from the federal government.

It takes strong leadership and persistence to accomplish such a huge undertaking. “I’m reminded of this quote by my friend and mentor, Mayor Ken Gibson, ‘Where American cities are going, Newark will get there first,’” said Mayor Ras Baraka.

“We buried our former mayor some months ago and I can’t help but think about how difficult a time he had trying to rebuild, even resurrect, a city still smoldering cont’d on next page

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October 2019 The Positive Community

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IT’S NOT NOT THE THE WATER WATER IT'S IT’S NOTprevious THE WATER cont’d from page cont’d from previous page

from the ashes of rebellion and weighed down by very real from the barriers ashes of that rebellion weighed down very real systemic have and haunted us for 400by years,” the systemiccontinued. barriers that haveBaraka haunted us for 400 years,”playthe Mayor Mayor followed Gibson’s Mayor aggressively continued. handled Mayor Baraka followed playbook, the lead water Gibson’s line problem, book, aggressively handled the lead water line problem, and found ways to fix it. and“We found ways fixface it. this problem and move forward were abletoto “We able towith faceour thisown problem andand move forward with thewere solution money borrow on withstrength the solution our own money andand borrow on the of ourwith financial health.

We had will conthe strength ourfinances financialinhealth. had and will said. continue to haveofour order,”We Mayor Baraka tinue to have finances in order,” Mayor rating Barakafirms, said.

Moody’s, one our of Wall Street’s major credit Moody’s, one of Wall Street’s major credit rating agrees.

Two weeks ago, Moody’s released a report thatfirms, said, agrees. weeks Moody’s released a report that said,a in part,Two “a pair of ago, well-timed new revenue streams clear in part, pair oftowell-timed new revenue streams clear a path for “a Newark cure its elevated lead levels in drinking path for Newark to cure its elevated lead levelsprofile.” in drinking water without materially hurting its financial water financialisprofile.”

Thewithout “cure”materially to which hurting Moody’sitsreferred the choice The Baraka “cure” made. to which Moody’s referred is the choice Mayor Rather than rely on chemical corroMayor Barakato made. thanin rely on chemical sion controls tampRather down lead water pipes likecorromost sion controls to tamp down water pipes “You like most cities, Baraka knew there waslead onlyin one solution. have cities, Baraka there was only one solution.

“You have to replace all knew the lead pipes,” he said.

“This is something to replace lead pipes,” he said. “This is something I’ve wantedall tothe do since I took office.”

I’veBack wanted to do since I tooksome office.” in spring of 2016, Newark public schools Back elevated in springlead of levels 2016, in some Newark public showed drinking water.

It wasschools detershowedthe elevated lead were levelsdue in drinking water. fixtures It was determined problems to antiquated and mined problems were due to antiquated fixtures not thethe city’s water source.

Bottled drinking water was and disnot the city’s source.

Bottled drinking water distributed, thewater Newark schools’ administration shutwas down tributed, the lines Newark shut down the offending andschools’ began aadministration program of replacement. theNewark’s offendingtesting lines and a program replacement. andbegan revelation aboutoflead levels in Newark’s testing andtorevelation about lead levelstest in schools caused the state mandate all school districts schools the had. state They to mandate all schoolprotocols districts test for lead caused as Newark also developed for for lead as Newark had. They also developed protocols for

large water companies to perform inspections to deterlarge waterpipe companies perform inspections to determine what materialstolay underground. mine what pipe lay underground.

In January of materials 2017, Newark submitted a plan to sample In January 2017, Newark submitted a plan to sample water from 100ofsites twice a year.

During those samples the water from exceedances 100 sites twiceina 12 year.

During those samples the city found homes.

“We notified homecity found in 12 homes. notified owners andexceedances the state immediately.

We“We followed thehomestate owners andWethe state followed the state protocols. sent outimmediately. notices to allWe homeowners in their protocols. out explained. notices to all homeowners in their water bills,”We thesent Mayor water bills,” the Through the Mayor secondexplained. half of 2017, the city ran multiple Through the second half exceedances, of 2017, the city ran notifying multiple tests investigating the lead while testspublic. investigating exceedances, while Newark’s notifying the All teststhe ledlead to the same conclusion: the public.

All were tests led the water same conclusion: Newark’s water sources safe.toThe emanating from the water sources were safe. and The Wanaque water emanating from the city-owned Pequannock treatment plants city-owned Pequannock and no Wanaque treatment plants and reservoir systems showed levels that exceeded fedand standards. reservoir systems showedlead no levels federal The elevated levels that wereexceeded coming from eral standards.

The elevated lead levelsorwere homeowner service lines, pipe solder, old coming fixtures.from The homeowner service lines, itpipe city kept testing to figure out.solder, or old fixtures. The cityBut kepteven testing to figure it out. before another round of testing was done, But Baraka even before round testing wasembark done, Mayor begananother discussions withofthe state to Mayor Baraka to began discussions withlines. the state on a program replace lead service This to wasembark in July on2017. a program to replace lead servicecould lines.accuse This was in hidJuly of “I don’t know how people of us of 2017.

“I don’t know how people could accusea of us hiding anything when we began actively pursuing lead line ing anything program when we began actively pursuing leadyears line replacement with the state more thana two replacement program ago,” the Mayor said. with the state more than two years ago,” the Mayor said.

A piece of lead pipe was sent to the EPA for testing in A piece2018. of lead pipe was sent the EPA forOctober testing in February, The results cametoback in on 8, February, came back in control on October 8, 2018 and 2018. it was The clearresults then the corrosion system 2018faltered. and it was then the corrosion control system had Theclear Mayor announced a remediation prohad faltered.

The Mayor announced remediation program three days later.

By October 13th,a the city was handgram three days later. By October 13th, the city was hand-

Photo: Risasi Dais

Rather than rely on chemical corrosion Rather than rely on chemical corrosion controls to tamp down lead in water controls to tamp down lead in water pipes, like most cities, Baraka knew pipes, like most cities, Baraka knew there was only one solution. “You have there was only one solution. “You have to replace all the lead pipes,” he said. to replace all the lead pipes,” he said.

“This is something I wanted to do since “This is something I wanted to do since I took office.”

I took office.”

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The Positive Community October 2019

www.thepositivecommunity.com

ing out the first of 38,000 PUR water filters, paid for by the city at a cost of $1 million and researching a new corrosion control system.

“Even before that, we were working on solutions,” Mayor Baraka explained. “Our city council approved a $75 million bond ordinance for us to replace our lead service lines. We were going door-to-door to get people to sign up. We began to work with the legislature to allow us to replace lead service lines on private property without the owner’s permission, so our renters would get access to clean water without us having to track down and deal with recalcitrant landlords.”

With money in hand, the city began to replace lead service lines last spring, but a $120 million bond offered to the city by Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo gave the city the financial muscle to hire more contractors, who have pledged to train and hire more city residents.

“With a project of this magnitude, it’s a great opportunity for us to get some of our people trained and put to work,” said Mayor Baraka. “And this won’t end with our project. Now that the state is committed to a lead line replacement program, these workers find themselves in a growth industry.”

Newark’s situation was, in many ways, the catalyst for Gov. Phil Murphy’s $500 million plan to help New Jersey cities eliminate lead lines announced in October of this year. Mayor Baraka remains frustrated that Newark’s aggressive and efficient approach to solving the problem has taken a backseat to the “urban nightmare” narrative promulgated by the media, saying, “We have paid for our overabundance of caution.”

The comparisons to the crisis in Flint, Michigan heat-

ed up this summer when Mayor Baraka decided to give bottled water to residents when just two PUR filters tested showed levels not reduced as expected. “I understood the optics of that,” he said. “I knew the press would be out there turning this into an urban nightmare story. I knew we would draw unfair and unwarranted comparisons to Flint. However, the peace of mind and comfort of Newark residents is more important to me than any media image.”

Those images forced the Mayor to explain the differences between Newark’s water problem and the crisis in Flint.

“We never changed our water source and we didn’t cut out our corrosion control to save money,” the Mayor said.

“That’s what happened in Flint.”

Several weeks later, thorough testing of more filters showed the PUR product was 99 percent effective when used properly and 97 percent even when residents failed to flush lines before activating the filters as instructed. The city then ended the bottled water program except for pregnant women and families with children under six. “These are the years when the brain is developing the most,” said Newark Health Director Mark Wade, “and lead does the most damage. We’re confident our filters are working, but we have the bottled water and if it makes this group of people feel more comfortable, why not give it to them?”

As Newark moves forward, the city has laid a blueprint for other municipalities to extract and replace lead lines.

“With the new legislation sponsored by Sen. Cory Booker to allow federal clean water money to be used on infrastructure, more federal help may be on the way,” Mayor Baraka said. “But we have shown that with hard work, creative legislation, and financing, a city can solve its own problems. I hope others follow our lead.”

As Newark moves forward, the city has laid a blueprint for other municipalities to extract and replace lead lines. “With the new legislation sponsored by Sen. Cory Booker to allow federal clean water money to be used on infrastructure, more federal help may be on the way.

