TPC 2018 Harlem Summer Issue

GOOD NEWS FROM THE CHURCH AND COMMUNITY Summer 2018

thepositivecommunity.com

â„¢ $2.95

Harlem Summer Issue

Bed and Breakfast in Harlem New Life for the Home of Langston Hughes Terri Seeney-Majette: Answered Prayers

HCCI Special Section:

Celebrating 44 Years of HARLEM WEEK Harlem Restaurants: Our Top Ten Picks Positive Music Matters: The Future of Black Music in America

Building a Better Harlem TPC_Summer_2018_FOR_PRINTER.indd 2

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The Positive Community Summer 2018

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Summer 2018 The Positive Community

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SUMMER 2018

Cover photo: Keston Duke

CONTENTS

SECTIONS MONEY ...................................24 HEALTH...................................61 EDUCATION.............................66 CULTURE ................................74

Features Black Clergy & Banks Join Forces ............................ 24

41

Newark Is Amazin’ ................................................... 26 Mount Pisgah on the Move! ..................................... 30 L–R: Rev. Dr. Charles A. Curtis, Malcolm Punter, Joan O. Dawson, PhD.

Health Needs of African Americans .......................... 61

ON THE COVER:

Call the Queen A Doctor! ......................................... 66

HCCI Special Tribute: Building A Better Harlem

Northside Center Continues to Serve ....................... 68

SPECIAL SECTIONS:

NYTS Installs New President .................................... 70

HARLEM WEEK ............................. 31–38

2018 Chad School Scholars .................................... 72

HCCI ............................................. 41–59

Vivian & Ray Chew’s Inspiration ............................... 74

&

also inside

Bed & Breakfasts in Harlem ..................................... 76 Terri Seeney Waited for Good Things ........................ 79

Publisher’s Desk ................................ 11 35/20 Banquet Extraordinaire ................................ 82 Guest Editorial ................................... 14 I, Too Collective in Langston Hughes’ Home ............. 84 My View ............................................. 16 Rev. Dr. William Watkins Celebrates 90 Years ........... 86 Fitness Doctor .................................... 64 TPC’s Top Ten Harlem Restaurants ........................... 89 Gospel Train ....................................... 94 The Way Ahead .................................. 96 Rev. Dr. Harper’s 18th Pastoral Anniversary .............. 90 The Last Word .................................... 97 Positive Music Matters ............................................ 92

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The Positive Community Summer 2018

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

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

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

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

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

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

Community Church of God, Plainfield, NJ

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ebenezer B.C. of Englewood, NJ Rev. Jovan Troy Davis, Pastor

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

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

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

Mount Calvary B.C., Englewood, NJ Rev. Dr. Ed Spencer IV, Senior Pastor

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

Empire Missionary Baptist Convention Rev. Dr. Carl T. Washington, Jr., Pastor

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

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

Abundant Life Fellowship COGIC, Newark, NJ Supt. Edward Bohannon, Jr., Pastor Aenon Baptist Church, Vauxhall, NJ Rev Alphonso Williams, Sr., Pastor Agape Baptist Church, Newark, NJ Rev. Craig R. Jackson, Pastor Antioch Baptist Church, Brooklyn, NY Rev. Robert M. Waterman, Pastor Archdiocese of New York Brother Tyrone Davis, Office of Black Ministry Baptist Ministers Conference of Greater NY & Vicinity Rev. Dr. Charles A. Curtis, President Berean B.C., Brooklyn, NY Rev. Arlee Griffin Jr., Pastor Bethany B.C., Brooklyn, NY Rev. Dr. Adolphus C. Lacey, Sr. Pastor Bethany B.C., Newark, NJ Rev. Timothy E. Jones, Pastor Bethlehem Missionary B.C., Roselle, NJ Rev. Jeffrey Bryan, Pastor Beulah Bible Cathedral Church, Newark, NJ Gerald Lydell Dickson, Senior Pastor Calvary Baptist Church, Garfield, NJ Rev. Calvin McKinney, Pastor Calvary Baptist Church, Morristown, NJ Rev. Jerry M. Carter, Jr., Pastor Canaan B. C. of Christ, Harlem, NY Rev. Thomas D. Johnson, Pastor

Concord B.C., Brooklyn, NY Rev. Dr. Gary V. Simpson, Pastor Convent Avenue Baptist Church, New York, NY Rev. Dr. Jesse T. Willams, Pastor

Evergreen Baptist Church, Palmyra, NJ Rev. Dr. Guy Campbell, Jr., Pastor Fellowship Missionary B.C., Newark, NJ Rev. Dr. Elton T. Byrd Pastor/Founder First B.C. of Lincoln Gardens, Somerset NJ Rev. Dr. DeForest (Buster) Soaries, Pastor First Baptist Church, East Elmhurst, NY Rev. Patrick Henry Young, Pastor First Baptist Church of Teaneck, NJ Rev. Dr. Marilyn Monroe Harris, Pastor First Corinthian Baptist Church, NY Rev. Michael A. Walrond, Jr., Senior Pastor First Park Baptist Church, Plainfield, NJ Rev. Rufus McClendon, Jr., Pastor First Baptist Church, South Orange, NJ Rev. Dr. Terry Richardson, Pastor Friendship Baptist Church, Rahway, NJ Rev. Allen Thompson, Jr., Pastor

Mt. Neboh Baptist Church, Harlem, NY Rev. Dr. Johnnie Green Jr., Pastor Mt. Pisgah B.C., Brooklyn, NY Rev. Dr. Johnny Ray Youngblood, Pastor Mount Olive Baptist Church, Hackensack, NJ Rev. Gregory J. Jackson, Pastor Mt. Olivet B.C, Newark, NJ Rev. André W. Milteer, Pastor Mt. Zion AME Church, Trenton, NJ Rev. J. Stanley Justice, Pasto Mt. Zion B.C., Westwood, NJ New Hope Baptist Church, Metuchen, NJ Rev. Dr. Ronald L. Owens, Pastor New Hope Baptist Church of Hackensack, Hackensack, NJ Rev. Kevin Jones, Interim Pastor

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Imani Baptist Church, East Orange, NJ Rev.Chuch Chamberlayne, Pastor It Is Well Living Ministries, Clark, NJ Rev. Kahlil Carmichael, Pastor

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

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

“The Positive Community magazine does outstanding work in promoting the good works of the Black Church. All churches

www.thepositivecommunity.com Summer 2018 this Themagazine, Positive Community 7 support the only one and businesses should subscribe to and advertise in The Positive Community. Please that features good news about the black community.”—Rev. Buster Soaries, General Baptist Revival, May 20, 2010

Rev. Adam Clayton Powell, Jr.

New York Theological Seminary to Launch the Rev. Adam Clayton Powell, Jr., Scholars Program in partnership with Rev. Johnny Ray Youngblood

From Left to Right: Rev. Dr. C. Vernon Mason (Visiting Professor of Urban Ministry & African-American History and Religion, NYTS), Dr. Courtney Wiley-Harris (Vice President for Development and Institutional Advancement, NYTS), Rev. Dr. Johnny Ray Youngblood (Executive Pastor and Spiritual Engineer, Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church), Rev. Dr. Dale Irvin (President and Professor of World Christianity, NYTS) and Rev. Dr. Keith Russell (Distinguished Senior Professor of Ministry Studies- Interim Director of the Doctor of Ministry Program, NYTS) gather to celebrate the launch of the Rev. Adam Clayton Powell, Jr., Scholars Program.

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ew York Theological Seminary is launching the Rev. Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. Scholars Program in the Spring of 2019. The program has received an initial gift of $500,000 from Mount Pisgah Baptist Church and Reverend Dr. Johnny Ray Youngblood, Senior Pastor of Mount Pisgah Baptist Church in Brooklyn, NY. The program will include scholarship support for both a Doctor of Ministry (DMin) track and a Certificate Program in Ministry and Leadership (CP) that Dr. Youngblood will also lead. The late Rev. Adam Clayton Powell, Jr., who served as Senior Pastor of the Abyssinian Baptist Church in Harlem from 1937 to 1972 and in the US House of Representatives from 1941 to 1971, was one of the most influential Civil Rights legislators in the 20th century. Participants who are admitted into either the DMin or the CP programs will be designated Powell Fellows and will receive substantial scholarship support during their matriculation at NYTS. Dr. Johnny Ray Youngblood is the Executive Pastor and Spiritual Engineer of Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church, where he has served since 2002. Prior to coming to Mt. Pisgah, he was Senior Pastor of St. Paul Community Baptist Church in Brooklyn (1974-2009). His accomplishments at St. Paul include spearheading The East Brooklyn Congregations (EBC) in the development and building of over 3,900 houses known as the Nehemiah Homes Project, the production of The MAAFA, an annual commemoration depicting the heinous history and ramifications of the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade. Many of the accomplishments of Dr. Youngblood over his first two decades at St. Paul were chronicled in 1994 in Samuel Gary Freedman’s award-winning book Upon This Rock: The Miracles of a Black Church. A native of New Orleans, Dr. Youngblood is a graduate of Dillard University (BA), Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School (MDiv), and United Theological Seminary (DMin). He has received honorary degrees from Boston University and Virginia Seminary. He is often described as a consummate pastor, teacher, organizer, leader, artist and prophet with a commitment to challenging traditional ways of being the church and empowering oppressed people to achieve the impossible.

About New York Theological Seminary Founded in 1901 and known in its early years as The Biblical Seminary in New York, NYTS focuses on preparing leaders who are serving diverse faith and community-based entities in the urban context. Through both degree and non-degree programs the Seminary seeks to promote prophetic engagement for transformation.

About the Doctor of Ministry The Doctor of Ministry is a three-year professional terminal degree. Classes meet for three one-week intensive sessions in the first year, and one more intensive week-long session in the first semester of the second year. Candidates continue to initiate a Demonstration Project throughout their second year and spend the third year completing their written Thesis. The first cohort that Dr. Youngblood will lead is scheduled to begin in February 2019. Thereafter new first-year cohorts are expected to continue to form annually.

About the Certificate in Ministry and Leadership The Certificate in Ministry is a two-year, non-accredited, program training leaders for service in faith and community-based entities. Classes meet during evening hours and/or on Saturdays over the course of four semesters (2 years). The program is conducted at a college level and is recognized for credit by several partnering undergraduate schools.

Contacting NYTS for More Information For more information or to apply to become a Powell Fellow in either the DMin or CP programs, contact Dr. Adriane Hill, the NYTS Director of Vocational Discernment, by phone at 212-870-1212 or by email at ahill@nyts.edu.

Re-elect Al Taylor Re-elect Al Taylor Re-elect Taylor On our side...andAl getting results.

Re-elect Al Re-elect Al Taylor

On gettingresults. results.

On our side...and Onour ourside...and side...and getting getting results.

On our side...and getting results.

ADRIAN COUNCIL ADRIAN PUBLISHER’S COUNCIL DESK PUBLISHER’S DESK

Saving Our Own Community Saving Our Own Community

Building Building a a Better Better Harlem!

Harlem!

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hank you to everyone—individual and bulk subhank youchurches, to everyone—individual and bulk scribers, schools, colleges, public andsubpriscribers, churches, schools, colleges, public and Itprivate institutions—our advertisers, our friends! is vate institutions—our our friends! is with cultural and communityadvertisers, pride—spiritual joy and Ithuwith cultural and this community pride—spiritual joy andIssue humility we present 19th annual Harlem Summer mility present this 19th annual Summer Issue to our we community of readers.

Amen,Harlem the people of God are to our community of readers.

Amen, the people of God are moving forward—Building a Better Harlem! moving forward—Building a Better Harlem!

The Positive Community was conceived in New Jersey and TheinPositive Community wasmagazine conceivedwas in New and born Harlem, USA. The first Jersey embraced born Harlem, USA. The magazineofwas first embraced by theinBaptist Ministers’ Conference Greater New York by the Baptist(BMCGNY&V) Ministers’ Conference New York and Vicinity in 1999. of ToGreater date, we remain and “official” Vicinity (BMCGNY&V) in 1999.

To date, remain the media outlet for this great and we influential the “official” media outlet forSpecial this great andto influential clergy leadership institution. thanks past presclergy leadership institution.

Special thanks past presidents the Late Rev. Dr. Shelly Sampson of to Thessalonia idents Late Rev. Sampson of Thessalonia BC, in the Bronx; andDr. Rev.Shelly Dr. Frank J. Blackshear, pastor BC,Greater in the Bronx; andBC, Rev.Harlem Dr. Frank Blackshear, pastor of Zion Hill for J. their foresight, wise of Greater Zion Hill BC, Harlem for their foresight, counsel, and prayers at the beginning of our journey.wise We counsel, and prayers at Joan the beginning of our We are also grateful to Rev. J. Brightharp for journey. introducing aretoalso Rev.York JoanTheological J. Brightharp for introducing us thegrateful mightyto New Seminary.

Today, us to the New of York Theological Seminary.

Today, under themighty leadership President Dr. Dale Irvin, the semunderremains the leadership Dr. Daleadvertisers Irvin, the seminary one of of ourPresident most consistent and inary remains one of our consistent advertisers and unwavering supporters.

It ismost therefore affirmed: The Positive unwaveringdelivers supporters.

It is Visit therefore affirmed: The Positive Community results! our website www.theposiCommunity delivers results!

Visit our website www.thepositivecommunity.com and subscribe to our weekly newsletter, tivecommunity.com and subscribe to our weekly newsletter, That’s What’s Up! That’s What’s Up!

A Soul Celebration A Soul In this Celebration issue, we celebrate the loving service of Harlem

In this issue, wefor celebrate the loving service of (HCCI), Harlem Congregations Community Improvement Congregations for90 Community Improvement (HCCI), representing over interfaith, ecumenical congregations representing overto 90promote interfaith,community ecumenicalprogress. congregations joining together Since joiningHCCI together to promote progress. Since 1986, has been on the community front lines promoting eco1986, HCCI has beenfinancial on the literacy, front lines promoting economic development, affordable housing, nomic development, financial literacy, affordable housing, reasonable healthcare, and quality education.

In our cover reasonable healthcare, qualityand education.

In our cover story, we’ll meet HCCI and President CEO Malcolm Puntstory, we’ll meet HCCI President and CEO Malcolm Punter; Chairman Emeritus,Rev. Dr. Charles Curtis, pastor Mt. er; Chairman Emeritus,Rev. Dr.president Charles Curtis, pastor Mt. Olive BC, Harlem and current of Baptist MinisOliveConference BC, Harlem and current president of Baptist Ministers (BMCGNY&V); and introduce to you inters Conference (BMCGNY&V); and introduce you incoming HCCI Board Chair and educator Dr. JoantoDawson. coming HCCI Community Board Chair educator Dr.of Joan The Positive is aand proud member theDawson.

Greater The Positive Community is a proudand member of the Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce a media partner to Harlem Chamber of Commerce and Check a media to HARLEM WEEK, now in its 44th year! outpartner the HARHARLEM WEEK, now in its beginning 44th year! Check out LEM WEEK special section on page 35.the HARLEM WEEK section on page 35. Harlem Shout outspecial to Donald C. beginning Notice, CEO of West ShoutAssistance out to Donald C. Notice, CEOsupport of Westand Harlem Group for their continuing outGroup Thank Assistance for their continuing support and outreach. you Harlem Business Alliance, Abyssinian Dereach. Thank you Harlem Business Alliance, Abyssinian Dewww.thepositivecommunity.com www.thepositivecommunity.com

velopment Corporation, Harlem Commonwealth Council, velopment Harlem Commonwealth Council, 125th StreetCorporation, Business Improvement District, Columbia Uni125th Business District,Federal Columbia University,Street NAACP, New Improvement York Urban League, Protesversity, NAACP, New York Urban League, tant Welfare Agencies, Archdiocese of NY’s Federal Office ofProtesBlack tant Welfare Agencies, Archdiocese of NY’s Office of Black Ministry, Empire Missionary Baptist Convention of NY, and Ministry,Missionary Empire Missionary Baptist Convention of NY, and United Baptist Assoc.

(UMBA).

We celebrate all United Missionaryfor Baptist Assoc. (UMBA).

We celebrate all forward-thinkers their commitment to progress! forward-thinkers for their commitment to progress!

Our Beloved Harlem Our Beloved The future ofHarlem Harlem is on our minds. There’s no ques-

The that future HarlemHarlem, is on our minds.

There’s noofquestion ourofbeloved “The Negro Capital the tion that isour Harlem, “The heart—fear Negro Capital of the World,” in beloved transition.

But take not—the World,”is iswhat in transition. not—the future we make it.But Andtake that’sheart—fear what freedom is all future is what We we make it. And that’s freedom choose is all about, choices. must collectively andwhat individually about, WeHarlem! must collectively and individually choose to buildchoices. a better to build better Harlem!September 13 primary election, For athe upcoming For the upcoming September 13 primary choose to vote for the candidate who represents theelection, present choosefuture to vote forinterests the candidate theour present and best of you,who yourrepresents family, and comand future besttointerests and our community!

Choose vote in of thisyou, andyour everyfamily, election! munity!

Chooseinto1968, vote in andresearch, every election!

Published thethis epic analysis and criPublished in life 1968, epic research, analysisAmerica, and critique on Black andthe culture in 20th century tique on Black lifeIntellectual, and culture 20th century America, Crisis of the Negro by in Harold Cruse, made the Crisis of theobservation: Negro Intellectual,

by Harold made the following “. . . Harlem has inCruse, this century, befollowing “. . . important Harlem hascommunity in this century, become the observation: most strategically of Black come the Harlem most strategically important of Black America. is still the pivot of thecommunity black world’s quest America.

Harlem is still theThe pivotway of the blackgoes world’s for identity and salvation.

Harlem (or quest does for identity and salvation. way Harlem goes (or does not go) so goes all black The America.”

He further added, not. . go) so goes blackworld’s America.”

He furtherfor historiadded, “.

Harlem is theallblack key community “. . .political, Harlem is the blackcultural world’s and/or key community for historical, economic, ethnic reasons.” cal,As political, economic, and/orever ethnic reasons.” we move forward,cultural let us never, forget this unAs we truth: move forward, let us tonever, evera better forgetHarlem, this un-a wavering The foundation building waveringcommunity-building truth: The foundation building a better positive, idealto for all, must first Harlem, come froma positive, community-building ideal for all, our mustvery firsthope comeforfrom within—our own collective soul experience; towithin—our own collective soul experience; our veryIndeed, hope for we tomorrow, the quality of our thinking, and teamwork! morrow, just the quality our thinking, we cannot simplyofignore hard, and coldteamwork! facts andIndeed, economic cannot just hard, andown economic realities; butsimply we canignore begin to takecold stockfacts of our quantirealities; we can begin to takenatural stock ofgifts ourand owncreative quantitative andbut qualitative assets—our tative and qualitative natural gifts and creative talents—our claim onassets—our the American Dream. talents—our on the American Let’s beginclaim a conversation about Dream. the future; about the Let’s begin a conversation future; about the economics of culture—the realabout powerthe of soul—as the patheconomics of culture—the real power soul—as pathway to a positive, prosperous, safe, of happy, andthe healthy way to a positive, prosperous, safe, happy, and ahealthy community!

Together, we will commence Building Better community!

Together, we will commence Building a Better Harlem for tomorrow—today.

Harlem for tomorrow—today. . . . Because a positive community is everybody’s business . . . . . . Because a positive community is everybody’s business . . . it really pays to care! it really pays to care!

Summer 2018 The Positive Community Summer 2018 The Positive Community

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Believe in Eve

Vote 7A September 13th

Brothers and Sisters,

Leecia’s father, Assemblyman Arthur O. Eve

Leecia with Honorable Fritz W. Alexander II

I stand before you as a proud daughter of New York and even more proud as the daughter of two extraordinary public servants, former New York State Assembly Deputy Speaker Arthur O. Eve and women’s rights activist and educator Constance B. Eve. I am asking for your support to be the next New York State Attorney General.

I am running as the most qualified and prepared candidate to be the Attorney General we need at this most critical time in the history of our state and nation. I have more courtroom experience across the state and have been fighting for social justice for almost three decades, ever since I graduated from Harvard Law School.

Whether as a law clerk to the Honorable Fritz W. Alexander II – the first African American to serve a full term on our state’s highest court – counsel to U.S. Senators Joe Biden and Hillary Clinton or as the chief economic development advisor to Governor Andrew Cuomo, overseeing 11 agencies in state government, I have dedicated my entire legal career to championing the rights of women, fighting for the disenfranchised, protecting the vulnerable, and advancing economic and educational opportunities for all.

www.LeeciaEve.com

Vote 7A

PAID for by Leecia Eve for Attorney General 2018

Leecia with former US Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton

With former Vice President Joe Biden

With Dr. Dorothy Height, civil rights activist, and her Dad

Right now, New Yorkers face a pivotal moment, with relentless attacks from the Trump Administration trying to undermine so many of the rights that we hold dear and roll back the progress that we – and our parents and grandparents – fought so hard to achieve. Now, more than ever, New Yorkers need a steady hand, strong voice and fierce advocate to defend, protect and empower them.

As Attorney General, I will work tirelessly to improve our criminal justice system, fight housing and employment discrimination, protect our environment, fight corruption in government and protect us against the assault on our civil and human rights by the current occupant of the White House.

Parents Constance B. and Arthur O. Eve

And I will build upon the extraordinary legacy of my father – who authored the law establishing the EOP and HEOP programs, through which more than 100,000 young people in our communities have been able to attend college – by fighting every day to provide real educational and economic opportunities for all of our children so that they can reach their God-given potential.

As Attorney General, I would be honored to be your voice to ensure our communities and New York become stronger than ever.

Sincerely,

Empower your community.

Empower yourself.

Vote.

And Believe in Eve.

MARCIA MARCIA BROWN BROWN GUEST GUEST EDITORIAL EDITORIAL

Marcia Marcia Wilson Wilson Brown Brown is is vice vice chancellor chancellor for for external external relations relations and governmental affairs at Rutgers University–Newark. and governmental affairs at Rutgers University–Newark.

Living in Critical Times WHERE, WHERE, OH OH WHERE, WHERE, MARTIN, MARTIN, DO DO WE WE FIND FIND TRUTH TRUTH AND AND LOVE? LOVE?

I

n n Martin Martin Luther Luther King‘s King‘s eloquent eloquent Pulitzer Pulitzer acceptance acceptance speech, he offered us a recipe for eradicating speech, he offered us a recipe for eradicating the the threat threat of nuclear war and militarism.

And racism, he of nuclear war and militarism. And racism, he argued, argued, was was framing framing the the moral moral demise demise of of human human kind: kind: “I “I believe believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the the fifinal word in reality.”

This belief, as enticingly certain as nal word in reality.” This belief, as enticingly certain as it it is, is, leaves leaves us us with with aa dangling dangling query: query: Where, Where, oh oh where, where, will will the the people of our world find these value-laden pillars in people of our world find these value-laden pillars in living living form? form? Especially Especially in in aa time time when when there there are are no no moral moral absoabsolutes and ethics seem to be merely a matter of personal lutes and ethics seem to be merely a matter of personal taste. taste.

When When moral moral relativism relativism instructs instructs us us to to hold hold no no one one opinion opinion in highest regard but our own; unchecked and untested; in highest regard but our own; unchecked and untested; and and particularly particularly at at this this moment moment when when America America once once again again must must define define who who has has aa right right to to the the fruits fruits of of democracy democracy or or the the right right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

Where do to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Where do we we go go to to learn learn unarmed unarmed truth truth and and unconditional unconditional love? love?

We We Americans Americans lose lose historical historical consciousness consciousness about about the the truth of the contradictory nature of the country’s truth of the contradictory nature of the country’s journey, journey, aa non-amorphous, non-amorphous, non-monolithic, non-monolithic, pluralistic pluralistic experience experience —theoretically designed to perfect the —theoretically designed to perfect the practice practice of of democdemocracy, but functioning as an arbiter of white privilege racy, but functioning as an arbiter of white privilege now now believed believed to to be be under under assault assault by by the the undeserved undeserved foreigners foreigners and and non-constructive non-constructive others others who who aren’t aren’t qualified, qualified, do do not not dedeserve, and are not legitimately part of “We the people.” serve, and are not legitimately part of “We the people.” So So we we see see through through aa lens lens darkly, darkly, bereft bereft of of constructive constructive knowledge knowledge about about the the hate, hate, bloodletting, bloodletting, apartheid, apartheid, and and finally, finally, the the abanabandonment of the country by capital, destroying the American donment of the country by capital, destroying the American working working class class and and paving paving the the way way for for the the most most rabid, rabid, vicious, vicious, unproductive minds to emerge as members of unproductive minds to emerge as members of aa governing governing party party unable unable to to truly, truly, genuinely, genuinely, and and democratically democratically lead lead in in aa manner consistent with the values underlying the Constitumanner consistent with the values underlying the Constitution tion and and the the Declaration Declaration of of Independence.

Independence.

The times have become The times have become muddled muddled with with moral moral complexity. complexity.

The great writer and journalist Malcolm Muggeridge’s The great writer and journalist Malcolm Muggeridge’s quote quote (so (so often often cited cited by

by Christian Christian apologist apologist Ravi Ravi Zacharias Zacharias who who wrote wrote Absolute Absolute Truth Truth in in Relative Relative Terms) Terms) is is instructive: instructive: “It “It is is difdifficult ficult to to resist resist the the conclusion conclusion that that twentieth twentieth century century man man has has

14 The The Positive Community Summer 2018 Summer 2018 14 Positive Community Summer TPC_Summer_2018_FOR_PRINTER.indd 7 TPC_Summer_2018_FOR_PRINTER.indd 7

decided decided to to abolish abolish himself. himself. Tired Tired of of the the struggle struggle to to be be himhimself, he has created boredom out of his own affluence, self, he has created boredom out of his own affluence, imimpotence potence out out of of his his own own erotomania, erotomania, and and vulnerability vulnerability out out of of his his own own strength. strength. He, He, himself, himself, blows blows the the trumpet trumpet that that brings brings the the walls walls of of his his own own cities cities crashing crashing down, down, until until at at last, last, having having educated himself into imbecility, having drugged educated himself into imbecility, having drugged and and pollutpolluted ed himself himself into into stupefaction, stupefaction, he he keels keels over, over, aa weary, weary, battered, battered, old old brontosaurus, brontosaurus, and and becomes becomes extinct.” extinct.”

Paradoxically, we must Paradoxically, we must be be grateful grateful that that King’s King’s movement movement and the pantheon of civil rights guardians, and the pantheon of civil rights guardians, known known and and ununknown, captured the world’s moral imagination with known, captured the world’s moral imagination with the the tool tool of of nonviolence, nonviolence, forcing forcing our our eyes eyes to to witness witness the the inhumane inhumane fruits of hate toward a people who were simply fruits of hate toward a people who were simply unable unable to to protect themselves from subjugation because of color protect themselves from subjugation because of color and and economic economic injustice. injustice. Why Why grateful? grateful? Because Because unlike unlike MuggerMuggeridge’s dismal prognosis, no other American idge’s dismal prognosis, no other American movement movement of of cont’d cont’d on on next next page page

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LIVING IN CRITICAL TIMES The Opening LIVING cont’d from IN previous CRITICAL page TIMES cont’d from previous page

perceived outsiders, nor those from pivotal remnant groups perceived such as black outsiders, nationalists, nor those students, fromorpivotal women, remnant has so valiantgroups such ly sought as black not simply nationalists, rightsstudents, or vengeance or women, or equal hasjustice, so valiantbut ly sought rather thenot redemption simply rights of the or vengeance country itself. or equal When justice, our days but rather the become dreary redemption with low-hovering of the country clouds itself. andWhen our nights our days bebecome come darker dreary than with a thousand low-hovering midnights, clouds we andwill our know nights we are become darker living in the creative than a thousand turmoil of midnights, a genuine wecivilization will know we strugare living to gling inbe theborn. creative turmoil of a genuine civilization struggling Buttowhere, be born. oh where, Martin, does one find unarmed truth Butand where, unconditional oh where,love?

Martin, Is it in does the one rise of find cultural unarmed mutruth and seums andunconditional libraries, which love? areIsdoing it in the such rise valiant of cultural truth mutellGus Heningburg, Jr. at the sound-check seums ing — and capturing libraries, yesterday, which are yet doing simultaneously such valiant proclaiming truth telling seeds the — capturing of hope for yesterday, tomorrow yet lie simultaneously in this excavation proclaiming of time, the seeds place, people, of hope andfor circumstance? tomorrow lieAnd in this who excavation is listening? of time, place, Is itpeople, in our and classrooms, circumstance? where And parents whoprotest is listening? their children Is itreading in our books classrooms, on activism, where parents civil rights protest and, their transgenchilder even tomes Catcher the Rye drenthemes, reading and books on classic activism, civil like rights and, in transgender themes, their proclaiming and subversive even classicpowers? tomes Will like we Catcher find in unarmed the Rye proclaiming truth and unconditional their subversive lovepowers? in the unsacred Will we find hallsunarmed of Contruth and gress?

Or in unconditional our churches, love where in the theunsacred Sunday halls pews of areConthe gress?segregated most Or in ourplaces churches, in thewhere country theand Sunday congregations pews are the are exhorted to vote places their narrow class andand racialized interests? most segregated in the country congregations are exhorted to vote their narrow class and racialized interests?

The Red Carpet entrance

If our national ethos rests in science and naturalism or in the If hollow our national “are youethos left orrests right” in science query, in and what naturalism disciplineorare in theto we hollow find, “are as Ravi youZacharias left or right” exhorts, query,a in “powerful what discipline weaponare as we to find,truth unarmed as Ravi andZacharias such a supreme exhorts, value a “powerful as unconditional weapon as unarmed love”?

Buttruth maybe, and as the suchParkland a supreme shooting value survivors as unconditional connect love”?teenagers with But maybe, in as Chicago the Parkland and build shooting an unprecedented survivors connect diswith teenagers course across race, in Chicago culture,and andbuild economic an unprecedented status, the seeds discourse for a morally across redemptive race, culture, movement and economic will bestatus, fertilized. the Time seeds for atell. will morally However, redemptive while Martin movement did not will specifically be fertilized. address Time will strategy the tell. However, to reach while thisMartin place in didhis notimpassioned specifically Pulitzer address the strategy plea, I believe to what reachhe this didplace say provides in his impassioned us the coordinates Pulitzer Melba Moore being escorted into the building plea,finding for I believe ourwhat way he to adid worldview say provides hinged us the upon coordinates two morforpillars: al finding“I our believe way that to a what worldview self-centered hinged upon men have two mortorn al pillars: down men“I(and believe women) that what other-centered self-centered can men buildhave up. Itorn still down men believe that(and one women) day humanity other-centered will bow before can build theup. altars I still of believe God andthat be one crowned day humanity triumphant willover bow war before andthe bloodshed, altars of God nonviolent and and be crowned redemptive triumphant good will overproclaim war and the bloodshed, rule of andland. the nonviolent “ redemptive good will proclaim the rule of the Oh land.

Martin, “ it is in the work of those other-centered souls thatOh perhaps Martin,weit is will in find the work this of redemptive those other-centered legacy you souls have that perhapsforweunarmed proclaimed will findtruth this and redemptive unconditional legacy love. you have So it proclaimed was said; oh,for let unarmed it be so. truth and unconditional love. So it was said; oh, let it be so.

New cars on display, courtesy of Crown Cadillac

THE CROWN JEWEL OF CADILLAC

1584 Rt 22 East, • Watchung, NJ 908.561.2900 crowncadillacnj.com www.thepositivecommunity.com 30 The Positive Community www.thepositivecommunity.com www.thepositivecommunity.com TPC_Summer_2018_FOR_PRINTER.indd 9

May 2016

Summer 2018 2018www.thepositivecommunity.com The Positive Positive Community Community 15 Summer The Summer 2018 The Positive Community 15 8/22/18 2:21 PM

REV. REV. THERESA THERESA NANCE NANCE MY MY VIEW VIEW

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

Drop Me Off in Harlem

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uke uke Ellington Ellington penned penned aa song song of of that that title title more more than 80 years ago.