Photo: Risasi Dais

www.thepositivecommunity.com

October 2019 The Positive Community

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Health ideas for wellness

Community Leaders Assist Newark Water Challenge HCCI

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n August, Harlem Congregations for Community Improvement (HCCI’s), Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce, the National Action Network, The Positive Community, local businesses, and a host of Harlem’s political and clergy leaders spearheaded an organized effort to deliver hundreds of cases of bottled water to Newark residents. Foodtown of Harlem helped by delivering the water to NAN Tech headquarters in Newark.

Photos: BJ Frazier

Paradise Baptist Church

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ishop Jethro James, pastor of Paradise Baptist Church, put out the word about his community’s need for water and received donations from as far away as California and Oregon. James says he has given out at least 8,000 cases of water so far.

Union County Assemblymen Jamel Holley, Bishop James, and Dr. Spelman

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The Positive Community October 2019

www.thepositivecommunity.com

Photo: Irving Street Rep

Newark Mcdonald’s Owner Operators Aid Newark With A Donation Of More Than 2,000 Cases Of Bottled Water

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n Wednesday September 4, 2019 McDonald’s delivered more than 2,000 cases of water to the Community Food Bank of New Jersey led by President/ CEO Carlos Rodriguez.

“Once we heard of the emergency facing our community, we knew we had to get involved,” explained Brian Hairston, McDonald’s owner operator and president of the NY/NJ Black McDonald’s Owner Operator Association. “I reached out to my fellow Newark McDonald’s owner operators: Chris Cottrell, Ana Madan, Celest and Jessica Quintana, and Linda Dunham.

We then pulled in our corporate partners, McDonald’s Corporation Stamford Field Office, the NY/NJ Black McDonald’s Owner Operator Association, the McDonald’s Hispanic Operators Association,

www.thepositivecommunity.com

L–R: Coca Cola Co. Vice President Sales and Operation Tom McCarthy, McDonald’s Owner Chris Cottrell, McDonald’s Owner Linda Dunham, President and CEO of Community Food Bank of NJ Carlos M. Rodriguez, McDonald’s Owner Ana Madan, and Owner Operator and President of the NY/NJ Black McDonald’s Owner Operator Association Brian Hairston

the Martin Brower Company, Tom McCarthy, and The Coca-Cola Company to help this vital and important community,” he continued. The effort was led by our black agency part-

ner Irving Street Rep, Inc., based out of Newark. In the words of our founder, Ray Kroc, ‘None of us is as good as all of us.’ So it’s time for all of us to do our part.”

October 2019 The Positive Community

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The Cutting Edge of Surgery The Cutting Edge of Surgery Deep Brain Stimulation is just one of the advanced treatments that neurosurgeons

and neurologists at Newark is Beth Centertreatments can offer. that neurosurgeons Deep Brain Stimulation justIsrael one ofMedical the advanced and neurologists at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center can offer.

Geoffrey Atkins, 70, of Newark, spent decades running a successful Wall Street business. time, he a Geoffrey Atkins,consulting 70, of Newark, spent Over decades running and his successful family hadWall noticed that he had begun toOver develop Street consulting business. time, he minor shaking his hands.

The shaking and his in family had noticed that he got had increasingly begun to develop worse beginning in 2017, and he quickly foundgot himself minor shaking in his hands.

The shaking increasingly semi-retired. worse beginning in 2017, and he quickly found himself “I couldsemi-retired. no longer take notes during meetings; I couldn’t noI longer take notes during meetings; type on“Iacould laptop; couldn’t even trust myself to takeI acouldn’t type on a laptop; I couldn’t even myself to were take aso dinner plate to my granddaughters,” hetrust says.

“There dinnerI took plate for to my granddaughters,” “There many things granted that I couldhe nosays. longer do.”were so many things I took for granted that I could no longer do.”

The diagnosis: essential tremor, a nervous system disorder The diagnosis: essential tremor, a nervous system disorder that causes involuntary shaking.

Medicine is an effective that causes involuntary shaking.

Medicine is antired effective treatment for many, but it only made Geoffrey feel treatment for many, but it only made Geoffrey feel tired and sluggish. and sluggish.

Geoffrey’s research into his options led him to the Rutgers Geoffrey Atkins, center, during a post-surgery visit with Antonios Geoffrey’s research into his options led him to the Rutgers Geoffrey Atkins, center, during a post-surgery visit with Antonios Mammis, MD, and Erin Feinstein, DO. Neurological Institute of New Jersey at Newark Beth Israel Mammis, MD, and Erin Feinstein, DO. Neurological Institute of New Jersey at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center (NBI). He learned that neurosurgeons and Medical Center (NBI). He learned that neurosurgeons and neurologists there had access to theto newest technology for for neurologists there had access the newest technology Institute of New Jersey, Rutgers “deep brain stimulation” (DBS) from medical device maker Neurological Institute of New Jersey, RutgersNew NewJersey Jersey “deep brain stimulation” (DBS) from medical device maker Neurological School.

“With thethe addition ofof the Boston Boston Boston ScientifiScientifi c. Geoffrey agreed to be to one theoffithe rst two Medical School.

“With addition the BostonScientifi Scientificc c. Geoffrey agreed beof one first twoMedical we we cancan offer DBS to to patients using patientspatients at NBI and in the state to reap ts ofts ofequipment, equipment, offer DBS patients usingany anyof ofthree three at NBI and entire in the entire state to the reapbenefi the benefi different types of systems.

We’re the only center in the this specifi c technology. different types of systems. We’re the only center in thestate state this specific technology. access to all technologies, soso we access to three all three technologies, wecan cangive givepatients patients “Given my quality of life then what told told withwith “Given my quality of lifeand then and the whatspecialists the specialists every opportunity to improve their lives.” every opportunity to improve their lives.” me, I knew solution could help,” Geoffrey says. says. me, this I knew this solution could help,” Geoffrey Many patients andand families dodo not know about Many patients families not know aboutDBS, DBS,he hesays. says.

“We’re excited to let more people know exists,right righthere here “We’re excited to let more people know it itexists, Electrical answers Electrical answers in New Jersey.” in New Jersey.”

As thesuggests, name suggests, deep stimulation brain stimulation involves As the name deep brain involves mild electrical impulses to specifi c areas sendingsending mild electrical impulses to specifi c areas deepdeep Precision control a person’s brain, interrupting electrical signals inside ainside person’s brain, interrupting electrical signals that that Precision control Dr. Feinstein, who been performing DBSfor formore morethan than cause tremors and involuntary movement.

DBS is also Dr. Feinstein, who hashas been performing DBS cause tremors and involuntary movement. DBS is also ve years, is impressed with precision madepossible possibleby by effective for people with Parkinson’s disease (which, thoughfive fi years, is impressed with thethe precision made effective for people with Parkinson’s disease (which, though the new system.

“It gives better controlover overboth boththe the it has symptoms, similar symptoms, is a condition unrelated to essentialthe new system.

“It gives meme better control it has similar is a condition unrelated to essential location of the stimulation and the strength of the impulses,” is a tried-and-true treatment that has been location of the stimulation and the strength of the impulses,” tremor).tremor).

“DBS is“DBS a tried-and-true treatment that has been she says. “Patients are awake during the two-to three-hour FDA-approved since 1997 and that modern advances have she says. “Patients are awake during the two-to three-hour FDA-approved since 1997 and that modern advances have made even better,” says Erin Feinstein, DO, a neurologist and surgery, so they can tell us immediately when we have the made even better,” says Erin Feinstein, DO, a neurologist and surgery, so they can tell us immediately when we have the right location and strength.” expert in movement disorders at NBI. right location and strength.” expert in movement disorders at NBI. “As Dr. Feinstein did the programming, my ability to control When a patient is considered for surgery, a neurologist who did the programming, mywhile ability toadjusted control When aspecializes patient is considered surgery,does a neurologist who to “As Dr. my Feinstein hand motions changed dramatically she in movementfor disorders an assessment my hand motions changed while sheprocedure. adjusted specializes in movement disorders an assessment to the electrodes,” Geoffreydramatically says of the June 2019 ensure proper diagnosis.

For does the surgery, a neurosurgeon the electrodes,” Geoffrey says of the June 2019 procedure. ensure proper diagnosis.

For theuse surgery, a neurosurgeon and neurologist together sophisticated equipment Over a period of months post-surgery, Dr. Feinstein adjusts and neurologist together use sophisticated to pinpoint the location for stimulation.equipment Guided by a Overthe a period of months post-surgery, Dr. Feinstein adjusts programmer during office visits. “I’ve seen major to pinpoint the location forofstimulation. by a implants the programmer computerized map the brain, a Guided neurosurgeon during office visits.

“I’veno seen majorwith improvements,” Geoffrey says.

“I have problem computerized map of the a neurosurgeon implants wires, or “leads,” to brain, the brain through a small opening in improvements,” says.and “I have problem withdishes my writing orGeoffrey with buttons, I canno cook and wash wires, orthe “leads,” to the brain a small opening in skull. The leads are through connected to a pacemaker-like my writing or with buttons, and I can cook and wash again. When I put my hand out, it doesn’t shake like dishes it “controller” underto the of the chest. the skull.

The leadsimplanted are connected a skin pacemaker-like used to.” I put my hand out, it doesn’t shake like it again.