I’ve gotta’ tell you, I echo than 80 years ago. I’ve gotta’ tell you, I echo those those same same sentiments. sentiments. Why? Why? Because Because Harlem Harlem is is where where you’ll find the richness that belongs to Black America you’ll find the richness that belongs to Black America like like no no place place else else II know. know.

There’s the There’s the World World Famous Famous Apollo Apollo Theater.

Theater. II can can rerecall, as if it were yesterday, trekking to the Apollo one call, as if it were yesterday, trekking to the Apollo one winwintry try night night with with aa guy guy who who had had the the greatest greatest pair pair of of Smokey Smokey Robinson eyes you’d ever want to see.

Performing Robinson eyes you’d ever want to see. Performing that that night night were were the the Delfonics, Delfonics, the the O’Jays, O’Jays, and and aa great great comedicomedian an who who never never made made it it downtown. downtown. The The Schiffman Schiffman brothbrothers co-founded the Apollo; that’s just for ers co-founded the Apollo; that’s just for your your informainformation tion but but if if truth truth be be told, told, it it was was the the performers performers themselves themselves who made this entity known throughout who made this entity known throughout the the world world Harlem Harlem was was the the place place to to be. be. Jack’s Jack’s Nest, Nest, aa little little bit bit of of heaven where southern cuisine was tops, was nestled heaven where southern cuisine was tops, was nestled in in aa space space that that made made you you feel feel both both comfortable comfortable and and intimate. intimate.

There was no Sylvia’s back then and many There was no Sylvia’s back then and many folks, folks, myself myself included, included, piled piled in in there there and and ate ate everything everything that that was was finfinger-lickin’ ger-lickin’ good good — — even even if if your your cholesterol cholesterol suffered suffered evevery ery once once in in aa great great while, while, as as ‘Retha ‘Retha used used to to say. say.

The The Apollo Apollo itself itself was was aa lesson lesson in in history history with with photos photos of of great stars displayed along theater walls.

Lady Day, great stars displayed along theater walls. Lady Day, Sarah Sarah Vaughn, Vaughn, Moms Moms Mabley, Mabley, and and others others made made their their perforperformance bones right on the stage of this great mance bones right on the stage of this great theater. theater. Ella Ella Fitzgerald Fitzgerald as as well, well, and and the the list list goes goes on. on.

Though Though I’ll I’ll be be dating dating myself, myself, II recall recall when when shows shows at at the the theater went on day and night.

In fact, some performers theater went on day and night. In fact, some performers worked worked six six shows shows each each day. day. Not Not to to worry, worry, II don’t don’t dare dare forforget the gospel extravaganzas held at this great establishget the gospel extravaganzas held at this great establishment. ment. The The one one and and only only Joe Joe Bostic Bostic hosted hosted many many aa gospel gospel show with groups like the Caravans, the Gospel show with groups like the Caravans, the Gospel Clefts, Clefts, the the Dixie Dixie Hummingbirds, Hummingbirds, and and the the Sensational Sensational Nightingales Nightingales starring starring Julius Julius Cheeks.

Cheeks.

Some Some said said Wilson Wilson Pickett Pickett modeled modeled his his style style of of singing singing after Cheeks, who could wail like nobody’s business. after Cheeks, who could wail like nobody’s business. Years Years ago, ago, II brought brought Joe Joe Bostic, Bostic, Jr. Jr. to to New New Jersey Jersey to to host host aa gospel gospel program program at at the the Ramada Ramada Inn Inn as as an an attempt attempt to to bring bring back back that kind of spiritual fervor.

The program was that kind of spiritual fervor. The program was aa success success

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and and II urged urged Bostic Bostic to to continue continue where where his his father father left left off. off.

Like a Phoenix rising from the ashes, in my judgment, Like a Phoenix rising from the ashes, in my judgment, Harlem Harlem has has not not yet yet seen seen its its best best days. days. There There are are those those who come to syphon off the cream of this uptown who come to syphon off the cream of this uptown treatreasure. sure. Others Others come come to to gawk gawk at at the the indigenous indigenous people people like like aa group group from from Australia Australia who who came came to to the the Cotton Cotton Club Club for for its its gospel gospel brunch brunch aa few few years years ago, ago, and and appeared appeared to to view view those those of of color color with with mild mild and and quiet quiet amusement. amusement.

Then, there are the folks who Then, there are the folks who are are down down with with the the atmoatmosphere, the ambiance, the arts, and theatrical endeavors sphere, the ambiance, the arts, and theatrical endeavors that that may may not not hit hit the the Great Great White White Way, Way, but but happen happen to to be be aa great repository for those honing their craft if Hollywood great repository for those honing their craft if Hollywood and and the the suits suits never never dial dial their their number. number. That’s That’s right. right. Drop Drop me off in Harlem.

All day. me off in Harlem. All day.

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Public Advocate Tish James Assemblywoman Latrice Walker Gov. Andrew Cuomo Lt. Governor Kathy Hochul

“Rights that we’ve taken for granted for decades are under attack in Washington.

That’s why we’re making sure New York remains a beacon of progressive values.”

– LI E UTE NANT G OVE R N O R K ATHY H OC H U L

VOTE THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 13

K AT H Y H O C H U L . C O M Paid for by the New York State Democratic Committee

40th Anniversary First Lady Sandra and Pastor Reginald Williams Celebrate

L Photos: Bruce Moore

ady Sandra and Rev. Reginald (Reggie) Williams celebrated 40 years of marriage on Friday, June 22, 2018 at the Villa Barone Manor in Bronx, NY. Family, friends, congregants, and fellow clergy joined the couple to celebrate the memorable occasion.

Best friend, loving husband and joint partner in the ministry to his college sweetheart, First Lady Deacon Sandra Elaine Canady Williams.

Rev. Williams is a devoted father to their three children: Naomi Nicole, Tabitha Christine, and Jonathan David. They reside in their beloved Harlem community, by choice. —AAC

Lady Sandra and Pastor Reggie Williams

The Williams Family: L–R: Tabitha Christine, Pastor Williams, Lady Sandra, Naomi Nicole, and Jonathan David Williams

First Lady Sandra and sister-friends

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The Positive Community Summer 2018

L–R: Reverends Carl Washington; Willie Harriston; Fredrick Crawford; Isaac Graham; Pastor Williams; D. Morrison; and President Geoffrey Eaton, NAACP Mid-Manhattan Branch www.thepositivecommunity.com

RE ELECT D E M O C R A T

ROBERT

Rodriguez for State Assembly 68th Assembly District

Getting the job done!

Democratic Primary - Thursday, Sept. 13th facebook.com/robert.j.rodriguez.12 @_rjayrodriguez Email: friendsofrobertjrodriguez@gmail.com Campaign address: 1785 Lexington Avenue, New York, NY 10029

Inez Dickens Birthday Boat Ride

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he who’s who in in Harlem society and community life boarded Atlantica Yacht at Chelsea Piers 61 to celebrate popular NYS Assemblywoman Inez Dicken’s birthday! Dozens of friends including former NYC Mayor David N. Dinkins; Hazel Dukes, NYS president NAACP; Lloyd Williams, president Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce and HARLEM WEEK; Theater Producer Vy Higginson; Keisha Sutton-James; Michael Garner, president of 100 Black Men, NY chapter, and Pat Stevenson of Harlem News, to name a few!

It was a wonderful afternoon as the yacht navigated the Hudson with stellar views of the Manhattan skyline. The yacht cruise was also a fundraiser for Hon. Inez Dickens re-election to the New York State Assembly.

L–R: Lloyd Williams, Valorie Williams, Tony Rogers

L–R: Michael James, Inez Dickens, Kiesha Sutton-James, Stanley Gleaton, Tina McCrae, and Lloyd Douglas

TPC's Adrian Council, Jr. with wife, Felisha

Belinda Faye Mahone, Inez Dickens, Donald Notice, and Leslie Godfrey

L–R: Michael Hardy, ESQ, NAN; Geoffrey Eaton, NAACP; former NYC Counsilman Robert Jackson; Walter Edwards, Harlem Business Alliance; George Weldon, Weldon Funeral Homes Michael Garner Hazel Dukes and guest

Mrs. Gwen Taylor, NYS Assemblyman Rev. Al Taylor, Manhattan Borough President Hon. Gale Brewer, Vy Higginson

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The Positive Community Summer 2018

Malcolm Punter and wife, Aarian

Hon. David N. Dinkins www.thepositivecommunity.com

Photos: Seitu Oronde and Bruce Moore

Londell Davis, Assembywoman Dickens, Donel Davis

Re-Elect

Inez E. Dickens 70th Assembly District

Continuing Commitment to Public Service

VOTE THURSDAY SEPTEMBER

13 Democratic Primary

I WILL CONTINUE TO FIGHT FOR: • Affordable Housing • Quality Healthcare For All • Ending Gun Violence • Pay and Gender Equity • Immigrant Rights • Social & Criminal Justice Reform • Equal Access To Quality Education • Ending Domestic Violence • LGBTQ Rights • Increased MWBE Contracts PAID FOR BY DICKENS FOR NEW YORK

M Money

buiness, finance + work

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he Black church, among the most prosperous institutions in America, has long led movements for the spiritual, social and civic uplift of black people.

When the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated on April 4, 1968, he had just launched the Poor People’s Movement, which quickly fizzled after his death.

With this historic backdrop, the African Methodist Episcopal Church – with a legacy of leadership in its own right – has announced an innovative economic partnership with black-owned banks across the country. The partnership aims to be a catalyst to spur business development, homeownership, and wealth in the black community.

“We are now pleased to announce a partnership with the presidents of the nineteen (19) black banks in the United States, with the goal of increasing black wealth,” said Bishop Reginald T. Jackson, president of the Council of AME Bishops. “This initiative will strengthen black banks across the United States and increase their capacity to lend to small businesses, to secure mortgages, to provide personal lines of credit, and to offer other forms of credit to AME churches and our members. This, of course, includes enabling members and their families to become homeowners.”

Bishop Jackson made the announcement during a press conference held during the 2018 Council of Bishops and General Board Meeting in Atlanta June 26. The specific details of a memorandum of understanding are being formulated and will be announced later this summer. But the goals are as follows:

• Increase deposits and loans with black banks; • Increase black homeownership to over 50 percent nationwide adding two million more black homeowners • Grow the number of black businesses from 2.6 million to 4 million and increase total reciepts thepositivecommunity.com The Positive Community Summer 2018

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Bishop Reginald T. Jackson, president of the Council of AME Bishops

Leon Ellis President Preston Pinkett, III, chairman and CEO, City National Bank of New Jersey and chairman of the National Bankers Association

Faith & Love Fuel His Vision

“The spirit in which you all have shared the commitment to the community, to the banks, and to what we can do together is outstanding,” responded Preston Pinkett, III, chairman and CEO of the City National Bank of New Jersey and chairman of the National Bankers Association.

“Thank you for your willingness to step outside of the norm to do something that I would say is extraordinary here in America and extraordinary in the world.”

Pinkett says the church-bank partnerships are already beginning around the nation. “It is safe to say that this kind of commitment, this kind of demonstration will go a long way in supporting our banks and the banks to be able to support the community…With God’s blessings, we will accomplish great things.”

Amidst an atmosphere of excitement, the bankers, Glenda Cadogan bishops, and supportersBy of the movement packed into a meeting room in a downtown Atlanta hotel. Jackson was surrounded by all 20 bishops of the 231-year-old denomination as well as supporters of the movement.

They included principals of the growing economic movement, Black Wealth 2020, which Jackson credited as inspiration for the idea.

Michael Grant, one of the founders of Black Wealth 2020, presided at the press conference. He connected the new partnership directly with the movement begun by Dr. King. Opening the press conference, Grant underscored

Summer 2017 The Positive Community 17 www.thepositivecommunity.com

Photos: Klarque Garrison/Trice Edney News Wire

AME Church And Black Banks Launch Partnership for Black Wealth

the historical nature of the moment. “For those of you who are students of history, you would not be surprised that the church of Richard Allen would be leading an effort to close the wealth gap across the United States of America.” Allen, among America's most influential black leaders, founded the AME church in 1794. It was the first independent black denomination in the U. S. “And we do this with malice towards none,” stressed Grant.

“In the next decade in the global church and in the AME church and in black banking, we will see both evolution and revolution. Banks must reinvent themselves, not just to respond to the pressures of the day, but to be flexible enough to adapt to the world of tomorrow. The ecclesia, the church, must also evolve its business knowledge, educational platform, and its missional thrust without losing its stance in the Word of God,” said General Board Chair Bishop Vashti Murphy Mckenzie. “Both of our institutions are dealing with increasing assertive governmental intrusion, higher membership and customer demands, along with increasing change in the wider world.”

Bishop Jackson underscored the fact that the U.S. partnership is only the beginning. He indicated that the movement will also expand abroad. “The possibilities extend throughout the Diaspora. The African Methodist Episcopal Church has over 4,000 churches in Africa, the Caribbean, West Indies, and Europe. These churches and members can also benefit from this partnership,” he said. —Trice Edney News Wire

YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS ACADEMY

NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS From creative, determined, and enthusiastic Newark middle and high school students who are interested in entrepreneurship.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Contact: Emily Manz Newark YEA! Program Manager 646-856-9076 newarkyea@gmail.com tinyurl.com/newarkyea

Harlem's #1 Rated Brokerage Team Say hello to the Harlem Properties Team at Compass, where we pride ourselves on our reputation.

Whether it be a first time home purchase or an investment property, please give us a call and let us know how we can help you achieve your real estate goals. If you are ever in the neighborhood, stop by our community art gallery and offices at 163 Malcolm X Boulevard and say hello!

www.thepositivecommunity.com

Harlem Properties Team 163 Malcolm X Boulevard New York, NY 10026 212.369.1518 harlemteam@compass.com

Summer 2018 The Positive Community

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Eye Opener: Newark is Amazin'

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ewark Regional Business Partnership hosted the Eye Opener: Newark is “Amazin’” – a Conversation with Mayor Ras J. Baraka on June 5, 2018 at the Best Western Robert Treat Hotel in Newark. This event included a presentation by and conversation with Newark student and 2018 Newark Young Entrepreneurs Academy (Newark YEA!) program participant Kutorkor Kotey, as well as a conversation with a panel of Newark residents working at Newark companies.

The event highlighted recent developments in the city as well as the Mayor’s commitment to increasing development in the city’s wards and downtown, in a way that includes and is mindful of the needs and concerns of existing residents. Newark residents employed at Newark companies were invited to share their experiences with our guests. The Eye Opener event series continues the mission of connecting business for a greater Newark and is sponsored by RWJBarnabas Health. The June 5 breakfast was sponsored by Berger Organization LLC; Broadridge Financial Solutions; Connell Foley LLP; and United Airlines.

The media sponsor is NJ Advance Media. – NRBP

L–R: Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka; Kutorkor Kotey, Newark High School Student, 2018 Newark YEA! program participant, and Owner of Kutor’s Kloset; and Chip Hallock, president, NRBP Photos: NRBP/Sean Sime

L–R: Darrell K. Terry, Sr., NRBP Board Chair and president & CEO, Newark Beth Israel Medical Center and Children’s Hospital of NJ; Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka; William “Troy” Walker, customer operations supervisor, PSEG; Kutorkor Kotey, Newark High School Student, 2018 Newark YEA! program participant, and owner of Kutor’s Kloset; Karen Johnson, nursing assistant, Newark Beth Israel Medical Center; Mark Kearney, urban farmer, Greater Newark Conservancy; and Barry H. Ostrowsky, chairman and CEO, RWJBarnabas Health

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The Positive Community Summer 2018

www.thepositivecommunity.com

Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr. Announces

Essex County Earns First-Ever

AAA Bond Rating

from Moody’s Investors Service

Improves from Junk Bond Status in 2002 to Highest Level in 2018 Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr. announced that Moody’s Investors Service has awarded Essex County a Aaa Stable bond rating.

According to published reports by Moody’s, this is the first time Essex County has received a Aaa rating. It also signals the success of DiVincenzo’s ongoing fiscal initiatives that have improved the County’s bond status from just above the junk bond level to the highest rating given by Moody’s.

“This is great news for Essex County and validates all the hard work we have done for the past 16 years. I want to thank Moody’s for giving my administration the opportunity to prove ourselves and for listening to our story of transformation in Essex,” the Executive said. “We achieved the Aaa rating because of everyone working together – my Department and Division Directors, the Board of Freeholders, our Constitutional Officers, our county agencies and our 3,500 employees. I appreciate everyone’s support and that we all shared the same goal,” he noted.

“Having a Aaa rating demonstrates to our residents that our finances are strong and stable, and makes living in Essex more attractive Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr. was on the verge of downgrading our bond rating to junk bond status, which would have put us in the same category as Orange County, California,” DiVincenzo said about the past. “Even before I was sworn into office, my team met with Moody’s, laid out our plan for financial recovery and asked them to give us a chance to address our budget problems,” he added.

Moody’s six-page report states the award was warranted because of DiVincenzo’s conservative budget practices and his initiatives to build a fund balance. “Over the past several years, management has materially improved the county's finances which are now very healthy,” the report states.

“Essex County's strong management has been a major driver in its financial improvement. Management has imple-

“Over the past several years, management has materially improved the county's finances which are now very healthy.”

Moody’s Investors Service “The higher bond rating displays the trust and confidence that Wall Street has in Essex County’s finances and will help us get better interest rates and attract more prospective investors when we issue bonds,” DiVincenzo pointed out. “Having a Aaa rating demonstrates to our residents that our finances are strong and stable, and makes living in Essex more attractive,” he said.

“When I was elected in 2002, Essex County was going through its most difficult financial time. We inherited a $64 million budget deficit and Moody’s

$64 million budget deficit and Moody’s was on the verge of downgrading our bond rating to

mented conservative, proactive budgeting, and has consciously chosen to rebuild reserves to healthier levels than had previously been the case,” it notes.

Moody’s re-examined Essex County’s finances in anticipation of the County issuing general obligation bonds in September to pay for various capital improvements throughout the County, the expansion and renovation of Essex County West Caldwell School of Technology and for various capital improvements at Essex County College.

Essex also will be selling bond anticipation notes to finance capital

improvements in the Essex

Essex also will be selling bond anticipation notes to finance capital improvements in the Essex County Schools of Technology District and to support various bridge, culvert, drainage, road, parks and building projects.

DiVincenzo began strengthening the fund balance in 2003. However, about $51 million from the fund balance was used as revenue in the 2008 and 2009 budgets during the Great Recession to make up for revenue that was lost.

During those years, because of the fund balance, the County did not have to furlough or lay off any employees. The fund balance is anticipated to be $118 million at the end of this year, which helps with cash flow and has enabled the County to not take out any temporary bond issues in recent years.

In addition, the Executive has been able to hold the line on tax increases. In this year’s budget, the tax increase was held to just 0.75%. Over the last eight years, the average property tax increase for the county portion is just 1.65%, well below the 2% cap law in New Jersey.

Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr. Essex County Executive and the

Board of Chosen Freeholders Invite You To Join Us For

ESSEX REMEMBERS ~ A Solemn Ceremony Commemorating the 17th Anniversary of the 9/11 Tragedy ~

Date: Time: Place:

Tuesday, September 11, 2018 8 a.m.

Essex County Eagle Rock Reservation Essex County Eagle Rock 9/11 Memorial Eagle Rock Avenue, West Orange, NJ

For more information, please call 973-621-4400 Chamber Music at the Site until 2 PM

NOW OPEN! INTRODUCING Newark’s Newest and Finest Hotel

Sleek and sophisticated, TRYP by Wyndham Newark places you in the heart of New Jersey’s business and cultural hub.

Featuring Dutch’s restaurant and tapas bar.

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24 East Park Street, Newark, NJ 07102

Joe Macedo, Front Desk Manager j.macedo@trypnewark.com

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NEWARK

Valentino Lulea, Restaurant Manager v.lulea@trypnewark.com

Brooklyn’s MOUNT PISGAH BAPTIST CHURCH is on the Move!

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Mount Pisgah Baptist Church

here is GOOD NEWS on the horizon for the City of New York. With steamrolling gentrification happening and properties being sold and lost, even to eminent domain; Mount Pisgah issues this praise report of its’ expansion. The Jewel of Brooklyn is not leaving Brooklyn, but making its way to becoming one of the gems of the borough of Queens. Under the 17-year leadership of Dr. Johnny Ray Youngblood and a crackerjack duo of negotiators, this 88-year-old ministry is yet vital and promising.

‘From Mount Pisgah’s lofty heights’, we view mission for the city as well as for the borough.

Mount Pisgah Baptist Church was founded

by The Late Salina Asa Faire-Perry of Abbeville, South Carolina. Crippled in one leg, short on academic training but determined in heart, she made her way to New York City at an early age and has now left an 88 year old legacy. Neither gait of walk or gender stayed her clerical ambition. Given the hospitality of the living room of a Mr. George Schilling, Rev. Perry began inviting children to come and study the scriptures. $.13 cents is recorded as the first offering. In 1939, she moved from that living room in Williamsburg to a worship site at 754 Quincy Street. Then occupied by the Divine Light Church , then pastored by the Rev. Emma Resch (a Caucasian). We are talking about the 1930s.

In those days, their circumstance invited dual discrimination – gender and race… BUT GOD! These two women joined hearts and hands and climbed the ladder of a successful ministry for 25+ years. In 1953, Rev. Perry took on a huge venture when she enlisted the Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM) for the use of their au-

ditorium and engaged the entire church family in a performance that was the talk of the city. This engagement featured the Mount Pisgahlites and other special guest artists. The music ministry of Mount Pisgah was shepherded in by Deacon Morris Mariner a committed and homegrown Minister of Music. Mariner was also the son of a preacher man. Upon becoming ill, Rev. Perry sought advice on bringing in a pinch-hitter to her pulpit. The Rev. George Henry Murray became the one selected and he served for 33 years. Rev. Perry transitioned in 1964. In the ‘Murray' years, the congregation grew and a music ministry was perpetual. Morris Mariner, now an honorary Elder served for almost 55 years.

Mariner is retired, relocated, and yet revered for his legacy of work.

While pastoring, Rev. George Murray, encouraged himself and others by earning a bachelor’s degree from Fordham University after the age of 50. Immediately after graduation, Pastor Murray enrolled at Union Theological Seminary in New York City, but was impeded from climbing that academic ladder.

Mount Pisgah also experienced a change of address under Pastor Murray’s leadership. The abounding congregation necessitated more accommodating worship and working quarters. On the advice of The Late Rev. Clarence Norman, pastor and people of Mount Pisgah were introduced to the Roman Catholic Bishop of Brooklyn and Long Island – His Excellency, Frances J. Mugavero. The deal was negotiated and Mount Pisgah marched to 212 Tompkins Ave., the former home of the Saint Ambrose Roman Catholic Parish.

Within a few years, a fully accredited academic school, grades K– 8th was instituted - Mount Pisgah Christian Academy – and for 35 years this school educated the children and grandchildren in the congregation, the immediate community and beyond. Ill health presented itself and Pastor Murray, at the time of his apotheosis, reached out to a friend and fellow-cleric, Johnny Ray Youngblood at the St. Paul Community Baptist Church. For the past 17 years, Pastor Youngblood has preached, taught, programmed, planned and exposed Mount Pisgah to the “VISION FOR NOW.” This move, to the Borough of Queens, is but one of the many steps.

Again, Namaste!

By Patricia Baldwin (Staff member, MPBC)

Rev. Dr. Johnny Ray Youngblood, Pastor

Celebrate Harlem

HARLEM WEEK

Celebrates 44 Years of Service to Urban America

By Herb Boyd

W

hen HARLEM WEEK began in 1974 it was a mere day that has since morphed into a magnificent month. Now celebrating its 44th year, at the very start it promised and promoted a big tent, inclusive approach with Harlem’s rich, diverse community at the center. A number of prominent black men forged the plan, but it also included a coterie of black women. Vivian Robinson, Grace Sergeant, Barbara Ann Teer, Stephanie Francis, and Lois Alexander are just a few of the women who played a vital role in the launch of HARLEM WEEK; and through their various community endeavors, continued to help in the growth of the WEEK, which now has more than 100 events in a month of activities.

Perhaps this year’s organizers had this illustrious beginning in mind when they chose the theme “Women Transforming Our World—Past, Present & Future” with an added subtheme of “The Community within a Community”—saluting the LGBTQ community. To celebrate 44 years of spectacular education and entertainment, as well as this year’s theme, 44 transformative women have been chosen. At least one, if not more, is emblematic of the schedule of events that cover activism, medicine, entrepreneurs, sports, music, and journalism, to cite a few of the categories.

NA The Positive Community Winter 2018 www.thepositivecommunity.com TPC_Summer_2018_FOR_PRINTER.indd 24

For example, Celia Cruz is the musical personification of the Harlem/Havana Kickoff on Aug. 6, though by then a week of entertainment had wafted and waned over the Harlem community. A day later when the downbeat occurred at JazzMobile’s 1st Annual Celebration, it was easy to imagine Ella Fitzgerald in front of a band led by Dizzy Gillespie. On Aug. 9, NYC Economic Development Day brought to mind a host of black women in business, none more glamorous and successful than Oprah Winfrey. And let’s not forget Harlem’s own Elinor Tatum at the helm of The Amsterdam News. www.thepositivecommunity.com Summer 2018 The Positive Community 31

8/22/18 2:21 PM

Legendary Legendaryvoices voicesfrom fromthe thepast pastset set the thetone toneof ofthis thisyear’s year’sHarlem HarlemWeek Week celebration. celebration.

L–R L–R(clockwise): (clockwise):Celia CeliaCruz, Cruz, Nina NinaSimone, Simone,Miriam MiriamMakeba Makeba

IfIf aa semblance semblance of of Aretha Aretha Franklin’s Franklin’s magnificent magnificent voice voice soared soared over over the the Aug. Aug. 12 12 Gospel Gospel Sunday Sunday Services Services itit was was aa great greatreminder reminderof ofher herroots rootsin inthe thechurch. church.The Theinspirational inspirational music music exuding exuding from from Convent Convent Avenue Avenue Baptist Baptist Church Church and and other other prominent prominent pews pews can can take take you you up up to to Sugar Sugar Hill Hill and and down down to to Riverbank, Riverbank, where where aa festival festival of of Afro-Cuban Afro-Cuban sounds sounds brought broughtto tomind mindthe thevoice voiceof ofGloria GloriaEstefan.

Estefan.

One Oneof ofthe thespecial specialmoments momentsof ofHARLEM HARLEMWEEK WEEKisis“Sum“Summer merin inthe theCity,” City,”and andfrom fromthe theafternoon afternoonsalute saluteon onAug. Aug.18 18 to toDr. Dr.Johnnetta JohnnettaCole Coleto tothe theImageNation ImageNationFilm FilmFestival Festivalthat that evening, evening,the theday daybrought broughtto tomind mindthe thecontributions contributionsof ofDr. Dr. Muriel Muriel Petioni Petioni and and Dr. Dr. Dorothy Dorothy Height, Height, both both of of whom whom atat one onetime timemade madeHarlem Harlemtheir theirhome. home.

HARLEM HARLEMDAY DAYon onAug. Aug.19 19isisalways alwaysaacornucopia cornucopiaof ofinforinformative mative and and exciting exciting attractions, attractions, including including aa health health village, village, aa business business expo, expo, and and an an auto auto show show that that features features aa parade parade of ofvintage vintagevehicles. vehicles.Some Someof ofthese thesestylish stylishcars carsatatthe theUpper Upper Manhattan Manhattan Auto Auto Show Show were were almost almost asas elegant elegant asas the the voice voice of of the the great great contralto contralto Marian Marian Anderson, Anderson, who who was was among among the thewomen womensaluted salutedthis thisyear. year.No NoHARLEM HARLEMDAY DAYisiscomplete complete without without venturing venturing to to the the NYC NYC Children’s Children’s Festival Festival (just (just in in case caseyou youmissed missedpart partone!). one!).This Thislocation locationwas wasaaperfect perfectplace place to to cite cite this this year’s year’s theme theme and and salute salute Malala Malala Yousafzai, Yousafzai, the the youngest youngest recipient recipient of of the the Nobel Nobel Peace Peace Prize.

Prize. But But the the best best way wayto toend endthis thislong longday daywas waswith withaasong songin inyour yourheart heartand and aa serenade serenade to to or or from from Nina Nina Simone, Simone, Miriam Miriam Makeba, Makeba, and and Janet JanetJackson.

Jackson. www.thepositivecommunity.com www.thepositivecommunity.com 32 The Positive Community Summer 2018

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For For those those blessed blessed with with an an endless endless source source of of energy energy and and love love for for music, music, there’s there’saaband bandor orensemble ensemblewaiting waitingfor for you you atat several several JazzMobile JazzMobile venues venues and and nightclubs. nightclubs.You Youmay maywant wantto tosave savesome some of of your your stamina stamina for for Aug. Aug. 25 25 and and the the Percy PercySutton SuttonHarlem Harlem5K 5KRun Run&&Health Health Walk.

Walk. Each Each year, year, this this event event takes takes on on marathon marathonproportions proportionsand andjoggers joggersof ofevery everyvariety varietylineup lineupfor for this thisfun funrun. run.While Whilethe thesalutes salutesto toJackie JackieJoyner JoynerKersee, Kersee,Wilma Wilma Rudolph, Rudolph,and andAlthea AltheaGibson Gibsonare areappropriate appropriateon onthis thisday, day,we we are arenot notasking askingyou youto tomatch matchtheir theirathletic athleticskills skills— —just justfinish finish the therun runor orthe thehealth healthwalk. walk.

HARLEM HARLEMWEEK WEEKisisgrowing growingexponentially exponentiallyeach eachyear, year,but but that’s that’s what what happens happens when when you you get get aa good good thing thing going. going. We We atatthe theChamber Chamberstand standastonished astonishedand andin inadmiration admirationof ofhow how HARLEM HARLEMWEEK WEEKhas hasbrought broughtso somany manypeople peopletogether, together,who who otherwise otherwisemight mightnever neverhave havehad hadthe theopportunity opportunityto tomeet meetor or get getto toknow knoweach eachother. other.This Thisyear’s year’sevent eventisisparticularly particularlyspespecial cial since since itit gives gives us us aa chance chance to to honor honor 44 44 incredible incredible womwomen enwho whohave havemade madetheir theirmarks—or marks—orare arecontinuing continuingto tomake make them—in them—inaawide widerange rangeof oftransformative transformativeendeavors endeavorsand andit’s it’s enough, enough,asaswell wellasasan anhonor, honor,for forus usto totry tryto tokeep keeppace pacewith with their theirachievements. achievements.

Perhaps Perhapsin inour our50th 50thyear yearour oursuccessors successorscan cando dothis thisagain again with with more more transforming transforming women—and women—and some some men—as men—as HARHARLEM LEMWEEK WEEKcontinues continuesto totransform. transform.

NA Winter Winter2018 2018 The ThePositive PositiveCommunity Community NA www.thepositivecommunity.com 8/22/18 8/22/18 2:21 2:21PM PM

Next Stop on the 1 2 3 4 5 6 A B C D and 13 Bus Lines is

Harlem USA Thousands of TWU Local 100

members live and work

in Harlem.

Latonya Crisp Recording Sec’y

Earl Phillips Sec’y Treasurer

Tony Utano President

Nelson Rivera Administrative VP

We proudly provide transit service to a great neighborhood in NYC. harlem_positive_community1.indd 1

8/8/18 3:59 PM

SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM THE MTA SMALL BUSINESS MENTORING PROGRAM

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ARE YOU TIRED OF BEING A SUBCONTRACTOR? PRIME CONSTRUCTION CONTRACTS UP TO $3 MILLION |

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If you’re a certified Minority, Women, Disadvantaged, or Small Business Enterprise (MWDSBE) who wants to become a prime construction contractor in New York’s lucrative transportation market, join the elite team at the MTA. Enroll in the awardwinning MTA Small Business Development Program, which includes the MTA Small Business Mentoring Program and the MTA Small Business Federal Program.