When “controller” implanted under the skin chest.symptoms “When medicines no longer helpofinthe reducing usedHe to.” looks forward to returning to regular gym workouts, and of Parkinson’s essential or when side effects of He looks “When medicines no or longer helptremor, in reducing symptoms maybe returning work full-time.

“I’mgym not sure about that, forward to to returning to regular workouts, and medicines are extreme, DBSor surgery an exciting option,” of Parkinson’s or essential tremor, when is side effects of though,” he says with afull-time. laugh. “I’d“I’m likenot to spend more time maybe returning to work sure about that, says neurosurgeon Antonios Mammis, MD, Director of the medicines are extreme, DBS surgery is an exciting option,” with my and grandchildren.” though,” he children says with a laugh.

“I’d like to spend more time Center for Functional says neurosurgeon AntoniosNeurosurgery Mammis, MD,Neuromodulation Director of the at thewith my children and grandchildren.”

Center for Functional Neurosurgery Neuromodulation at the To learn more about cutting-edge treatments at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center, call 888.724.7123 To learn more about cutting-edge treatments at or visit rwjbh.org/newarkbeth

Newark Beth Israel Medical Center, call 888.724.7123 or visit rwjbh.org/newarkbeth

Your family has no history of breast cancer.

You still need a mammogram.

It’s curious how healthy habits can become go-to excuses.

But don’t excuse yourself from getting a mammogram.

At RWJBarnabas Health, we offer the latest in comprehensive breast health services including mammograms, 3D mammograms, genetic testing, breast surgery and more — like peace of mind. And with breast health centers conveniently located throughout New Jersey, finding us is simple, too.

Making excuses is easy. Making an appointment is easier.

Schedule your visit to the The Healthcare Foundation of New Jersey Breast Health Center at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center at rwjbh.org/mammo or call 973-926-7466.

Let’s beat breast cancer together.

Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey is the state’s only NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center. Together RWJBarnabas Health and Rutgers Cancer Institute offer the most advanced cancer treatment options close to home.

UnitedHealth Group Announces Atlanta HBCU Partnership $8.25 Million Investment in the Education Of Future Data Scientists

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nitedHealth Group, the parent company of United Healthcare and Optum, joined with Atlanta University Center Consortium (AUCC), the oldest and largest consortium of historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs), on a new initiative to prepare students to meet the growing demand in the marketplace for data analytics experts.

The five-year, $8.25 million investment by UnitedHealth Group is part of an ambitious collaboration with AUCC and its membership: Clark Atlanta University, Morehouse College, Morehouse School of Medicine, and Spelman College. The investment will fund the launch of the AUCC Data Science Initiative, which will offer technical classes for students who want to specialize in data science or learn data analysis to give them a competitive edge when they look for jobs in their field of study.

The partnership comes as the number of job openings in the United States for data professionals is projected to reach more than 2.7 million by 2020, according to a national study. “Many universities have refocused existing programs or developed new efforts to respond to the need for this, yet these responses are still insufficient based on projected demand,” said AUCC Executive Director Todd Greene. “The UnitedHealth Group funding will help to establish the base for this broad initiative, including hiring an accomplished director. Additionally, through UnitedHealth Group internships, guest lectures, faculty development opportunities and other joint efforts, our students will greatly benefit from this partnership with the world’s largest managed healthcare company. We are grateful for UnitedHealth Group’s anchor investment in our vision, and we are in active conversations with other potential partners to assist us in other aspects of our plan.”

“Technology in general, and data science in particular,

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The Positive Community October 2019

are critical to better meeting the needs of our customers,” said David S. Wichmann, CEO of UnitedHealth Group.

“We are grateful for the opportunity to support this initiative because it aligns with our desire to ensure our workforce for the future is diverse and possesses the skills needed to propel our company for continued success.”

The AUCC has a long history of collaborating on impactful projects and producing leaders across many fields and disciplines. Its collective community of 9,000 students will help the new Data Science Initiative reach a broad spectrum of scholars. In addition to infusing data science across every academic discipline, the Data Science Initiative will teach students to use advanced data analytics techniques for academic research, particularly studies on disparities in minority communities. Certificate programs focused on data analytics and data science are to be developed.

“The colleges in the Atlanta University Center, for decades, have been in the vanguard of educating African Americans who succeed in STEM fields,” said Mary Schmidt Campbell, president of Spelman College. “This gift by UnitedHealth Group is an investment in our commitment to continue that primacy in STEM by making the AUCC a center of excellence for the study of data science across a range of disciplines in medicine and the liberal arts.”

“The AUCC Data Science Initiative brings together the collective talents and innovation of computer science professors from Morehouse College and other AUCC campuses into an academic program that will be the first of its kind for our students,” said David A. Thomas, president of Morehouse College.

“Our campuses will soon produce hundreds of students annually who will be well-equipped to compete internationally for lucrative jobs in data science. This effort, Continued on page 41 www.thepositivecommunity.com

New Jersey residents, learn how you can get

More Benefits than Original Medicare.

If you live in New Jersey and have both Medicare and full Medicaid, you may qualify for the UnitedHealthcare Dual Complete® ONE (HMO D-SNP) plan. It’s a plan that offers more benefits than Original Medicare, including: Health Products Benefit® Up to $900 in credits to place catalog orders for health products you may need.

Personal Emergency Response System No cost for monthly monitoring.

OTC Network Card Up to $1,200 in credits to buy health-related items you may need.

Meal Program $0 co-pay for up to 42 meals in 21 days following discharge from a facility 2 times per year. Ordered by a provider.

If you have both NJ FamilyCare and Medicare, you may qualify for more benefits. Call us to learn more.

1-888-834-3721, TTY 711

8 a.m. – 8 p.m. local time, 7 days a week

UHCCommunityPlan.com/NJ UnitedHealthcare Dual Complete® ONE (HMO D-SNP) is a Dual Eligible Special Needs Plan (D-SNP) with a Medicare contract and a contract with the New Jersey Medicaid program. Enrollment in UnitedHealthcare Dual Complete® ONE depends on contract renewal.

This plan is available to anyone who has both Medicare and full New Jersey Medicaid benefits.

H3113_180607_034259 Accepted

CST27380_DU20_NJ_Newspaper_GM_7x9.5.indd 1

CST27380_H3113-005

10/21/19 10:34 AM

Rev. Dr. Robert L. Curry receives the Jerry Young Pastoral Ministry award for his 50th year in pastoral ministry

Mount Zion B.C Rev. Dr. Robert L. Curry 50th Anniversary and Retirement Celebration

Rev. Joann Pearson Collins, and Mother Teresa Williams

L–R: Deacon Jimmie Moultrie, Deacon Michael Williams, Rev. Dr. Robert L. Curry, Rev. James H. Collins, Deacon William Duren

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The Positive Community October 2019

Photos: Karen Waters and Balena Ali (BaLady Photography)

he congregation of Mount Zion Baptist Church honored Rev. Dr. Robert L. Curry at a 50th pastoral anniversary luncheon on Saturday, September 21, 2019 at The Stony Hill Inn in Hackensack, NJ. Parishioners celebrated 50 years of ministry with Pastor Curry as they shared stories of love, hope, loss, and his influence on their lives.

Many in attendance grew up at Mount Zion during his tenure there, some traveled from as far away as Toronto, Canada; Florida; and Georgia. Dr. Curry received recognition from local and state governments, including New Jersey Senate Majority Leader Loretta Weinberg, for his work in the community.

The following day, Curry delivered his farewell sermon with love, humor, motivation, and inspiration.

Expanding upon his favorite scripture, Psalms 27:1: “The Lord is my light and my salvation: whom shall I fear? The LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?”, Curry testified, “I didn’t get here by accident,” reminding them how “failure is a dreadful fear” and “God doesn’t want us to be afraid. If you never try, you’ll never make it.”

Rev. Joann Collins will take Curry’s place as Mount Zion Baptist Church’s pastor December 8, 2019. –TPC Staff

L–R: First Baptist Church Teaneck, NJ Pastor and United Missionary Baptist Convention of NJ President Rev. Dr. Marilyn M. Harris and Rev. Edgar Reich from Revival USA, Toronto, Canada

TPC Publisher Adrian Council Sr. and Dr. Robert Curry www.thepositivecommunity.com

Touro Gives Back to Harlem With Free “Fall into Health” Fair Mohammad Akhlaq getting his blood pressure checked

L–R: TouroCOM Professor Dr. David Colbourne, NY Assembly Member Inez Dickens, TouroCOM Dean Dr. David Forstein, and Director of Community Affairs & Diversity Geoffrey Eaton

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oining the Harlem community at the Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine (TouroCOM) and Pharmacy “Fall into Health” Fair Friday were NYS Assembly Member Inez Dickens, TouroCOM Professor Dr. David Colbourne, TouroCOM Dean Dr. David Forstein, and Director of Community Affairs & Diversity Geoffrey Eaton.

Close to 50 members of the Harlem community attended the two-hour fair at Touro on 125th Street across from the Apollo Theater. They received free flu shots and screenings for blood pressure, diabetes, BMI, vision, hearing, bone density, HIV, and hepatitis B and C.