Contracts - Prime Construction Bidding Opportunities up to $3 Million Access to Capital - Small Business Loans up to $900,000 Per Contract Bonding - Access to Surety Bonding Assistance Training - Free Classroom Construction Training Technical Assistance - MTA Expert Technical Assistance Mentoring - One-on-One Professional Development Free Business Plan Development Back Office Support

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Patrick Foye President

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NEXT STEPS

NYS MWBEs DBEs Small Businesses SDVOBs

Visit web.mta.info/sbdp to select the program in which you are interested in and download the application. For more information, please contact Nadir Jones at nadJones@mtahq.org

Michael J. Garner Chief Diversity Officer DIVERSITY COMMITTEE MEMBERS

MTA Department of Diversity and Civil Rights www.mta.info

Honorable David Jones Honorable Susan G. Metzger, Ph.D. Honorable Peter Ward Honorable Neal Zuckerman

The TheQueen QueenofofSoul Soul

1942–2018 1942–2018

aaretHa retHaff ranklin ranklin A AWoman WomanWho WhoTransformed TransformedOur OurWorld World By

By By Herb Herb Herb Boyd Boyd Boyd and andand Lloyd Lloyd Lloyd Willams Willams Willams

M M

To cite cite To cite just just just aa portion portion a portion of of her her of her distinguished distinguished distinguished musical musical musical odod- odonths onths onths before before before we we and we andand the thethe world world world were werewere alerted alerted alerted To

ysseyyssey requires requires requires words words words that thatthat will will will fall fall far fall far short short far short of of those those of those she she she has has has and andand alarmed alarmed alarmed that thatthat the the the great great great Aretha Aretha Aretha Franklin Franklin Franklin was was wasyssey delivered delivered and andand embossed embossed embossed on on the the on the American American American songbook. songbook. songbook.

Her HerHer gravely gravely gravely ill illand and ill and hospitalized, hospitalized, hospitalized, we weat atwe The The at The Greater Greater Greater HarHar-Har-delivered angelic angelic voice voice voice is is beyond beyond is beyond category category category because because because no no matter matter no matter the the the lem lemlem Chamber Chamber Chamber of of Commerce, Commerce, of Commerce, as as part part as part of of HARLEM HARLEM of HARLEM WEEK’s WEEK’s WEEK’sangelic genre—soul, genre—soul, blues, blues, blues, pop, pop,pop, rock, rock, rock, jazz, jazz,jazz, or or gospel—Aretha gospel—Aretha or gospel—Aretha is is is celebration celebration celebration of of “Women “Women of “Women Transforming Transforming Transforming Our OurOur World: World: World: Past, Past,Past,genre—soul, trulytruly the the Queen. the Queen.

Queen.

She SheShe announced announced announced her her her arrival arrival arrival on on Chess Chess on Chess ReRe- RePresent Present Present & & Future,” Future,” & Future,” had hadhad unanimously unanimously unanimously selected selected selected Aretha Aretha Aretha as as one one as onetruly cords cords with withwith her her her first firstfirst live live live recording recording recording in in 1956 1956 in 1956 at at her her at her father’s father’s father’s of of the the of historic the historic historic icons icons icons to to be be tosaluted. saluted. be saluted.

In In effect, effect, In effect, back backback then thenthen we we wecords NewNew Bethel Bethel Bethel Baptist Baptist Baptist Church Church Church in in Detroit Detroit in Detroit with withwith her her her version version version of of of were werewere only onlyonly expressing expressing expressing our our our love lovelove and andand respect respect respect for for this this for this remarkremarkremark-New “Precious “Precious Lord.”

Lord.”

Lord.”

She SheShe was was was only onlyonly fourteen fourteen fourteen when when when she she she ascendascendascendable ableable entertainer entertainer entertainer whose whose whose contribution contribution contribution to to the the to world the world world of of music music of music“Precious ed ed the the ed throne the throne throne and andand began began began her her her reign reign reign as as Queen Queen as Queen of of Soul.

Soul. of Soul. is is incomparable. incomparable. is incomparable.

NA NANA The The Positive The Positive Positive Community Community Community Winter Winter Winter 2018 20182018 www.thepositivecommunity.com TPC_Summer_2018_FOR_PRINTER.indd TPC_Summer_2018_FOR_PRINTER.indd TPC_Summer_2018_FOR_PRINTER.indd 26 26 26

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8/22/18 8/22/18 8/22/18 2:21 2:21 PM PM 2:21 M PM P1

Many of us mark milestones in our own family’s lives by her songs. She was born on March 25, 1942 in Memphis, Tennessee. Her father was the renowned preacher and singer Rev. C. L. Franklin, and the fruit didn’t fall far from the tree. Rev. Franklin’s sermons, particularly “The Eagle Stirreth Her Nest,” have been collected throughout the years and are among the best ever broadcast and recorded.

During her early years, Aretha was best known for her breakthrough, crossover recordings from gospel to rhythm and blues, or from the so-called sacred music to secular. In this regard, she was the female equivalent of Sam Cooke, Ray Charles, and Marvin Gaye, all of whom she befriended and deeply admired.

When the famous music scout and producer John Hammond rejoined Columbia Records in 1958 he was given a demo of Aretha singing “Today I Sing the Blues.” “This is one of the best things I’ve heard since Billie Holiday. Who is she?” he remarked. “Someone said she’s some girl from out of Detroit. It took me about two months to track her down. I did two albums with Aretha. The first album is the one I’m proud of.”

That album was Aretha (1961) with a jazz trio led by pianist Ray Bryant and featured the demo song Hammond first heard. A series of hits followed in rapid succession at Columbia, and later during her Atlantic, Arista, and Rhino years. Her signature song “Respect” was a Grammy® winner recorded in 1967 on her album I Never Loved a Man the Way I Love You. Other than Aretha, no one can discuss this moment as poignantly as the producer Jerry Wexler. “She took Otis Redding’s ‘Respect’ and turned it inside out, making it deeper, stronger, loading it with double entendres.” The song, Wexler added, “resonates on a number of levels and lives on.”

www.thepositivecommunity.com The Positive Community Summer 2018

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Many of you from the younger set did not have the immediate thrill of hearing her hit song “Think” when it first hit the airwaves in 1968, but did catch it by 1980 when Aretha reprised it in the hit film The Blues Brothers. Her impeccable feel for rhythm, intuitive sense of timing, and nuance were never more evident as her body swayed with each beat. Moments like this and, of course, the countless hits from “Dr. Feelgood” to “Chain of Fools” made it inevitable that she would be the first female artist inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987. In 2008 she won her 18th Grammy® Award, making her one of the most honored artists in Grammy® history. Aretha eventually recorded 112 charted Billboard singles, thereby becoming the most charted female recording artist in history. Aretha is also one of the bestselling musical artists of all time— having sold over 75 million records worldwide.

Aretha’s rousing performance of ”My Country ’Tis of Thee” in front of the Capitol Building in Washington, DC celebrating the inauguration of Barack Obama as the 44th president of the United States was truly an extraordinary moment. It was also only one of the many, many milestones in her long and illustrious career.

Another historic milestone occurred in the fall of 2011.

As if to bring her illustrious career full circle, Aretha offered another inspirational rendition of “Precious Lord” at the dedication of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial in Washington, DC. On Aug. 19 during HARLEM WEEK’s “Summer in the City,” Aretha’s life and legacy were recounted and celebrated, and that is the ultimate R-E-S-P-E-C-T for the transformative Queen of Soul. And appropriately, on this occasion, her highness were paired with James Brown, “The Godfather of Soul,” giving this royal couple a platform deserving of their majestic acclaim.

Winter 2018 The Positive Community NA www.thepositivecommunity.com

8/22/18 2:45 PM

Columbia Celebrates Harlem Week

INVESTING IN OUR LOCAL COMMUNITY The Columbia University-Harlem Small Business Development Center (gsb.columbia.edu/sbdc) is one of hundreds of cultural, educational, and economic partnerships Columbia has formed with community organizations. More than 1,800 small businesses have created or saved nearly 1,500 jobs by taking advantage of programs offered by the center. The center offers free business advice and training, provided by qualified small business professionals, to existing and future entrepreneurs. Intensive one-on-one counseling allows advisors to build strong relationships with business owners through the center’s network of experts, mentors, and program alumni. Its home base at Columbia Business School also gives clients access to world-renowned faculty and alumni business leaders. The center is committed to supporting the economic sustainability of New Yorkers—one business at a time.

To learn more about the breadth of local economic opportunity Columbia generates, visit economicimpact.columbia.edu.

PES 18 pc.qxp_Layout 1 8/12/18 9:33 PM Page 1

Invite all to come out and join with or witness the 1000’s participating in the Exciting Day Long Activities of the

•

SATURDAY, AUGUST 25th Part I

Part II 1:00 PM

Part II •

7:30 PM

Percy Sutton Family Fun Harlem 5K Day Disney’s Film Run • Health Walk In St. Nicholas Park A Wrinkle The HipHop Hall of Fame & Children’s Run With IN & Museum and HARLEM WEEK /

Outdoor Film Festival featuring

A run and walk through historic Harlem

The Run begins at 8:30 The Walk begins at 9:00 Children’s Run begins at 9:30

AM AM AM

To Register visit nyrr.com

Edgecomb Ave. Reunion Committee On The Great Lawn of St. Nicholas Park W. 135th St. & St. Nicholas Ave.

Time

Directed by Ava DuVernay On The Great Lawn of St. Nicholas Park

W. 135th St. & St. Nicholas Ave.

EVENT SPONSORS

HON. BRIAN BENJAMIN NY STATE SENATOR

For info on this and other HARLEM WEEK 2018 events, call 1-877-427-5364 or visit www.HARLEMWEEK.com

Ensuring all Americans are prepared for the inevitable end of life.

Compassion & Choices is the nation’s oldest, largest and most active nonprofit organization committed to improving care and expanding options for the end of life.

Whether you are considering your own end-of-life options, helping a family member or providing healthcare, Compassion & Choices will help you find the tools you need to navigate the medical system, make decisions and take the proper steps to ensure you get the care that you want.

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The Positive Community Summer 2018

Celebrating 80 Years of Jazz Music

The Birthplace of Bebop Where The Legends Were Born

www.thepositivecommunity.com

Building A Better Harlem

Special www.thepositivecommunity.com

Section Summer 2018 The Positive Community

41

Photo: Keston Duke

HCCI President and CEO Malcolm A. Punter with HCCI Board Chair Joan O. Dawson, PhD. and HCCI Board Chair Emeritus Dr. Charles A. Curtis

HCCI SPECIAL SECTION MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT Leadership in Vision As we prepare to celebrate over three decades of service to our beloved community, Harlem Congregations for Community Improvement, Inc. (HCCI), its Board of Directors, and staff move confidently into the future continuing the work to improve Harlem and surrounding New York City neighborhoods. Governed by a committed and dedicated volunteer Board of Directors, the spectrum of leadership required to carry on with its work is in place and I proudly exclaim that we envision our next three decades expanding opportunities for Harlem residents.

Established in 1986, the initial goal for HCCI was to spark a renaissance of the Bradhurst neighborhood. At the time, Harlem was redlined, blacklisted, and left to deteriorate in the hopelessness of drugs, poverty, disinvestment, crime, and despair. Despite the awfulness of these conditions, our faith leaders considered them temporary and presented a call to action to churches and other houses of worship to work toward change that would improve our community.

Called to begin a process of renewal, a small group of visionaries set out a plan. A visionary organization is one that paves the way for future generations. HCCI’s accomplishments in its 32-year history exemplify visionary leadership.

Leadership in Business HCCI’s many contributions to the Village of Harlem are documented. In the community development arena alone, HCCI has exceeded all predicted results and generated more than $200 million in operating revenues, as well as a capitalization of affordable housing investments amounting to more than $350 million. We currently manage over 1.75 million square feet of real estate in Harlem.

Our property portfolio includes over 60 retail stores where landmark venues reside such as Settepani, Chocolat, Vinateria, Sexy Taco, ESO Harlem, Peque Vino, Popeyes 145th, Pathmark 145th, Raw Space, Grandma’s Toys, Mia’s Bathhouse for Pets, Silicon Harlem at HCCI Bradhurst, Mount Sinai-St. Luke’s Clinic, the Victoria Theater Housing Development Fund Corp 125th Project, and many more. These kinds of investments clearly demonstrate HCCI’s commitment and promise of community partnership with public, private, and small businesses and its unchallenged benefit to the Harlem community and local residents.

In 2016, we launched the HCCI Small Business Institute to promote entrepreneurship.The SBI seminar provides the tools to start and operate a small business.

More than 100 prospective business owners participate in evening technical instruction, and we are pleased to announce many of the participants have taken the next steps and realized their dream of business ownership.

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Malcolm A. Punter, president & CEO

HCCI incubated the Bradhurst Merchants Association, Inc., a membership trade organization located in the Bradhurst Urban Renewal Area. The goal of the BMA is to improve business conditions in the target area including sanitation, lighting, streetscape, and nuisance reduction. The 50-member BMA holds monthly meetings at HCCI offices.

Leadership in Housing In 32 years, HCCI has created an 80-building affordable housing portfolio that yields more than 3,000 units of affordable housing along with many homeownership apartments. In the area of real estate construction and preservation, in the last 10 years HCCI has successfully preserved more than 1,500 apartments in collaboration with New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD), New York State Housing and Community Renewal (HCR), and U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) housing preservation programs. In our affordable housing preservation strategy, HCCI has maintained its commitment to long-term Harlem residents by entering into 40-year regulatory agreements with federal, state, and local housing agencies to continuously preserve affordable housing and build new affordable housing units.

In 2018, we completed the rehabilitation of a 10-unit affordable cooperative apartment building located on East 129th Street. It is my stated promise that under my stewardship HCCI will continue on its path of preserving and rehabilitating affordable housing so that Harlem residents know they can live in this community without fear of being priced out.

Current projects include: • Three brownstones in the Marcus Garvey Park historic district with a target completion date of 2021.

• 75-unit Harlem affordable housing rehabilitation with a target completion date of fall 2020.

• 125-unit Harlem senior housing project with a target completion date of Spring 2021.

• 45-unit Newark, New Jersey with a target completion date of summer 2022. www.thepositivecommunity.com

HCCI’s homeownership program serves the low- to middle-income housing sector providing proven strategies to homeownership opportunities. Our team of HUD certified housing counselors supported by our financial partners have tutored over 2,500 households to realize the American dream of homeownership. HCCI has dedicated considerable effort to making homeownership available for existing residents and newcomers.

Leadership in Social Services The HCCI office of Health and Wellness Strategies (HWS) exists to improve the holistic wellness of the Harlem community and provides the most comprehensive and diversified spectrum of care possible through education, support services, referrals, and partnerships. HWS attempts to affect individual attitudes and norms by utilizing the institutions that community members already trust, namely faith-based groups and houses of worship. HCCI works with these institutions to deliver an inspirational, motivational message that promotes the importance of wellness and affirms behavior that leads to wellness.

A cadre of social workers provides case management services to formerly homeless households, including individuals with HIV/AIDS, households with a history of chronic homelessness, senior housing, youth aging out of foster care, daycare, and afterschool programs.

Workforce services, including employment referrals, are offered, as are wellness programs such as nutrition, cooking demonstrations, and health clinics in partnership with area hospitals. Our case management services are available to over 3,000 HCCI resident households and all other community members.

This article presents a brief outline of our accomplishments. However, as we continue to impact our community in ways that uplift, improve, and strengthen it, we appeal to our partners, supporters, and benefactors to continue to contribute to our vision for the future of Harlem. There is no contribution too small or too great. Your support enables us to achieve measurable accomplishments that revitalize our community, not only economically, but environmentally as well.

Finally, I offer the most sincere thanks to The Reverend Dr. Charles A. Curtis, Ed.D., pastor of the iconic Mount Olivet Baptist Church in Harlem for his 23 years of dedicated service including 10 years as HCCI Board Chair. Rev. Curtis’ firm and steady leadership is greatly admired and appreciated by the entire staff. We welcome Dr. Joan O. Dawson, Ph.D. as our newly-elected Board Chair. Dr. Dawson is an organizational expert and intellectual master. We look forward to her insight, her managerial acumen, and her solution-based approach to corporate governance.

Together we continue on our mission of building a better Harlem. www.thepositivecommunity.com

Congratulations HCCI!!

Congratulations HCCI!!

Congratulations HCCI!!