Victoria Bah at registration

Four-year-old Sebastien Aubry making faces with student doctor Sallyanna Bazelais

“Touro is doing a good thing in this community,” said Victoria Bah, a nail artist who came to explore becoming a bone marrow donor. Mohammad Akhlaq, who works nearby, was also pleased, “Before, my sugar levels were a little bit high. Now I’ve made sure they’re normal,” he said, looking relieved. Close to 150 student volunteers administered shots and screenings and provided health counseling. “It’s a great opportunity for students to give back to Harlem and also practice what we’ve been learning,” said second year medical student Okker Verhagen Metman, a co-organizer. –TPC Staff

Touro Fall Health Fair student volunteers outside of school on 125th Street www.thepositivecommunity.com

October 2019 The Positive Community

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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.

Take Care of You

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he Fitness Doctor has been helping people learn how to exercise consistently, eat healthier, and live well for the past 20 years. We have also helped houses of worship and organizations implement lifesaving exercise and healthy eating programs geared toward helping people experience wholeness—mind, body, and spirit. For this I am grateful.

As the Fitness Doctor continues to move forward into the next leg of the journey, we are highlighting other aspects of wellness such as meditation, pastoral care, prayer, emotional wellness, and massage. All of these fall under the umbrella of self-care, which is one of Live Well Church’s and the Fitness Doctor’s core values.

Because of the stress and high demands of my life, I had to start incorporating relaxation techniques and self-care practices such as massage, yoga, and meditation into my weekly schedule. This past week, I discovered the benefits of the steam room and immediately added this component to my exercise and wellness regimen. I started utilizing the steam room at my spa and wellness facility regularly, and it has been one of the greatest experiences of my life.

A steam room is a heated room people use for relaxation and to relieve some medical conditions. They are often found in gyms or spas. A steam room is created when a water-filled generator pumps steam into an enclosed space so there is moisture in the air when people are sitting in it.

Some benefits of the steam room: • Opens sinuses • Skin health • Workout recovery • Loosens stiff joints • Reduces stress Unfortunately, like anything else in life, there are some risks involved with steam.

While there are lots of benefits associated with a steam room, people using them should do so with caution and be aware of the risks.

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The Positive Community October 2019

Due to the heat, there is a risk of dehydrating the body and it is advisable not to spend longer than 15 to 20 minutes inside. It is important to drink plenty of water beforehand, as well.

A steam room also provides the ideal environment for certain types of bacteria and germs to grow and spread.

Due to the extreme heat in steam rooms, there are certain people who are advised to avoid them: • pregnant women • anyone with heart disease • those with very low or high blood pressure • anyone with epilepsy • those taking antibiotics • users of mind-altering drugs, such as stimulants, tranquilizers, or alcohol Anyone with concerns about using a steam room should check with a doctor first Maya Angelou teaches us “As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands, one for helping yourself, the other for helping others.” I have learned that I am more effective, more loving, and more willing to serve humanity with love, joy, and commitment when I take care of me.

Beloved I want to remind you please take care of you, and do it with Gods love!

Live Whole, Live Well, Live Free.

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

www.thepositivecommunity.com

DATA SCIENTISTS

Continued from page 36 thanks to UnitedHealth Group’s generous donation, is an example of the excellence that results when we come together as a community to address national issues such as the disparity among minorities working in STEM.” Rather than pursuing an incremental school-by-school approach, the four institutions have determined that a collective approach best leverages our resources to obtain our ambitious overall goal of being the largest producer of minorities with expertise and credentials in data science and data analytics,” said Lucille H. Maugé, interim president of Clark Atlanta University.

“The Data Science Initiative has the potential to make the Atlanta University Center Consortium a national resource for experts in data analytics,” said Dr. Valerie Montgomery Rice, president and dean of the Morehouse School of Medicine.

“This program will not only produce talented data scientists who will be leaders in their fields, but increasing the number of degree offerings with data science competencies at HBCUs will assist in diversifying a career field that is currently made up of less than 7% of under-represented minorities.”

The partnership is just one way UnitedHealth Group is making significant investments in creating a 21st century health workforce that is ready to deliver personalized, culturally competent care, particularly in underserved communities. Since 2007, UnitedHealth Group has invested more than $20 million to fund nearly 2,600 scholarships for students pursuing careers as primary health care providers.

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We can help you learn more about: • • • • • •

International Adoption from South Africa, Colombia & Bulgaria Domestic Adoption Special Needs Adoption Home Study Services Community Groups for Children & Families Pre & Post-Adoption Coaching & Counseling

Join us at our Adoption Fair!

Sunday, September 22, 2019 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Voices of Adoption:

Adoptee Stories About Search and Reunion November 21, 2019 | 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM Thinking about starting a birth parent search? Curious about search and reunion?

Want to hear stories from others who have reunited with birth relatives?

Join us for a night of conversation about the complexities of search and reunion.

5th Annual Event

410 East 92nd Street, 3rd Floor, NYC

FREE

Meet adoption attorneys, agencies, and other adoption professionals to learn about the many ways you can grow your family through adoption. RSVP required.

Hosted by Jessica Luciere, an adoptee and adoption advocate.

This event is recommended for adult adoptees 18 and older.

Advance registration is required.

REGISTER spence-chapin.org/events

LEARN MORE (646) 539-2167 postadoption@spence-chapin.org

www.spence-chapin.org www.thepositivecommunity.com

www.spence-chapin.org info@spence-chapin.org | 212-400-8150 October 2019 The Positive Community

41

Education Teaching, Learning, Making a Difference Teaching, Learning, Making a Difference Teaching, Learning, Making a Difference

City Verses: Rutgers University–Newarks’ City Verses: Rutgers City Verses: Rutgers University–Newarks’ University–Newarks’ Elevating Voices Through Jazz and Poetry Elevating Voices Through Jazz and Elevating Voices Through Jazz and Poetry Poetry

T T

he New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) and he New Jersey Rutgers University—Newark Performing Arts areCenter teaming (NJPAC) up toand rehe New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) and Rutgers tune ourUniversity—Newark ears to the rhythms of areauthentic teaming communiup to reRutgers University—Newark are teaming up to recation.tune Withour a $1.5 earsmillion to the rhythms grant from of authentic the Andrew communiW. Meltune our ears to the rhythms of authentic communication. lon Foundation, With a $1.5 themillion joint project grant from titledthe CityAndrew Verses: Elevating W. Melcation. With a $1.5 million grant from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, Voices Through Jazzthe and joint Poetry, project will tap titled NJPAC’s City Verses: prowess Elevating as a lon Foundation, the joint project titled City Verses: Elevating Voices Through premier presenter Jazz and of jazz Poetry, music, will and tap NJPAC’s Rutgers-Newark’s prowess asna-a Voices Through Jazz and Poetry, will tap NJPAC’s prowess as a premier prominent tionally presenter of creative jazz music, writing and program, Rutgers-Newark’s as well as the napremier presenter of jazz music, and Rutgers-Newark’s nationallyofprominent assets its renowned creative Institute writing of Jazz program, Studies, as the wellworld’s as the tionally prominent creative writing program, as well as the assetscomprehensive most of its renownedarchive Institute of jazz of Jazz materials.

Studies,Through the world’s the assets of its renowned Institute of Jazz Studies, the world’s most comprehensive mediums of jazz and archive poetry, this of jazz collaboration materials. Through will catalyze the most comprehensive archive of jazz materials. Through the mediums the creation of of jazz new and work poetry,

by Greater this collaboration Newark poets willand catalyze musimediums of jazz and poetry, this collaboration will catalyze the creation cians, students of at new high work schools

by Greater and universities, Newark poets families, and musiand the creation of new work by Greater Newark poets and musicians, students at high schools and universities, families, and cians, students at high schools and universities, families, and

42

The Positive Community October 2019

teachers, while presenting performances of these symbiotic teachers, art forms while in schools, presenting libraries, performances parks, and on of these NJPAC’s symbiotic stages. teachers, while presenting performances of these symbiotic art forms “We’rein leveraging schools, libraries, shared parks, strengths and on andNJPAC’s the voices stages. of art forms in schools, libraries, parks, and on NJPAC’s stages. our “We’re community,” leveraging said NJPAC sharedPresident strengthsand andCEO the John voicesSchof “We’re leveraging shared strengths and the voices of our community,” reiber.

“And that said goesNJPAC well beyond President our and two CEO anchor John instituSchour community,” said NJPAC President and CEO John Schreiber.In tions.

“And partnership that goeswith well the beyond Newark our Public two anchor Library instituand reiber. “And that goes well beyond our two anchor institutions. InPublic Newark partnership Schools,with we’re thegoing Newark to bolster Publicthe Library infrastrucand tions. In partnership with the Newark Public Library and Newark ture for Public jazz andSchools, poetry education, we’re goingperformance, to bolster theand infrastrucappreNewark Public Schools, we’re going to bolster the infrastructure forin ciation jazz our and citypoetry . . . Weeducation, can fosterperformance, a strong and sustainable and appreture for jazz and poetry education, performance, and appreciation in our ecosystem for city these . . .art Weforms can foster that celebrate a strong and thesustainable past while ciation in our city . . . We can foster a strong and sustainable ecosystem for cultivating the these enormous art forms talentthat we celebrate have in Greater the past Newark while ecosystem for these art forms that celebrate the past while cultivating to secure anthe even enormous more promising talent wefuture.” have in Greater Newark cultivating the enormous talent we have in Greater Newark to secure an even more promising future.” to secure an even more promising future.”

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NJPAC NJPAC President President & & CEO CEO John John Schreiber Schreiber || Chancellor Chancellor Rutgers Rutgers University–Newark University–Newark Nancy Nancy Cantor Cantor || Executive Executive Director Director of of the the Institute of Jazz Studies at Rutgers-Newark Wayne Wilbourne Institute of Jazz Studies at Rutgers-Newark Wayne Wilbourne

“We “We want—we want—we need—to need—to hear hear the the diverse diverse voices voices of of NewNewark telling their truths through the arts,” said Rutgers ark telling their truths through the arts,” said Rutgers UniUniversity–Newark versity–Newark Chancellor Chancellor Nancy Nancy Cantor.

Cantor. “So “So often often in in the the past past and and even even today, today, Newark’s Newark’s story story has has been been told told from from the the perspective perspective and and in in the the voices voices of of people people on on the the outside outside looklooking in.

We see City Verses as not being about ‘giving’ ing in. We see City Verses as not being about ‘giving’ voice, voice, but but about about amplifying amplifying voices voices of of new new generations generations of of NewarkNewarkers, whom we know have something to say and from ers, whom we know have something to say and from whom whom we we have have aa lot lot to to learn. learn. And And there there are are no no better better mediums mediums for for that that than than jazz jazz and and poetry.” poetry.”

“We “We are are excited excited by by the the potential potential of of City City Verses Verses as as aa model model for how meaningful collaboration between artists, for how meaningful collaboration between artists, scholars, scholars, and and communities communities can can promote promote creativity, creativity, civic civic wellbeing, wellbeing, and cultural equity,” said Mellon Foundation and cultural equity,” said Mellon Foundation President President ElizElizabeth abeth Alexander.

Alexander.

City City Verses Verses will will create create aa set set of of intergenerational, intergenerational, educaeducational programs that celebrate and tional programs that celebrate and expand expand upon upon jazz’s jazz’s rich, rich, historical historical interaction interaction with with poetry; poetry; engage engage aa new new generation generation of of up up and and coming coming professionals, professionals, poets, poets, jazz jazz musicians, musicians, ararchivists, and humanists in curriculum building; chivists, and humanists in curriculum building; create create new new and and unexpected unexpected opportunities opportunities for for the the public public to to engage engage with with these art forms; strengthen community ties through these art forms; strengthen community ties through the the arts arts and and humanities; humanities; and and amplify amplify the the authentic authentic voices voices of of the the peopeople ple of of Greater Greater Newark, Newark, aa city city with with aa diverse diverse and and ever-expandever-expanding cultural legacy. ing cultural legacy.

Newark Newark played played aa formative formative role role throughout throughout the the 20th 20th century in both nurturing a number of notable century in both nurturing a number of notable jazz jazz figfigures—including ures—including Sarah Sarah Vaughan; Vaughan; Willie Willie “The “The Lion” Lion” Smith; Smith; Woody Woody Shaw; Shaw; Larry Larry Young; Young; Wayne Wayne Shorter; Shorter; James James Moody; Moody; Graham Moncur, III; Andy Bey; Tyrone Washington; Graham Moncur, III; Andy Bey; Tyrone Washington; and and others—and others—and providing providing aa home home for for aa network network of of African African

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American-focused American-focused clubs clubs that that were were crucial crucial to to the the developdevelopment ment of of African African American American musicians musicians and and jazz. jazz. Newark Newark has has aa similarly similarly rich rich history history with with poetry. poetry. Indeed, Indeed, one one of of Newark’s Newark’s most most celebrated celebrated poets, poets, Amiri Amiri Baraka, Baraka, wrote wrote Blues Blues People: People: NeNegro gro Music Music in in White White America, America, aa seminal seminal work work on on the the contricontributions butions of of African African Americans Americans to to jazz, jazz, blues, blues, and and American American culture culture generally. generally.

Newark Newark is is home home to to the the world’s world’s most most comprehensive comprehensive ararchive chive of of jazz jazz materials—the materials—the Institute Institute of of Jazz Jazz Studies Studies at at RutRutgers-Newark. gers-Newark. Founded Founded in in 1952 1952 by by legendary legendary jazz jazz scholar scholar and and collector collector Marshall Marshall Stearns Stearns and and stewarded stewarded since since 1967 1967 by

by RutRutgers, gers, the the institute institute thrives thrives under under the the leadership leadership of of multiple multiple Grammy-winning Grammy-winning jazz jazz writer writer Dan Dan Morgenstern Morgenstern and and his his sucsuccessor cessor today, today, Wayne Wayne Winbourne.

Winbourne.

Today, Today, the the jazz jazz and and poetry poetry scene scene in in Newark Newark endures, endures, from from monthly monthly jazz jazz jam jam sessions sessions curated curated by by the the Institute Institute of of Jazz Jazz Studies Studies at at Clement’s Clement’s Place Place on on the the Rutgers-Newark Rutgers-Newark camcampus pus and and the the city-wide city-wide TD TD James James Moody Moody Jazz Jazz Festival Festival to to the the Dodge Dodge Poetry Poetry Festival Festival at at NJPAC NJPAC and and open open mic mic poetry poetry nights nights at at arts arts spaces spaces around around town. town. Through Through this this project, project, the the partpartners ners will will marshal marshal their their collective collective platforms platforms and and reach reach to to inincrease crease exposure exposure to to jazz jazz and and poetry poetry and and facilitate facilitate aa unique, unique, community-oriented community-oriented dialogue dialogue that that ensures ensures that that jazz jazz and and popoetry etry remain remain aa vital vital part part of of Newark’s Newark’s vernacular. vernacular.

Collaborating Collaborating on on City City Verses Verses will will be be designated designated arts arts leads leads for for this this project: project: Director Director of of the the Rutgers-Newark Rutgers-Newark MFA MFA in in CreCreative ative Writing Writing Program Program Rigoberto Rigoberto González, González, and and Director Director of of Jazz Jazz Instruction Instruction for for NJPAC NJPAC Mark Mark Gross.

Gross. NJPAC NJPAC Jazz Jazz Advisor Advisor Christian Christian McBride McBride and and members members of of NJPAC’s NJPAC’s arts arts education education department department will will also also play play central central roles roles in in the the project. project.

A A formal formal launch launch event event for for City City Verses Verses is is planned planned for for January January 2020, 2020, with with programming programming to to begin begin in in the the spring. spring.

October 2019 The Positive Community

43

BY FATIMA M JONES PROPERTY MANAGER

L–R: The Art Way Artist Suliman Onque and Fatima Jones

Young resident Darnell Wright-Robinson

D

espite the incidents of the past, ownership continues to prioritize quality of life at New Hope and its residents. We ensure not just affordable housing, but also provide 24-hour security; newly renovated apartments; a newly installed playground; a library for children ages 2 to 12; an upgraded laundry room; as well as weekly and monthly seasonal activities.

Our Annual Parking Lot party for residents on August 10, 2019 was a fun-filled day packed with activities for the entire family: youth, teens, young adults, middle age, and seniors. The day started with prayer and praise from Chosen Generation Ministries, then continued with face painting, balloons, pony rides, bumper cars, a mobile game truck, 3-on-3 basketball tournament, board games, bingo, playing cards for the seniors, and a live DJ. Families were able to bring their grills and barbeque in certain areas of the parking lot. For some,

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The Positive Community October 2019

Newer Hope At New Hope Village

L–R: Owner, Joe Alpert of The Alpert Group, LLC.; Newark Central Ward Councilwoman Lamonica McIver; Northwest Developers, LLC Partner Ernestine Watson; Property Manager Fatima Jones; and Vincent Rouse

the event resembled a reunion with families, friends, and neighbors enjoying each other. The event concluded with free ice cream cones from Luigi’s Ice Cream truck and a 45-minute comedy show. The day

—filled with love, unity and happiness— brought families together, united the community and served as testament of a newer hope at New Hope Village. It was truly a pleasant and peaceful event. www.thepositivecommunity.com

Always something going on!

Be successful

“I have loved my student experience every step of the way with the support of Berkeley administration, faculty, and staff. I couldn’t imagine being anywhere other than Berkeley.”

– Rebecca Scott

Marketing Communications

BerkeleyCollege.edu Berkeley College reserves the right to add, discontinue, or modify its programs and policies at any time. Modifications subsequent to the original publication of this document may not be reflected here. For up-to-date and detailed information, please visit BerkeleyCollege.edu and view our catalogs at BerkeleyCollege.edu/publications. For important information about the educational debt, earnings, and completion rates of students who attended these programs please visit: BerkeleyCollege.edu/disclosures

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October 2019 The Positive Community

45

Culture

music, art + literature

Photo: Neil Grabowsky

BY RON SCOTT

Montclair Jazz Festival Celebrates 10th

T

his year marked the 10th anniversary for the Montclair Jazz Festival (MJF) in New Jersey. It started out in 2010 as a performance concert in Nishuane Park featuring the Jazz House Kids summer workshop students and faculty. Three hundred families and friends attended. In 2011, the free, all-day jazz festival in the same park presented its first headliner, NEA Jazz Master pianist and composer Monty Alexander. Though the accomplished pianist had to settle for an electricpiano instead of a Steinway, Alexander didn’t squabble over such a minor detail. His extended repertoire from reggae to Monk and his originals added another hip sound to the electrified flavor.