On your featurein in On feature in Onyour your feature Positive Community Magazine Positive Magazine PositiveCommunity Community Magazine and and and over 32 years of of dedicated dedicated over dedicated over32 32 years years service to the the service the service to Harlem Community.

Harlem Harlem Community.

Community.

In Faith &&Love Love In Love InFaith Faith Canaan Baptist Churchofof Christ Canaan Church ofChrist Christ CanaanBaptist Baptist Church Rev. Dr. Thomas D. D.Johnson, Johnson, Sr. Rev. D. Johnson,Sr. Sr. Rev.Dr. Dr.Thomas Thomas Senior Pastor Senior Pastor Senior Pastor

Summer 2018 The Positive Community

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HCCI SPECIAL SECTION

The HCCI/Tribeca Teen Filmmaker Bootcamp Launched This Year In Collaboration with the Tribeca Film Institute (TFI)

L–R: Marwa Ibrahim, Hesed Cid, and Mohamed Ibrahim

A

s part of TFI’s Tribeca Teaches initiative, HCCI’s teen film program works directly with high school students, ages 14-18, helping them gain invaluable hands-on industry experience in a highly collaborative setting.

This immersive professional experience provides insight on what it’s like to work in the film industry, and helps students acquire media literacy and technological fluency; use filmmaking processes for personal expression and to investigate community dynamics; experience the discipline, rigor, and interpersonal teamwork needed for academic and professional success; and build self-esteem and a sense of accomplishment through project completion.

“The program will empower our youth to become conscious, critical consumers of media, who might even become filmmakers themselves,” said Moikgantsi Kgama, communications director at HCCI. “Our hope is to help create the next Ryan Coogler or Ava DuVernay, right here in Harlem.”

Amber, 14, is currently taking part in the group film project, Visions of Amber, which tackles the issue of gun violence head-on. She said, “In the beginning of our movie, it starts off with Amber dying at a mass shooting at a school. We really wanted to affect young people so they can realize the seriousness of gun violence in our very own country.”

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The Positive Community Summer 2018

Jidobi, 17, the director of Visions of Amber, credits this program for giving focus and an overall better outlook on his life. “The more involved I am in the program, the more passion I have for this profession.

Now, I will literally do anything in my power to get to where I want to go.” Although his mom is a filmmaker, Jidobi’s love for filmmaking came out of taking part in the afterschool program. His immediate goal is to attend NYU to study film.

Jidobi also said the program helped improve his writing skills “Growing up, I was never really a good writer. So this is a good place to really learn and get better at that.”

HCCI’s bootcamp is the only Tribeca Teaches program in Central Harlem. However, the program serves more than 25,000 students across all five boroughs and has worked with more than 40 elementary, middle, and high schools as well as informal learning and community centers.

“Our Teen Filmmaker Bootcamp will result in youth developed, produced, and directed short films, which will be featured at a Tribeca Film Festival in NYC,” said Malcolm Punter, president & CEO of HCCI. “The youth were very excited to be afforded this opportunity and HCCI is honored to make this experience possible for the Harlem youth we serve.”

To learn more about the after school program, visit http://www.hcci.org/ www.thepositivecommunity.com

OUR COMMUNITIES

TODAY AARP believes in the empowerment of all people and all communities.

Go to aarp.org/blackcommunity.

Real Possibilities is a trademark of AARP

www.thepositivecommunity.com

Summer 2018 The Positive Community

45

”5.01:T

”57.01:B

EMPOWERING

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TAKE ON

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HCCI SPECIAL SECTION

Small Business class forced me to sit “ The down, do the work, and really think it through

”

Noelle Minter, small business owner

N

oelle Minter is the CEO and founder of 3rd Wind Network, a community for adults seeking an active and engaging retirement experience. “We create environments that allow recent retirees to communicate with one another,” said Minter. “Currently that includes social, creative events and classes.” Some of the classes and excursions include wellness, personal growth, fine dining, and a book club.

Before her business, Minter worked in the field of aging services for more than 10 years. Her experience led her to form 3rd Wind to give older adults a unique opportunity to explore some of their creative ambitions. “Prior to their retirement, they have to take care of a family,

Railroad Construction Company, Inc. (RCC) is seeking certified small, minority, woman, disadvantaged and disabled veteran owned businesses to provide goods and services on major construction projects through the bidding process. RCC is fully committed to providing opportunity, promoting diversity, inspiring growth and building long lasting partnerships through fair and honest business practices.

FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT

CATHERINE BEST

973-684-0362 • MWDBE@RCCMAIL.NET

WWW.RAILROADCONSTRUCTION.COM

75-77 GROVE STREET • PATERSON, NJ 07503 Railroad Construction Company, Inc. is an EEO/AA Employer.

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The Positive Community Summer 2018

make ends meet, and never have the chance to put themselves first. This is a chance for them to explore who they are as a person—beyond their family and work.”

To get started, Minter attended HCCI’s Small Business Development Seminar. The 12-week program took her through the steps needed to write a business plan.

Upon she completion, she entered her plan into a citywide competition, and won third place.

“The class forced me to sit down, do the work, and really think it through,” Minter explained. “The camaraderie we experienced and the support was essential. All of the guest instructors were really enthusiastic about our progress.”

According to Rev. Dr. Charles Butler, VP of Equitable Development at HCCI and instructor of the seminar, “The Small Business Development Seminar is one of many ways that HCCI helps Harlem residents to establish an ownership stake in Harlem and contribute to the local economy.”

“We are very concerned about small businesses and local business ownership in this community,” said Malcolm Punter, president & CEO of HCCI. “In the economic development portion of our mission, HCCI’s goal is to maintain revenue within the community that it’s derived from.”

Minter is also a member of the HCCI-established Bradhurst Merchants Association (BMA). Founded to bolster commerce in Harlem’s Bradhurst community, the BMA supports 40 local businesses, like 3rd Wind Network, that help stimulate economic growth along the commercial corridors in the Bradhurst neighborhood.

3rd Wind benefits from the support Minter has received from HCCI, and she wants to pass it onto others.

Her business has a double bottom-line, to profit while improving the lives of others. “Sometimes folks retire and the retirement experience is hard for a good deal of people. I created an environment where they can be amongst their peers, other active older adults who are looking to have a positive retirement experience.”

For more information on 3rd Wind, visit https://www.3rdwindnetwork.com. To learn more about HCCI’s business opportunities, visit http://www.hcci.org. www.thepositivecommunity.com

HCCI SPECIAL SECTION

120th St. and Frederick Douglas Blvd., Harlem, NY

C

Owner Leon Ellis

hocolat is a Harlem staple that offers New American Cuisine and Comfort Food. Located on the corner of 120th St. and Frederick Douglas Blvd., Chocolat is best known for its delectable weekend Brunch. If you so happen to pass by on a Sunday afternoon, you will notice an overflow of hungry New Yorkers, dressed in their Sunday best, filling the dining room, lounge and bar with delightful laughter and conversation with cocktails in hand.

Owner Leon Ellis, who was born in Clarendon, Jamaica, opened Chocolat in the Fall of 2010. Meeting the need for a restaurant in the neighborhood where Harlemites could enjoy a superior dining experience, Ellis is considered a catalyst for the Harlem restaurant scene. Opening a restaurant in Harlem was risky at the time and to Ellis is was important not only to bring about a distinctive and soulful culinary venture, but also to create more awareness around Black entrepreneurship. His venture is in many ways “for us, by us” but is also inclusive to all who wish to enjoy Red Velvet Pancakes, Honey Infused Fried Chicken, Shrimp & Grits that are smothered in a succulent lobster cream and many more exceptional items on Chocolat’s menu.

HCCI SPECIAL SECTION

The Victoria Theater Project Receives Innovative Development Project Award

A

focal point for the Harlem community, the Victoria Theater has been a diamond in the rough. Plagued by community lore and abandonment, for decades this site has stood as an example of the challenges Harlem endures, and this community’s infinite potential. After decades of attempts to develop this site, an innovative team of developers including the Upper Manhattan Empowerment Zone; the Harlem Community Development Corporation; Community Preservation Corporation; the Lam Group; Danforth Development Partners LLC; Exact Capital; and Davidoff Hutcher & Citron, LLP -- has formed an alliance to redevelop this Harlem jewel. In addition, HCCI leveraged its experience as an affordable housing developer to provide the project with $12.6 million in low income housing tax credits.

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The Positive Community Summer 2018

The rehabilitated site will boast space for local cultural groups; 229 residential studio, one and two-bedroom rental units; a 2108 key select service hotel that will include a 5,000 square foot ballroom as well as dining and entertainment spaces; a retail restaurant and jazz club; and parking for approximately 90 vehicles.

The cultural space will provide a 199-seat black box theatre and a 99-seat flexible performance space, as well as exhibit and rehearsal spaces, a public lobby/event space, scenery and costume shops, meeting and educational spaces, dressing rooms, other backstage spaces, and a box office.

This cultural arts condominium will be designated for use as a cultural arts facility for the life of the development. The initial cultural arts organizations chosen to occupy the space include the Apollo Theater Foundation, the Harlem Arts Alliance, the Classical Theater of Harlem, and Jazzmobile. www.thepositivecommunity.com

HCCI SPECIAL SECTION Executive Director: Donald C. Notice

WEST HARLEM GROUP ASSISTANCE, INC.

WEST HARLEM GROUP ASSISTANCE, INC.

Congratulates Board Chair Joan Dawson, Ph.D.

1652 Amsterdam Avenue New York, NY 10031

& The Positive Community For

Phone: 212-862-1399 Fax: 212-862-3281 Reach Us On The Web At: www.whgainc.org

“Building a Better Harlem”

HCCI SPECIAL SECTION

“Let Us Break Bread Together” Awards Pastor Darryl Strawberry Delivers Keynote at HCCI Gala

L–R: Dr. Dawson and Dr. Curtis

Congressman Charles Rangel; Hon. Inez Dickens; and Craig Livingston, Exact Capital

Congressman Charles Rangel; Hon. Inez Dickens; and Craig Livingston, Exact Capital

L–R: Rev. Dr. John McCann and NYC Police Commissioner James Patrick O’Neil Photos: Bruce Moore and HCCI

Former MLB player, Pastor Darryl Strawberry and HCCI President and CEO Malcolm A. Punter

H

arlem Congregations for Community Improvement, Inc. (HCCI) celebrated 32 years of service on Thursday, April 28 at its 16th Annual “Let Us Break Bread Together” Awards Gala, held at Marina del Rey in Throgs Neck, NY. An array of powerful guests gathered in the elegant ballroom —business owners, real estate insiders, civic and community leaders, and others including special guest, Police Commissioner James Patrick O’Neil. Former Major League Baseball player, Pastor Darryl Strawberry, delivered a heartfelt keynote address.

“Once again, we are at capacity,” said Carlisa Brown Simons, HCCI’s VP of Corporate Relations and producer of the gala. “Each year, 300 of our partners and friends come out to celebrate HCCI’s impact, and to recognize our truly stellar honorees.”

Awards recipients included: Kenneth Gamble of the legendary Gamble & Huff; award-winning WPIX11 Reporter Monica Morales; Helen Steblecki, Sr. VP of Citi Community Development; Sylvia and Herbert Woods, founders of Sylvia’s Restaurant, awarded posthumously and represented by their son Kenneth Woods; the Victoria Theater Project; and Williams Institutional CME Church. Special community awards were presented to Alvin Lee Smalls, owner of Lee Lee's Bakery; and neighborhood leader Valarie Settles.

HCCI President & CEO Malcolm A. Punter proudly announced the organization’s recent accomplishments, which

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The Positive Community Summer 2018

Haqq Islam (accepting for Kenneth Gamble) with Imam Talib Abdur Rashid

include the near-completion of 10 limited equity co-ops in East Harlem, the agency’s role in the Victoria Theater project on 125th Street, and new partnerships with New York Institute for Technology (NYIT) and the Tribeca Film Institute.

“HCCI continues to provide the Harlem community with new opportunities in housing, personal development, wellness, and economic empowerment,” Punter said. “We look forward to building an economically vibrant Bradhurst neighborhood and serving all of Harlem for another 32 years and beyond.”

This year, gala excitement was heightened when Rev. Dr. Charles A. Curtis, chairman of HCCI, announced his retirement from the board, and introduced his successor, Joan O. Dawson, PhD., and struck his gavel for the last time. Spirits ran higher at the community fete and the mood heightened even more when five students each received a $1,000 scholarship.

“Thanks to our supporters and staff, the gala is always a glorious affair,” said Dr. Curtis. “And I am proud to use this platform to support our youth who wish to further their eduction.”

Proceeds from the event benefit the ongoing work of HCCI, a diverse, interfaith consortium of congregations established to revitalize the physical, economic, cultural, and spirit of the Harlem community. To learn more about HCCI and to view testimonials by residents who have been impacted by HCCI’s programs, please visit www.hcci.org. www.thepositivecommunity.com

Monica Morales, WPIX 11 News commentator; and Board Chair Dr. Joan O. Dawson

L–R: J. Donald Lawrence, HCCI social services coodinator; Malcolm A. Punter, president and CEO, HCCI; Walter Edwards, president, Harlem Business Alliance; Imam Talib Abdur Rashid, HCCI corporate secretary; Haqq Islam, recording industry executive; and guest

L–R: Rev. Dr. Nigel Pearce, senior pastor, Grace Congregational Church of Harlem; Joan O. Dawson, Ph.D., Chairperson of the Board; George H. Weldon, Jr., second vice chair, Owner George H. Weldon Funeral Home, Inc.; Rev. Shepherd Lee, Sr., senior pastor, Baptist Temple Church; Rev. Eva G. Duzant, treasurer, president, E.G. Edwards & Associates, Inc.; Special Hagan, MBA, Esq., Hagan Law Offices; Virginia M. Montague, Mother A.M.E. Zion Church; Rev. Keith W. Roberson, D.Min., first vice chair, senior pastor, Southern Baptist Church; Imam Talib Abdur Rashid, corporate secretary, Imam, Mosque of Islamic Brotherhood www.thepositivecommunity.com

Summer 2018 The Positive Community

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HCCI SPECIAL SECTION

THE BAPTIST MINISTERS’ CONFERENCE

T

THE BAPTIST MINISTERS’ CONFERENCE OF GREATER NEW YORK & VICINITY T HE HE THE HE B BB APTIST BREATER APTIST APTIST M M M INISTERS M INISTERS INISTERS INISTERS INISTERS ’’ C C ’ ’ONFERENCE C ONFERENCE OF GAPTIST N EW YinORK & C ICINITY

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C

ONFERENCE CONVENT AVENUE BAPTIST CHURCH OF G REATER N EW Y ORK &

V ICINITY

OF GREATER N EW Y ORK & VICINITY YORK & VIC CONVENT AVENUE BAPTIST CHURCH Organized Organized Organized Organized Organized in in inin 1898 1898 1898 in1898 1898 THE B APTIST M INISTERS ’

C ONFERENCE th Street, New York, NY 10031 420 West 145 OF G REATER N EW OF G REATER N EW Y ORK &

V ICINITY Street, New York, NY 10031 420 West 145 Headquarters: Headquarters: Headquarters: Headquarters: Headquarters: Organized in 1898 OF OF REATER NWilliams, EW Yin &&Pastor V

OF GGREATER GREATER EW NEW YORK ORK YHost ORK V &ICINITY ICINITY VICINITY Organized 1898 Reverend Dr. Jessie T.N Jr.,