In 2013 with funding from NEA (National Endowment for the Arts), the Festival moved to the other side of Nishuane Park and a larger stage. During this major moving process the first Beer Garden was opened and the festival’s global livestream debuted, which put Montclair on the international circuit.

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The Positive Community October 2019

The following year Rhonda and Bob Silver of the Bravitas/Silver Family Foundation became the new title sponsor for Montclair Jazz Festival. Film, stage, and television actress S. Epatha Merkerson became the new festival emcee.

Another new face was jazz artist Andres Chapman. It is his artwork on the cover of this year’s program.

“It was always a one-day festival we started out as a closing event for the Jazz House Kids summer workshop program. It was on a gorgeous day 10 years ago we headed to Nishuane Park with a packed van of amps, instruments, and students. There were no tents or sponsors, just a great day of music with our families and a few picnic baskets,” explained Jazz House Kids Founder and MJF President Melissa Walker, a noted jazz singer herself. “Last year we expanded with the Montclair Film Festival and its jazz film series, but this year we really took a giant step with 16 days of live music. We felt this was a great opportunity to get the Montclair business Continued on next page www.thepositivecommunity.com

JAZZ FESTIVAL

Continued from previous page community involved — including hotels, restaurants, and stores that offered us more access to venues for our live entertainment while bringing more business to the community. This is a situation where everyone benefits; the added patronage allows us to introduce new artists to the festival.”

More than 12,000 people came out for the grand finale on August 10 that featured such jazz notables as the MJF Artistic Director and Bassist/Composer Christian McBride, Pianist/Composer and Salsa Legend Eddie Palmieri, Organist Joey DeFrancesco, Guitarist Mark Whitfield, and the remarkable Soul/Blues Singer Bettye LaVette along with Jazz House Student Ensembles and Jazz House Collective. Merkerson reprised her duties as emcee.

Door to Door Laundry Service

“For the past ten years Jazz House Kids (JHK) hasn’t only been the producer of the Montclair Jazz Festival, but the root and soul of the entire operation,” said Christian McBride. “We are incredibly grateful to all the musicians, who have graced our stages over the years and that homegrown magic the festival still seems to have thanks to such a great community effort.”

Get to know Jazz House Kids. Read the rest of Ron Scott’s story at thepositivecommunity.com Ron Scott is a freelance journalist who has written for The New York Times, Vogue, The New York Daily News, Time Out New York, Johnson Publications and ABC Radio.

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October 2019 The Positive Community

47

Where Opportunity Meets

Where Where Where Opportunity Opportunity Opportunity U NUI NV IEVRESRI ST Y I T Y| N| ENWEAWRAKR K Meets Meets Meets Excellence Excellence Excellence

Where Where Opportunity Opportunity Meets Meets Excellence Excellence

Where Opportunity Meets Excellence

LIVING IN CRITICAL TIMES cont’d from previous page

UNIVERSITY | NEWARK UNIVERSITY | NEWARK

UNIVERSITY | NEWARK

UNIVERSITY | NEWARK

| N E WAR K

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 N C H O R

I N S T I T U T I O N

RE - BS A D TAI O CN A DinE M M ES W A R K A NSCEHAOR RC H IN T SI TE U N IECW PARROKG , RofA N

R E S E A R C H - B A S E D

EX L SLEEDA R LL and R EP SER A IRECNHT -I BAA AN C IANDGE, ML IOCC A PR OYG R A MGSL O B A L L Y

E X P E R I E N T I A L

D IV FA C LOYM and MUN I TOYB A L L Y EX P E R SI EE NSTTIU AD L ELNE TA Rand NIN GC, UL L OTCYA L GL

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AFFORDABLE EDUCATION

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Visit Us. Learn More. Apply.

Us. Learn More VisitVisit Us. Learn More.

Apply.

NEWARK.RUTGERS.EDU

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R K . R U T G E R S . E D U N E W AN R K .E R U TW G E R SA .EDU

Arts and Culture in Newark: Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow

By Gwen Moten

T

he prolific, enduring art and diverse culture of the nation’s third oldest city are shown in its public sculptures, designed parks, stylized historic architecture, ethnic celebrations, public murals, educational institutions, folk festivals, faith-based activities, varied musical expressions, mom-and-pop stores, grand and small presentation halls, distinct communities, and clearly in its multicultural neighborhoods and families.

“Visual arts, performing arts, spoken word, film and more,” said Jeremy V. Johnson, executive director of Newark Arts, “they all make a mosaic in Newark that speaks to our rich heritage and bright future.” Long before recent generations were born in, migrated, or immigrated to the Gateway City in New Jersey, great craftsmen and women from around the globe and local artisans flourished in the tradition of fine art, graphic, and folk art. Much of these works remain in grand galleries, museums, and churches throughout Newark. Great inventions that spurred American culture included the art of Newark’s textile and jewelry industries, patent leather, and M&Ms candies. Marketed as the candy that “Melts in your mouth, not in your hand,” the candy was helpful to soldiers, allowing them to carry chocolate in warm climates without it melting. The Mars Company moved from Newark in 1958, but will return in 2020 to open its cont’d on next page U.S. headquarters.

www.thepositivecommunity.com

Bigger than life bronze of statue of tennis legend Althea Gibson by Thomas Jay Warren at Althea Gibson Tennis Center in Branch Brook Park, Newark October 2019 The Positive Community

49

NEWARK ARTS

cont’d from previous page

Portrait of Queen Latifah part of the What Exit exhibit of photographs by Timothy White celebrating New Jersey natives at the Newark Museum; Poet, playwright, and activist Amiri Baraka, father of Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka; Jeremy V. Johnson, Executive Director, Newark Arts Council

Often shared by Kenneth Gifford, director of the Newark Office of Film & TV and the Newark International Film Festival, is that Newark can claim the 1887 invention of celluloid film used in shooting movies by Reverend Hannibal Goodwin. Newark’s visual art world — present and past—has left its stamp through public sculptures.

Monuments of pilgrims, soldiers, politicians, landowners, religious leaders, historians, tragic victims, Civil Rights icons, and cultural representations (both nativeborn and immigrant) abound throughout the city, adorning our parks, municipal buildings, religious halls, and plazas.

A visit to Washington Park, Lincoln Park, Peter Francisco Park, Military Park, or Nat Turner Park will attest to the variety and beauty of our public sculptures. Murals can be found in all neighborhoods—throughout the downtown retail business district and along our travel

The Newark Museum

50

The Positive Community October 2019

corridors. An ongoing Public Mural Project has brought a new vitality to our scenic views. Our murals are so plentiful we might soon deserve the moniker “The Mural City.”

Newark strives to be an inclusive city —a city that limits none, welcomes all, and generates enthusiasm everywhere. The energy and excitement that permeate the air

NJPAC

www.thepositivecommunity.com

here keep artists discovering and returning to Newark.

“There’s the vibrancy of events at big spaces like New Jersey Performing Arts Center, Newark Symphony Hall, Prudential Center, and the Newark Museum,” Johnson explained. “And then there are the up-close and intimate experiences of our [constantly growing] galleries, parks, libraries, schools, and neighborhoods.”

Having a focus on arts, entrepreneurship, and social justice, Express Newark, a multi-medium incubator, houses a variety of university and community partners.

They offer the opportunities requested and led by Mayor Ras J. Baraka for collaboration. With access to arts spaces and state of the art equipment, Express Newark supports a myriad of activities and displays the direction of our future arts, cultural, and community initiatives as they strive to highlight Newark’s rich history and expanding cultural assets.

With progressive and robust leadership through Mayor Baraka, who has a firm, historical connection to art and culture, Newark stands in the vanguard of its own national and international cultural movement. The Mayor’s Office of Arts, Cultural Development and Tourism, which I lead, serves as an umbrella, providing services, activities, event planning, media access, and general oversight for arts and cultural initiatives.

One can easily find and participate in our public art, growing film industry, numerous arts and cultural festivals, the world-class Newark Museum and its award-winning programming, ever-expanding permanent and pop-up www.thepositivecommunity.com

galleries, or performance venues. Visit our trendsetting public library and our educational institutions that cultivate and promote studies and exercises for creative and curious minds. Music, dance, and literature that promote Newark’s multi-cultural ethnicities are proudly exhibited throughout the year and in all communities. And, our faith-based organizations help fuel our creative, diverse, and inclusive; traditional, modern, or experimental experiences. In a city that has thrived through three hundred fifty-three years of cultural, social, economic, political, and artistic development and transformation, Newark, New Jersey continues to redefine and reformulate itself, moving forward toward boundless goals.

Gwen Moten is a former White House-appointed American Cultural Specialist and served as a U.S. international cultural attaché. She is the recipient of the Newark Tourism Trailblazer Lifetime Achievement Award and recently named by the Friends of the Newark Public Library as the 2019 John Cotton Dana Distinguished Lecturer.

GATEWAYS TO NEWARK is a public art and landscape beautification initiative, which aims to beautify each of the city’s entryways. The walls under the Amtrak train tracks along Route 21 in Newark transformed into the country’s second longest mural—approximately the length of 25 football fields.

The murals by 17 acclaimed local, national, and international artists reflect the City’s rich and diverse culture.

October 2019 The Positive Community

51

EWARK ARTS

cont’d from previous page

NEWARK ARTS

cont’d from previous page

NEWARK ARTS

cont’d from previous page

Artists Jari Werc

Artists Jari Werc Artists Jari Werc Alvarez Alvarez (left) (left) and and Artists Jari Werc Alvarez Gera (left) and Gera Lozano Lozano Alvarez (left) and Gera Lozano Gera Lozano

SECOND SECOND SUNDAYS

Presented by

SUNDAYS

JOIN US FOR A

Presented by

JOIN US FOR A

1010

SECOND FREE WITH #secondsundays ADMISSION #BeyondZenSUNDAYS #newarkmuseum FREE FOR MEMBERS

AND NEWARK RESIDENTS Presented by

FREE WITH ADMISSION 52 The Positive Community October 2019 FREE FOR MEMBERS

Official Airline

AND NEWARK RESIDENTS

Official Airline

Taima Mandara, Amida Buddha’s Western Paradise (detail). Japan, Edo Period (1603-1868), Jodo religious order. Ink, colors, gold, silk, 30 x 24 in. Newark Museum Purchase 1909 George T. Rockwell Collection 9.1333

• Camera-less #secondsundays photography #BeyondZen #newarkmuseum • Live music and more

AND TOUR

HIGH TEA 15 AND 8TOUR 8 & 15 IN THE 1885 BALLANTINE HOUSE AT THE NEWARK MUSEUM

IN THE 1885 BALLANTINE HOUSE Artists AT Jari THE Werc NEWARK MUSEUM DECEMBER

SUNDAYS Alvarez (left) and Gera Lozano

&

2019

DECEMBER

SUNDAYS 2019 Register at newarkmuseum.org/victorian-tea-2019

IN THE 1885 BALLANTINE HOUSE Register at newarkmuseum.org/victorian-tea-2019 AT THE NEWARK MUSEUM

2019

Activities include: • Candle making • Flame design workshop Activities include: • Camera-less • Candle making photography • Flame design• workshop Live music and more

dha’s Western Paradise (detail). Japan, Edo Period (1603-1868), Jodo religious 30 x 24 in. Newark Museum Purchase 1909 George T. Rockwell Collection 9.1333

The

Taima Mandara, Amida Buddha’s Western Paradise (detail). Japan, Edo Period (1603-1868), Jodo religious order. Ink, colors, gold, silk, 30 x 24 in. Newark Museum Purchase 1909 George T. Rockwell Collection 9.1333

n o o n - 5 pm

2019

November

November noon-5pm

The Wonder of Light Wonder of Light

VICTORIAN VICTORIAN HOLIDAY HOLIDAY VICTORIAN HIGH HIGHTEA TEA AND TOUR HOLIDAY JOIN US FOR A

JOIN US FOR A

SUNDAYS

DECEMBER

8 & 15

www.thepositivecommunity.com 2019

VICTORIAN

The Return Of Rev. Minatee!

L–R: Newark Assemblywoman Cleopatra G. Tucker, Rev. Stef Minatee, and Rev. Louise Scott-Rountree Photos: Kasi McCoy

L–R: Rev. Stef and Rev. Derrick Green

R–L: Former NJPAC President and CEO Lawrence P. Goldman, Rev. Stefanie Minatee, and current NJPAC President and CEO John Schreiber

Rev. Stef Celebrates Her 20-Year Association With Gospel Choir "Jubilation"

R

ev. Stefanie Minatee, “Rev. Stef” as she is known, celebrated her 20-year association with the Grammy-winning gospel choir “Jubilation” on June 22, 2019 at Newark Performing Arts Center (NJPAC). The event held particular significance as it marked the return of the group’s founder and artistic director, Rev. Minatee, after suffering a stroke in 2015.

Formed in 1998 at the request of then NJPAC CEO Larry Goldman and Newark City Councilman Donald K. Tucker (now deceased), the choir eventually became an entity independent of the New Jersey Performing Arts Center.

The choir went on to gain international success highlighted by six solo albums and world-wide performances including Super Bowl XLIV. Jubilation has worked with secular artists such as Queen Latifah, Isaac Hayes, Dionne Warwick, Kenny Loggins, Patty Griffin, and Ray Charles, with whom they toured Japan in 2004. Never straying too far from their roots in gospel, they have performed with Bishop Walter Hawkins, Albertina Walker, Kurt Curr, and Donnie McClurkin.

The celebration at NJPAC began with a special VIP reception in the Ryan Gallery with many presentations

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including acknowledgements from Gov. Phil Murphy, Mayor Ras J. Baraka, New Jersey State Assembly, and The Positive Community.

The program moved to the Victoria Theatre with an inspiring opening prayer by Dr. Deforest Buster Soaries, followed by greetings from Lawrence Goldman and current NJPAC CEO John Schreiber. Sustained applause erupted from the audience when Rev. Stef walked on stage. She gave heartfelt remarks and introduced Jubilation. The choir —over 100 strong— brought together for this occasion, consisted of past and present singers, many traveling from as far as California.

Video Greetings were sent by Queen Latifah, Dorothy Norwood, 101-year-old charter member Ella Dixon Jones, Janice Robison, Francesco Zarbano (Italian Gospel Choir), Vivian and Ray Chew, and Former NJPAC VP Arts Education Phillip Thomas. Rev Stef and Jubilation shared several musical offerings and gave tribute to fallen members on screen. In addition, special recognition and a moving tribute were given to the late Rita Owens, charter member and mother of Queen Latifah.

October 2019 The Positive Community

53

Our American Story IN CLASSIC BLACK

R E A D I T, S P E A K I T, T E A C H I T, O W N I T

T O D AY !

The Great African American Cultural Narrative

A

The African American Cultural Narrative

frican Americans are a unique people with a peculiar history in this land. Brought to these shores in chains from Africa in the early 1600s, our people toiled and suffered as captives in brutal bondage for a quarter of a millennium (250 years).

On January 1, 1863, two years into the Civil War, the Emancipation Proclamation, signed by President Abraham Lincoln, became law, signaling an end to slavery. On that day, the African American community of the United States of America was born.

One hundred years later, in August, 1963 at the height of the Civil Rights Movement, Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. stood in front of the Lincoln Memorial, as he led hundreds of thousands to a March on Washington, seeking an end to discrimination and 90 years of Jim Crow segregation in the South. It was a demand for full and equal citizen’s rights for the people in what has been called “the Second Emancipation.”

Forty years after Martin Luther King’s tragic assassination in 1968, America elects its first black president, the Honorable Barack Obama (2008).

In the 100 years between the first and second emancipation, in the midst of bitter persecution, humiliation, lynching; enduring the denial of basic human rights, the resiliency of the African American spirit continued to shine brightly in religion, business, education, medicine, invention, sports, and in the creative arts—music, fashion, dance, language, literature, and theater. Indeed, original American art forms and a popular culture which has become the envy of the world were founded upon the souls of a forlorn people! And that is our story—the Truth, Beauty and Goodness of a loving and gifted race—revealed!

An Extraordinary History Ours is an extraordinary history of trial, tribulation, and triumph that we must never, ever forget! This is the very story we must tell our children and ever be remembered for all future generations. We the people, descendants of the Great Emancipation must tell our story and sing our greatest songs to each other and to the entire world! We must remind ourselves over and over again of the noble struggle, human dignity, sacrifices and wisdom of our torch-bearing forefathers; of our goodly heritage, our divine inheritance; our great music legacy—Positive Music Matters!

This is our story—the cultural narrative— a new language of freedom; a springboard toward a great and prosperous future; a spiritually enlightened ideal. A vision of hope, opportunity, and progress; liberty and happiness; health and wholeness—peace and goodwill!

WE’VE COME THIS FAR BY FAITH…! —Adrian A. Council, Sr.

Teach the Truth! Teach the children their American story in just 281 words! . . .

And may they commit this very narrative to memory,and pass it along.

Affirm the positive—our claim on the American Dream! Own this beautiful 25x19 poster with a rich, majestic, presidential blue background color in large print; which includes images of two American presidents, alongside images of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr, poet Maya Angolu and the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin.

Frame this poster and proudly display it on the walls of your home, office, places of business; in the classrooms and your houses of worship; in barbershops, beauty salons and restaurants. Your $10.00 investment will pay dividends one thousand fold when you teach it to a young child and in return, they speak it back to you. It’s the gift that keeps on giving!

Order your copy today for only $10.00; 2 for $15.00.

Become a valued contributor to The Story about Our Future—today!

Special Rates for Bulk Purchases.

Include $7.60 for priority shipping and handling. Tax included.

Send Check or money order to: The Positive Community Corporation, 133 Glenridge Ave., Montclair, NJ 07042 PayPal and Credit Card accepted Order by phone 973 233 9200

Order online: www.thepositivecommunity.com

PATRICIA PATRICIA BALDWIN BALDWIN

Farewell to LaShawn “Big Shiz” Daniels

I

tt saddens discuss saddens me me to to discuss the the passing passing of of New New Jersey Jersey nana® -Winning Songwriter, Producer, and tive, Grammy tive, Grammy®-Winning Songwriter, Producer, and Singer; Singer; 41-year-old 41-year-old LaShawn LaShawn Daniels, Daniels, AKA AKA “Big “Big Shiz.”