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Reverend Dr. AVENUE Jessie T.EW Williams, Jr., Host Pastor CONVENT CONVENT CONVENT CONVENT CONVENT AVENUE AVENUE AVENUE AVENUE BAPTIST BAPTIST BAPTIST BAPTIST BAPTIST CHURCH CHURCH CHURCH CHURCH CHURCH Headquarters: OF G REATER N Y ORK & V ICINITY Organized in 1898 Organized in 1898 Organized in 1898 Organized Organized in 1898 in 1898 Street, Street, Street, Street, Street, New New New New New York, York, York, York, York, NY NY NY NY 10031 NY 10031 10031 10031 10031 420 420 420 420 West 420 West West West West 145 145 145 145 145 CONVENT AVENUE BAPTIST CHURCH Headquarters: Headquarters: The Reverend Dr. Charles A. Curtis The Reverend Dr. Charles A. Curtis Headquarters: Organized in 1898 Street, York, 10031 420 West 145 Reverend Reverend Reverend Reverend Reverend Dr. Dr. Dr. Dr. Jessie Dr. Jessie Jessie Jessie Jessie T. T. T.Headquarters: Williams, T. Williams, Williams, T.New Williams, Williams, Jr., Jr., Jr.,NY Jr., Host Jr., Host Host Host Host Pastor Pastor Pastor Pastor Pastor Headquarters: Headquarters: CONVENT AVENUE BAPTIST CHURCH CONVENT AVENUE BAPTIST CHURCH Headquarters: CONVENT AVENUE CHURCH th President (201) 616-1289 CONVENT BAPTIST CHURCH President (201) 616-1289 Reverend Dr. JessieAVENUE T. Williams, Jr.,BAPTIST Host Pastor 420 West 145 Street, New York, NY 10031 CONVENT CONVENT AVENUE AVENUE BAPTIST BAPTIST CHURCH CHURCH The The The The The Reverend Reverend Reverend Reverend Reverend Dr. Dr. Dr. Dr. Charles Charles Charles Charles Charles A. A. A. A. Curtis A. Curtis Curtis Curtis Curtis th th Dr. CONVENT AVENUE BAPTIST CHURCH thth th thth th

The Rev.A.Dr.Curtis Charles A. Curtis The Rev. Dr. Charles President President

th West Street, New York, NY 10031 420 Street, New York,NY NY Reverend 10031 420 West 145 th145 New York, 10031 420 The WestReverend 145West th Dr. Jessie T. Williams, Jr., Host P Street, Street, New New York, York, NY 10031 NY 10031 420 420Street, West 145thDr. 145 Charles A.Jr., Curtis Street, New York, NY 10031 420 West 145 President President President President President (201) (201) (201) (201) (201) 616-1289 616-1289 616-1289 616-1289 616-1289 Reverend Dr. Jessie T. Williams, Host Pastor Reverend Dr. Jessie T. Williams, Jr., Host Pastor The The TheRev. The Rev. Rev. TheRev. Dr. Dr. Rev. Dr.Charles Dr. Charles Charles Dr.Charles Charles A.A. A.Curtis Curtis Curtis A.A.Curtis Curtis ReverendReverend Dr.Reverend Jessie T. Williams, Jr., Host Pastor Dr. Jessie Dr.(201) Jessie Williams, T. Williams, Host Jr., Host Pastor Pastor Dr. Charles A. Cu The Reverend The Rev. Dr. Johnnie G. Reverend Dr. Jessie T.T.Williams, Jr., Jr., Host Pastor President 616-1289 President President President President The Rev. Dr. The Rev. Dr.President Johnnie G. Charles A. Curtis McCann The Reverend Dr. Charles A. Curtis The Reverend Dr. Charles A. Curtis President (201) 616-1289 The Reverend Dr. Charles A. Curtis The The Reverend Reverend Dr. Dr. Charles Charles A. Curtis A. Curtis President First Vice President McCann The Reverend A. Curtis The Rev. Dr. Dr. CharlesCharles A. Curtis The The TheRev. The Rev. Rev. TheRev. Dr. Dr. Rev. Dr.Johnnie Dr. Johnnie Johnnie Dr.Johnnie Johnnie G. G. G. G.G. President (201) 616-1289 First Vice President President (201) 616-1289 President President (201) 616-1289 McCann McCann McCann McCann McCann The Rev. Dr. Charles A.Harris Curtis The Rev. Dr. A.Curtis Curtis President President (201) (201) 616-1289 616-1289 The Rev. Dr.Geraldine Johnnie G. TheThe Rev. L. Rev. Dr.Charles Charles A.

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Dr.President Robert Jones Recording Secretary Vice First President Vice Second Vice President Recording Recording Recording Recording Recording Secretary Secretary Secretary Secretary Secretary The Rev. Wendy J. Kelly-Carter Recording The Rev. Geraldine L. Harris TheAssistant Rev. Geraldine L.Secretary Harris Recording Secretary The Rev. Geraldine L. Harris Second Vice President Second Vice President The Rev.The Dr.The Robert Jones The Rev. Wendy J. Kelly-Carter Rev. The Geraldine Rev. Geraldine L.Jones Harris L. Harris The The Rev. The Rev. Rev. The Rev. Dr. Rev. Dr. Dr.Robert Robert Dr. Robert Dr.Robert Robert Jones Jones Jones Jones resident Second Vice President The Rev.James Kilgore Recording Secretary AssistantSecond Recording Secretary Assistant Assistant Assistant Assistant Assistant Recording Recording Recording Recording Recording Secretary Secretary Secretary Secretary Secretary Second Vice President Vice President The Rev. Dr. Robert Jones Corresponding Secretary The Rev. Wendy J. Kelly-Carter The Rev. Wendy J. Kelly-Carter Assistant Recording Secretary Recording Secretary The Rev. Wendy J. Kelly-Carter The Rev. Dr. Robert Jones The The The Rev.James The Rev.James Rev.James The Rev.James Rev.James Kilgore Kilgore Kilgore Kilgore Kilgore eraldine L. Harris Secretary The Rev.James Kilgore TheRecording Rev. The Wendy Rev. Wendy J. Kelly-Carter J. Kelly-Carter The Rev. Gregoary Merriweather Assistant Recording Secretary Recording Secretary Corresponding Corresponding Corresponding Corresponding Corresponding Secretary Secretary Secretary Secretary Secretary The Rev.James Kilgore Corresponding Secretary e President Assistant Corresponding Recording Recording Secretary TheSecretary Rev. Dr. Robert Jones The Rev. Dr. Robert Jones Corresponding Secretary Secretary Assistant Recording Secretary The Rev.James Kilgore The The The Rev. The Rev. Rev. The Rev. Gregoary Gregoary Rev. Gregoary Gregoary Gregoary Merriweather Merriweather Merriweather Merriweather Merriweather The Rev. Dr. Robert Jones Assistant Recording Secretary Rev.The Gregoary Merriweather Rev. The Dr. Rev. Robert Dr. Robert Jones Jones Corresponding Secretary Assistant Assistant Assistant Assistant Assistant Corresponding Corresponding Corresponding Corresponding Corresponding The Rev. Gregoary Merriweather endyThe J. Kelly-Carter Assistant Recording Secretary TheThe Rev. Dr. EdgarKilgore W. Howard Rev.James AssistantAssistant Corresponding Assistant Recording Recording Secretary Secretary Secretary Secretary Secretary Secretary Secretary Assistant Corresponding Financial Secretary The Rev.James Kilgore Corresponding Secretary Secretary The Rev. Gregoary Merriweather Secretary Secretary Corresponding Secretary The Rev.James Kilgore On behalf of the officers and members of the Assistant Corresponding The The Rev. The Rev. Rev. The Rev. Dr. Dr. Rev. Dr.Edgar Dr. Edgar Edgar Dr. Edgar Edgar W. W. 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Dr.Jannie Dr. Jannie Jannie Dr.Jannie Jannie L.L.L.Poullard Poullard Poullard L.Merriweather L.Poullard Poullard ecording Secretary The Rev. Gregoary The Rev. Robert Jones On behalf of the officers and members of the TheAssistant Rev. The Gregoary Rev. Gregoary Merriweather Merriweather Baptist Baptist Baptist Baptist Baptist Ministers Ministers Ministers Ministers Ministers Conference Conference Conference Conference Conference of of ofGreater of Greater Greater of Greater Greater New New New New New York York York York York &&&Vicinity Vicinity & Vicinity &Vicinity Vicinity Financial Secretary Assistant Assistant Assistant Assistant Financial Financial Financial Financial Financial Secretary Secretary Secretary Secretary Secretary On behalf of the officers and members of the Assistant Corresponding Rev. Dr. Jannie L.Secretary Poullard Treasurer The Rev. Dr. Edgar W. Howard The Rev.Assistant Dr. The Jannie L. Poullard Assistant Corresponding Corresponding Baptist Ministers Conference of Greater New YorkOn & Vicinity Assistant Financial Secretary behalf of the officers and m Secretary Financial Secretary Baptist Ministers mes Kilgore AssistantSecretary Financial The The The Rev. The Rev. Rev. TheSecretary Rev. Robert Robert Rev. Robert Robert Robert Jones Jones Jones Jones Jones The Rev. Dr.Conference Jannie L. Poullard of Greater New York & Vicinity Secretary The Rev. Dr. Edgar W. Howard The Rev.Patricia Moore-Cooks Baptist Ministers Conference of Greate Treasurer Treasurer Treasurer Treasurer Assistant On Financial behalfSecretary of the officers and members of the The Rev. Robert Jones W. Howard Financial Secretary ing Secretary Treasurer Assistant Treasurer The Rev. Dr. The Rev. Dr.Edgar Jannie L. Poullard The Rev.The Robert Jones Treasurer Rev. The Dr. Rev. Edgar Dr. Edgar W. Howard W. Howard Baptist Conference of Greater New Yorkof & the Vicinity OnRobert behalf of the officers and members Assistant Financial Secretary Financial Secretary The The The Rev.Patricia The Rev.Patricia Rev.Patricia TheRev.Patricia Rev.Patricia Moore-Cooks Moore-Cooks Moore-Cooks Moore-Cooks Moore-Cooks The Ministers Rev. Jones TreasurerFinancial TheThe Rev. Dr.Isaac Jannie L. Poullard Rev. Stucks Financial Secretary Secretary Assistant Assistant Assistant Assistant Assistant Treasurer Treasurer Treasurer Treasurer Treasurer Treasurer regoary Merriweather The Rev.Patricia Moore-Cooks of members of the Baptist Ministers Conference of Greater New York Vicinity Sergeant at Arms Assistant Financial Secretary The Rev. Robert Jones On On behalf On behalf behalf of the of the officers the officers officers andand and members members of&the of the The Rev. Dr. Jannie L. Poullard Assistant Treasurer orresponding The Rev.Patricia Moore-Cooks TheThe Rev. The Dr. Rev. Jannie Dr. Jannie L. Poullard L. 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Robert Jones Jones Treasurer Assistant Assistant Assistant Assistant Assistant Sergeant Sergeant Sergeant Sergeant Sergeant at at at Arms Arms Arms atatArms Arms . Edgar W. Howard The Rev.Patricia Moore-Cooks Sergeant atand Arms the officers and members of SergeantTreasurer at Arms The Rev. Isaiah Holland Treasurer Board Board Board Board Board Chair Chair Chair Chair Chair Joan Joan Joan Joan Joan Dawson, Dawson, Dawson, Dawson, Dawson, Ph.D Ph.D Ph.D Ph.D Ph.D Inc. (HCCI), for The Rev. Isaac Stucks Assistant Harlem Congregations for Community Improvement, Assistant Treasurer Sergeant at Arms ecretary Sergeant at ArmsMoore-Cooks Board Chair Joan Dawson, Ph.D The Rev.Patricia The Rev.and Isaiah Holland and and and and the the the the officers the officers officers officers officers and and and and and members members members members members of of of The Rev.The Isaiah Holland Rev.Patricia The Rev.Patricia Moore-Cooks Moore-Cooks “Building A Better Harlem!” ofof Assistant and Sergeant at Arms Assistant Treasurer The Rev. Isaac Stucks the officers andImprovement, members of Inc. AssistantAssistant Sergeant atRev. Arms Harlem Harlem Harlem Harlem Harlem Congregations Congregations Congregations Congregations Congregations for for forfor Community for Community Community Community Community Improvement, Improvement, Improvement, Improvement, Inc. Inc. Inc. Inc. (HCCI), (HCCI), (HCCI), (HCCI), (HCCI), for for forChair for for Joan Dawso Board Assistant Treasurer Treasurer The Isaiah Holland and . Jannie L. Poullard Sergeant at Arms Board Chair Joan Dawson, Ph.D Assistant Sergeant at Arms Harlem Congregations for Community Improvement, Inc. (HCCI), for “Building “Building “Building “Building “Building A A A Better A Better Better A Better Better Harlem!”

Harlem!”

Harlem!”

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Rev. Isaiah Holland Sergeant at Arms and and and and and Harlem Congregations officers and members ofuntil 2018 for Community Imp Sergeant Sergeant at Arms at Arms who served and HCCIthe with Distinction from 1995 Assistant Sergeant at Arms Harlem Congregations for Community Improvement, Inc. (HCCI), for and Board Board Board Board Chair Chair Chair Chair Chair Emeritus Emeritus Emeritus Emeritus Emeritus Rev. Rev. Rev. Rev. Rev. Dr. Dr. Dr.Dr. Charles Dr. Charles Charles Charles Charles A. A. A.Ph.D Curtis A. Curtis Curtis A.Curtis Curtis Board Chair Joan Dawson, “Building obert Jones Harlem Board Congregations for Community Improvement, Inc. (HCCI), for A Better Ha The Rev. Isaiah Holland The Rev. TheIsaiah Rev. Isaiah HollandHolland Board Chair Emeritus Rev. Dr. Charles A. Curtis “Building A Better Harlem!” who who who who who served served served served served HCCI HCCI HCCI HCCI HCCI with with with with with Distinction Distinction Distinction Distinction Distinction from from from from from 1995 1995 1995 1995 1995 until until until until until 2018 2018 2018 2018 2018 and Assistant Sergeant at Arms and the officers and members of “Building A Better Harlem!”

Assistant Assistant Sergeant Sergeant at Arms at Arms Board Chair Joan Dawson, Ph.D who served HCCI with Distinction from 1995 until 2018

tricia Moore-Cooks easurer

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aiah Holland

On behalf of the officers and members of the Baptist Ministers Conference of Greater New York & Vicinity

Board Board Chair JoanJoan Dawson, Dawson, Ph.D Ph.D Board Chair Emeritus and and Harlem Congregations for Community Improvement, Inc. (HCCI), forRev. Dr. Rev. Dr. Charles A.Chair Curtis, President and the officers and members of whoA. served Rev. Dr. Johnnie G.and McCann, Sr., First Vice President and the officers theRev. and and members members of ofHCCI with Distinction f Board Chair Emeritus Rev. Dr.Charles Charles A. Curtis Board Chair Emeritus Dr. Curtis “Building Aofficers Better Harlem!”

Harlem Congregations for Community Improvement, (HCCI), Rev. Geraldine L. Harris, Second Vice President whoCongregations served HCCI with Distinction from 1995 until until 2018 Harlem Harlem Congregations for Community for Community Improvement, Improvement, Inc.Inc. Inc. (HCCI), (HCCI), for for for who served HCCI with Distinction from 1995 2018 and “Building A Better Harlem!”

“Building “Building A Better A Better Harlem!”

Board Chair Emeritus Rev. Dr.Harlem!”

Charles A. Curtis and who served HCCI withand Distinction from 1995 until 2018 and Board Chair Emeritus Rev. A. Board Board Chair Chair Emeritus Emeritus Rev. Rev. Dr. Dr. Charles Dr. Charles Charles A. Curtis A. Curtis Curtis who served HCCI with Distinction from 1995 until 2018 whowho served served HCCI HCCI withwith Distinction Distinction fromfrom 1995 1995 untiluntil 2018 2018

HCCI SPECIAL SECTION

Homeownership become homeowners by improving their financial status “ We assist people tothrough budget and credit counseling ”

K

irsten Major works as a communications manager for a synagogue on the Upper West Side. She was just one of the many people whose life was forever changed after purchasing her very first home in NYC. It all started just last February while sitting at her desk at work. “I was thinking about my life and about how much I had always wanted to own a home,” said Major.

Like most first-time homebuyers, Major believed that her dream of homeownership was far from reach. “Here I was, earning what I earn and living in NYC, just thinking, ‘How would this ever be possible?’”

Major was frustrated with having to continuously pay exorbitant rent for something that she didn't own. “I thought I'd have to save up into the six figures just to do a down payment and, I actually learned in the class, that's not true.”

When Major searched online on how to buy an apartment in NYC, HCCI’s homebuyer course was the very first opportunity that appeared. “I read more about it and saw that it was for low to moderate income earners and that it was nearby, so I signed up.”