Shiz.”

His life was taken after a car crash early September His life was taken after a car crash early September 4; 4; aa private ceremony was held for close family and friends private ceremony was held for close family and friends in in Charlotte, Charlotte, North North Carolina Carolina on on September September 10.

10.

LaShawn LaShawn was was aa musical musical genius, genius, gifted gifted to to pen pen hits hits for for secular superstars such as Michael Jackson, Whitney secular superstars such as Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, Houston, Toni Toni and and Tamar Tamar Braxton, Braxton, Destiny’s Destiny’s Child, Child, Lady Lady Gaga, and Brandy over more than 20 years.

He Gaga, and Brandy over more than 20 years. He attributattributed ed his his longevity longevity to to God, God, saying, saying, “God “God has has blessed blessed me me to to keep a clean name in one of the dirtiest businesses keep a clean name in one of the dirtiest businesses on on earth!” love for God was the foundation upon which earth!” His His love for God was the foundation upon which everything he dear to him was built—his marriage, everything he held held dear to him was built—his marriage, his career, friends, family were all maintained by his career, friends, and and family were all maintained by honesty and love. honesty and love.

Daniels survived by his wife of 19 years, April, who Daniels is is survived by his wife of 19 years, April, who mourns his loss their three sons. In a social mourns his loss slong slong with with their three sons. In a social media post, LaShawn wrote his youngest son, “I hate media post, LaShawn wrote of of his youngest son, “I hate that one day his Dad won’t be here say things to him that one day his Dad won’t be here to to say things to him that he’s never considered or thought that he’s never considered or thought about.... about.... BUT BUT II LOVE THAT NONE OF THAT MATTERS AND LOVE THAT NONE OF THAT MATTERS AND OUR OUR LORD LORD AND AND SAVIOR SAVIOR JESUS JESUS CHRIST CHRIST WILL WILL KEEP KEEP HIM HIM AND AND ANYTHING ANYTHING HE HE GOES GOES THROUGH THROUGH WONT WONT BREAK BREAK HIM HIM BUT BUT IT IT WILL WILL IN IN FACT FACT MAKE MAKE HIM HIM STRONGER STRONGER AND THROUGH IT ALL HE WILL SAY AND THROUGH IT ALL HE WILL SAY ‘ALL ‘ALL GLORY GLORY BELONGS BELONGS TO TO GOD!’” GOD!’” Without Without question, question, Daniels Daniels trusted trusted in in God. God. He He always always professed his love for Christ as a born-again believer, professed his love for Christ as a born-again believer, peperiod! riod! Nothing Nothing in in this this world world could could ever ever separate separate his his love love for for God God and and all all that that came came with with it. it. LaShawn LaShawn nurtured nurtured his his wife and children in the principles of God’s wife and children in the principles of God’s word. word. You You could could also also say say he he was was an an Instagram Instagram preacher/teacher preacher/teacher who thought it not robbery to deliver deliver inspiring inspiring words words or or who thought it not robbery to songs to lift up his audience. songs to lift up his audience.

As April, As young young adults, adults, LaShawn LaShawn and and his his eventual eventual wife, wife, April, appeared on The Cosby Show—LaShawn played Theo’s appeared on The Cosby Show—LaShawn played Theo’s friend, Darryl; Darryl; April April played played Denise’s Denise’s friend, friend, Victoria.

Victoria. friend, Who knew that early interaction was a step toward greatWho knew that early interaction was a step toward great-

56

The Positive Community October 2019

ness, together? together? They They even even started started “Cool “Cool Couples” Couples” and and ness, spoke around the world showing people young (black) spoke around the world showing people young (black) love could could work. work. love Earlier this year, Daniels Daniels was was able able to to host host his his first first music music Earlier this year, conference titled “I Put Me On” to help entrepreneurs conference titled “I Put Me On” to help entrepreneurs in the the music music business business see see their their worth worth and and build build on on their in their dreams, just as he did.

There are many respects shown dreams, just as he did. There are many respects shown on both both Facebook Facebook and and Instagram Instagram daily daily and and to to read read all on all the messages on the love tags are unbelievable, but the messages on the love tags are unbelievable, but LaShawn’s memory memory and and legacy legacy are are worth worth every every moment moment LaShawn’s of your time.

As we and people from the music industry of your time. As we and people from the music industry remember his love, talent, success, and faith, we are prayremember his love, talent, success, and faith, we are praying for the family! ing for the family! www.thepositivecommunity.com

GOOD NEWS FROM THE CHURCH AND COMMUNITY

thepositivecommunity.com

October 2019

Vol. 20 No. 8

Publisher

Adrian A. Council, Sr.

Editor-in-Chief

The Last Word

BY R.L. WITTER

AUTUMN IN THE CITY

Jean Nash Wells

Associate Editor R. L. Witter

Sales

Angela Ridenour Adrian Council, Jr. Marc Williams Burton Waddy NGS Communications, Inc. Satori MPR

Contributing Writers Patricia Baldwin Glenda Cadogan Fern Gillespie Derrel Jazz Johnson g.r. mattox Mwandikaji K. Mwanafunzi Rev. Theresa Nance

Photographers

Vincent Bryant Risasi Dias Regina Flemming Bob Gore Raymond Hagans Bruce Moore Wali Amin Muhammad Seitu Oronde Karen Waters Rev. Dr. William L. Watkins, Jr.

Art Direction & Layout Penguin Design Group Maishman Media, LLC

Production Assistant April Davis

The Positive Community Corp.

133 Glenridge Avenue Montclair, NJ 07042 973-233-9200 Fax: 973-233-9201 Email: info@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.

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A

s we’re settling into autumn, I relish the opportunity to breathe in cool, crisp air and admire the fall foliage around me.

While Sinatra made famous “Autumn in New York,” I am opting to save my train fare and remain on the south side of the Hudson River.

A walk through Newark offers me many sights and sounds similar to Manhattan, without the commute, tolls, and crowds. NYC has St. Patrick’s Cathedral, but Newark boasts the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart. They’ve got Broadway; Newark has NJPAC and Symphony Hall.

They have Chinatown; did you forget about The Ironbound? I can find Chinese food almost anywhere, but Portuguese food is an entirely different story! Newark has planes, trains, and automobiles, as well as a waterfront, universities, museums, entertainment, parks, and just about anything else you could want in a city. Like Invest Newark President and CEO Bernel Harris said, “There aren’t ten other cities like that.”

Sure, some folks like to bring up the riots and high crime statistics, but Newark isn’t living in the past.

Today’s Newark is a bustling, cosmo-

politan metropolis where well-heeled millennials gather at Dutch’s Lounge in the Tryp Hotel for cocktails, delicious food, and hip and trendy décor before heading out to a concert, show, or event. The city’s soundtrack is provided by WBGO, live performances are great at Clem’s Place, and who can resist Jazz Vespers at Bethany Baptist? Don’t forget to look up from your phone as you traverse the city. Take in the sights and sounds, including gorgeous murals, exquisite architecture, and phenomenal programs and exhibits at The Newark Museum and the Newark Public Library. Of course, there are plenty of other venues and artistic and cultural activities to thrill and fill your soul.

Gwen Moten of the Mayor’s Office of Arts, Cultural Development and Tourism has seen to it that Newark has a thriving arts and culture scene.

And another great thing about Newark is Mayor Ras J. Baraka. He’s taken some heat lately for the water crisis, but he continues to face the issue head-on and assume responsibility for fixing the problem, rather than laying blame. “Newark is not Flint,” he cautioned at a recent state of the water event. He has fast-tracked replacement of lead service pipes with the city footing the bill, rather than homeowners. And let’s not forget the lower crime rates, local control of Newark’s public schools, and lower unemployment rates. Newark’s native son has done and continues to do good in his hometown.

Today’s Newark is clearing a path to the future where the city will be a tech hub situated in a thriving, livable city where people live, work, and play.

October 2019 The Positive Community

57

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A 2020 Vision for the Future Invites you to join us as we celebrate our

20th Anniversary

and welcome the new year at our first annual

HONOREES

Great American Emancipation Day Awards Banquet

Hon. Mildred C. Crump

a celebration of freedom and progress with music, good food, and fellowship!

Join us as we honor champions of community progress.

Hazel N. Dukes

JANUARY 1, 2020, 2pm–6pm Grand Ballroom Robert Treat Hotel 50 Park Place Newark, NJ VIP Reception & Banquet: $125.00 Banquet: $75.00 Order your tickets today Online: eventbrite.com/tpc20yr Call 973-233-9200 for more information

President, City of Newark Municipal Council

President, New York State Conference, NAACP

Rev. Calvin McKinney General Secretary, National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc.

African American Chamber of Commerce of NJ John Harmon, President African American Clergy and Elected Officials Rev. Robert Waterman, President Friends of Harlem Hospital Rev. Jacques A. DeGraff, President

Proceeds to benefit the Positive Music Matters Foundation’s music and cultural literacy initiative