Since 2003, HCCI’s Homebuyer Education Seminar Series has offered courses year-round to help New Yorkers simplify the process and make their dreams for buying a home more attainable. “We assist people to become homeowners by improving their financial status through budget and credit counseling,” said Rev. Dr. Charles Butler, vice president of Equitable Development at HCCI. He’s also a www.thepositivecommunity.com

senior staff member responsible for HCCI’s homebuyer education courses. “The goal of the program is to educate potential homebuyers on the steps necessary, and to introduce them to the professionals they need to work with.”

“Rev. Butler brought in reputable brokers, lawyers, and home inspectors. We had the opportunity to meet all of these people and ask them many questions,” said Major. “This was particularly helpful because there are a lot of good and bad people out there. And if you’re a first time homebuyer, you’re so vulnerable to whatever somebody tells you.”

They also learned about the mortgage process and all of the available grant assistance. After months of searching and going to several open houses, Major found her dream home—a two-bedroom apartment in an elevator building with an eat-in kitchen in Harlem for less than $250,000.

“The apartment went on the market on a Sunday morning. I called the broker and made an offer right on the spot.

By that point, I knew what to ask and what I was doing.”

Major’s is just one of the many success stories from HCCI’s Homebuyer Education Seminar Series. According to Rev. Butler, last year’s attendance was well over 475 people. And of the almost 25,000 who have taken the course over the life of the Harlem-run program, approximately 2,500 who have become homeowners.

To learn more, visit http://hcci.org.

Summer 2018 The Positive Community

53

HCCI SPECIAL SECTION UNCOMMON EXPERTISE. UNMATCHED IMPACT.

CPC

BENCHMARK TITLE AGENCY, LLC

Congratulates Congratulates

Malcolm Punter and HCCI family on job well done.

Malcolm Punter and HCCI family on job well done.

IS PROUD TO PARTNER WITH

We at Benchmark Title are proud of your pioneering and continued leadership in the revitalization of the Harlem community as has been demonstrated over the last 30 years. May you have continued success and know that we will always be there to support you and the Harlem community.

HCCI

PRESIDENT We at Benchmark Title JEAN M. PARTRIDGE CHIEF COUNSEL pioneering are proud of your BERNARD T. CARR and continued SVP FOR AFFORDABLEleadership HOUSING A E in the revitalization of the B D Harlem community, as has been demonstrated over the last 30 years.

May you have continued success and know that we will always be there to support you and the Harlem community.

WHOSE VITAL WORK PROVIDES ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND EMPOWERMENT OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE HARLEM COMMUNITY.

THOMAS N. DECARO

NTHONY PPS USINESS EVELOPMENT ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------222 Bloomingdale Road White Plains NY 10605 914-250-2400 F: 914-422-1550 www.BenchmarkTA.com

THOMAS N. DECARO PRESIDENT

JEAN M. PARTRIDGE CHIEF COUNSEL

PARTNERSHIP SPOTLIGHT 46-48 EAST 129th ST CPC is proud to have partnered with HCCI to transform the building into an affordable co-op that will serve the new homeowners and community for years to come.

communityp.com

BERNARD T. CARR SVP FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING

ANTHONY EPPS BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

Benchmark Title Agency, LLC

222 Bloomingdale Road White Plains NY 10605 914-250-2400 F: 914-422-1550 www.BenchmarkTA.com

HCCI SPECIAL SECTION

Proud Partner Of HCCI For 15 Years

Architecture Planning Urban Design Interior Design

Dr. Muriel Petioni Plaza Senior Apartments New York, New York

www.thepositivecommunity.com

2307 Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Blvd.

New York, NY 10030 WWW.BLARCH.COM T. 212 862 0290

Summer 2018 The Positive Community

55

HCCI SPECIAL SECTION

HCCI + NYIT Building Resilient Communities Initiative HCCI and New York Institute for Technology (NYIT) Join Forces

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his new partnership, led by HCCI President and CEO Malcolm A. Punter and Amy Bravo, senior director of International and Experiential Education at NYIT, aims to encourage collaboration and develop programming over the next five years benefitting the community and students at NYIT. “Through this collaboration, we look forward to empowering Harlem residents by providing innovative technology labs, community-member led neighborhood design workshops, and expanding our STEM curriculumbased afterschool programs,” said Punter. “This alliance will positively impact the lives of the NYIT students and Harlem residents,” he added.

The partnership focuses on four key initiatives: free programs highlighting STEM-based learning, a community-led Neighborhood Design Center focused on urban housing, a Parent University English language program to help families with the college enrollment process, a series of craft sessions, and a community health care program. The BRC held an open house where NYIT students and faculty members had a chance to interact with community families and elected officials to demonstrate their ideas for programming that would support those goals, including workshops on how to code and sustainable building practices.

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The Positive Community Summer 2018

The BRC has helped enrich the lives of local residents. Claudette Ali, a resident of HCCI’s Dr. Muriel Petioni Senior Housing development, participated in the drawing class. “I haven’t sketched in years, so I thought I had lost my ability,” she said. “But, no. It came right back to me.”

For Bravo, student involvement and community engagement is at the heart of the initiative. More than 150 students have participated, many of them first or second-years who are doing their service-learning component as part of their Foundations of Inquiry and Foundations of Science coursework. Bravo hopes more students will volunteer. “Students benefit directly by participating in high impact educational practices such as volunteering, service-learning, and mentoring,” she said. “Our hope is that we can come up with innovative ideas together to make our communities greater.”

Second-year student Muhammad Tanveer, who led the STEM-based after-school programs, said, “The best way to learn something is to teach it…I hope this partnership continues for many years.”

For more information about upcoming BRC programs, please visit hcci.org or call 212-281-4887, ext. 200. www.thepositivecommunity.com

HCCI SPECIAL SECTION

The NYC Mission Society congratulates the Harlem Congregations for Community Improvement, Inc. on 32 years of community engagement.

NYCMissionSociety.org info@NYCMissionSociety.org

Planned Opening August 2019

MinisinkCharterSchool.org

info@MinisinkCharterSchool.org NYCMissionSociety.org | info@NYCMissionSociety.org MinisinkCharterSchool.org | info@MinisinkCharterSchool.org

HCCI SPECIAL SECTION

HARLEM CONGREGATIONS FOR COMMUNITY IMPROVEMENT, INC. (HCCI) celebrates

32 years of “Building a Better Harlem” ABUNDANT LIFE TABERNACLE, INC. ALL SOUL’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES OF METRO NY ANGELS OF MERCY PRISON MINISTRY ANTIOCH BAPTIST CHURCH ANTIOCH CHURCH OF GOD IN CHRIST BAPTIST HOUSE OF PRAYER BAPTIST TEMPLE CHURCH* BETHANY BAPTIST CHURCH BETHEL AME CHURCH BETHEL HOLY CHURCH OF DELIVERANCE, INC. CANAAN BAPTIST CHURCH OF CHRIST CATHEDRAL CHURCH OF ST. JOHN THE DIVINE CHAMBERS MEMORIAL BAPTIST CHURCH CHILDS MEMORIAL CHURCH OF GOD IN CHRIST (C.O.G.I.C.) CHRIST JESUS BAPTIST CHURCH, INC. CHRIST TEMPLE BAPTIST CHURCH CHURCH OF THE INTERCESSION CHURCH ON THE HILL AME ZION CONVENT AVENUE BAPTIST CHURCH* DELIVERANCE TEMPLE OF FAITH EMANUEL AME CHURCH EPHESUS SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH FAITH MISSION BAPTIST CHURCH, INC. FAITH PENTECOSTAL APOSTOLIC HEALING TEMPLE FIRST CORINTHIAN BAPTIST CHURCH

FIRST GRACE BAPTIST CHURCH FRIENDSHIP BAPTIST CHURCH GEORGE H. WELDON FUNERAL HOME, INC. GLENDALE BAPTIST CHURCH GLOVER MEMORIAL BAPTIST CHURCH GRACE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH GREATER CENTRAL BAPTIST CHURCH GREATER FILE CHAPEL BAPTIST CHURCH GREATER HOLY TABERNACLE CHURCH, INC. GREATER HOOD MEMORIAL AME ZION GREATER REFUGE TEMPLE CHURCH GREATER TABERNACLE BAPTIST CHURCH* GREATER ZION HILL BAPTIST CHURCH HARLEM TABERNACLE CHURCH HEALING FROM HEAVEN TEMPLE LAGREE BAPTIST CHURCH MACEDONIA BAPTIST CHURCH MACEDONIA PENTECOSTAL CHURCH, INC. MASJID MALCOLM SHABAZZ MASJID KHALIH RAUF ABDULLAH MEMORIAL BAPTIST CHURCH, INC. METROPOLITAN AME CHURCH METROPOLITAN BAPTIST CHURCH METROPOLITAN COMMUNITY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH MOTHER AME ZION CHURCH MOSQUE OF THE ISLAMIC BROTHERHOOD MT. BETHEL BAPTIST CHURCH

MT. CALVARY BAPTIST CHURCH MT. CALVARY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH MT. LEBANON BAPTIST CHURCH MT. NEBO BAPTIST CHURCH MT. OLIVET BAPTIST CHURCH* MT. PISGAH AME CHURCH MT. SINAI BAPTIST CHURCH MT. ZION LUTHERAN CHURCH NEW EBENEZER BAPTIST CHURCH NEW HOPE COMMUNITY CHURCH NEW MT. CALVARY BAPTIST CHURCH NEW MT. ZION BAPTIST CHURCH OLD BROADWAY SYNAGOGUE OUR LADY OF LOURDES ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH PARADISE BAPTIST CHURCH RADIO CHURCH OF GOD GOSPEL SPREADING CHURCH REDEEMING THE TIME BAPTIST CHURCH REFUGE OF HOPE & DELIVERANCE CHURCH REDEMPTION CHRISTIAN CENTER RESURRECTION ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH SALEM UNITED METHODIST CHURCH SALVATION & DELIVERANCE CHURCH SECOND CANAAN BAPTIST CHURCH SHARON BAPTIST CHURCH SHILOH BAPTIST CHURCH SOUTHERN BAPTIST CHURCH

ST. CHARLES BORROMEO CHURCH ST. JAMES AME CHURCH ST. JAMES PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH ST. JOHN’S BAPTIST CHURCH ST. JOHN PENTECOSTAL CHURCH, INC. OF MT. PISGAH ST. JOSEPH’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH, INC. ST. LUKE BAPTIST CHURCH ST. MARK’S UNITED METHODIST CHURCH ST. MARY’S MANHATTANVILLE EPISCOPAL CHURCH ST. MATTHEWS BAPTIST CHURCH ST. PAUL BAPTIST CHURCH ST. PAUL COMMUNITY CHURCH ST. PHILLIP’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH ST. SAMUEL CHURCH OF GOD IN CHRIST ST(C.O.G.I.C.) TABERNACLE OF DELIVERANCE FOR ALL PEOPLE, INC. THE CHURCH WITHOUT BORDERS THE CHURCH OF RESTORATION, INC. THE GREATER UNIVERSAL BAPTIST CHURCH TRIUMPH BAPTIST CHURCH UNION BAPTIST CHURCH UNITED METHODIST CITY SOCIETY UNITED MORAVIAN CHURCH

JOAN O. DAWSON, PH.D. HCCI, Chairperson of the Board

MALCOLM A. PUNTER, MBA, JSM HCCI, President & CEO

“Serving the needs of the people for 32 years, by the grace of God”

“An organization built in faith, sustained by God.”

NJBIC Ad Positive Community 7 2018.qxp_Layout 1 7/29/18 9:54 PM Page 1

Rooted in our Past: Building a Landscape for the Future ANNUAL BLACK LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE

2018 HEALTH & WELLNESS EXP Come Together For Better Health

You’re invited to join us for a Free Breakfast

October 4-5, 2018

Town Hall Meeting on Healthcare

New Jersey Institute of Technology University Heights, Newark, NJ 07102 For Exhibits, Sponsorships, Advertising and Registration Information

Saturday, September 8, 2018

Please call: NJBIC Conference Office

The Alhambra Ballroom

CONFERENCE INFORMATION:

Tel. 908-561-4062 • Fax 908-561-6827

THE 2018 NJBIC LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE FEATURES POWER SPEAKERS, FORUMS, WORKSHOPS ON ISSUES AFFECTING THE BLACK COMMUNITY

Rev. Timothy Levi Adkins-Jones

Tara Dowdell

Pastor Bethany Baptist Church, Newark

Founder, Tara Dowdell Group

Thursday Luncheon Oct. 4, 2018

Friday Luncheon Oct. 5, 2018

Congressman Adriano Espaillat

2116 Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Blvd.

New York, NY 10027

Email: clyde@allenandpartners.com or visit us at www.njbic.org

KEYNOTE SPEAKERS

Guest Speaker:

Time: 9am–11am (Doors open at 8am) Brought to you by:

For more information about the event, please contact Ruth Rivera at 1-212-801-1548 or email specialevents@healthfirst.org.

For more information about our health plans, call 1-888-974-9901 (TTY 1-888-542-3821), 7 days a week, 8am–8pm, or visit HFHealthPlan.org.

Presenters Provide Information from Five Conference Tracks • Economic Opportunity/Anti-Poverty • Education • Criminal Justice Reform • Health and Environment • Hot Topics 60

Healthfirst is the brand name used for products and services provided by one or more of the Healthfirst group of affiliated companies. © 2017 HF Management Services, LLC

1588-17

INA17_83

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The Positive Community Summer 2018 1464_H&W Expo Positive Community Ad.indd 1

8/13/18 5:16 PM

Health ideas for wellness

Health Needs of African Americans National Medical Association Releases Study

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ccording to recent findings from the African American Health Engagement Study (AAHES), a collaboration between Pfizer, the National Medical Association (NMA), and the National Black Nurses Association (NBNA), African Americans express more motivation to pursue healthier lifestyles than non-African Americans, yet are less likely to describe themselves as being in good health. The study, which examines health attitudes and behaviors of African Americans, reveals health-related cultural differences compared to nonAfrican American respondent groups. Areas of focus in the study include spiritual health, awareness of and attitudes towards clinical trial participation, perception of state of health, and motivation to take action.

African American respondents said they place their highest level of trust in medical organizations focused on African Americans. Their least trusted sources for healthrelated information are widely used media channels, such as cable news and commercial broadcast networks.

The research seeks to garner insights that could inform meaningful and effective actions to increase health equity in African American communities. According to recent data from the Centers for Disease Control, African Americans face a greater risk of death at almost every stage of life compared with other American racial and ethnic groups, and African Americans overall have a life expectancy more than three years shorter than that of non-African Americans.

“Our mission is to ensure access to the highest quality of healthcare for persons of color,” said Eric J. Williams, DNP, RN, CNE, FAAN, president, National Black Nurses Association. “Our participation in the study helps us better understand health attitudes and behaviors of African Americans.

Continued on next page www.thepositivecommunity.com

Some key findings of the AAHES study include: 84% of African American study participants described themselves as “highly motivated to improve overall health,” compared with 76% of non-African American participants. Moreover, 75% of African American respondents claimed to be taking some action to stay healthy, compared to only 52% of non-African American respondents.

67% of African Americans surveyed agreed with the statement “I will do better on my health tomorrow,” compared with 53% of non-African Americans surveyed.

36% of all African American study participants ranked their overall health (including physical, mental/emotional, and spiritual health) as “very good” or “excellent,” compared to 43% of study participants in other groups.

79% of African American study participants viewed spiritual health as extremely or very important to overall health and wellness, compared to 59% of non-African American participants.

45% of African Americans reported being satisfied with their body regardless of weight, compared to 36% of respondents in other groups.

87% of African American participants believe African Americans are not well-represented in clinical trials, but only 33% of African American women and 41% of African American men stated that they are willing to enroll in a trial if it means changing or starting medication.

Summer 2018 The Positive Community

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AFRICAN AMERICAN HEALTH Continued from previous page

Doris Browne, M.D., president, National Medical Association, said, “As the collective voice for African American physicians and the leading voice for parity and justice in medicine and increasing health equity, the National Medical Association, in alliance with the National Black Nurses Association and Pfizer, will work together to address the underlying causes of health inequity with greater creativity, innovation, and precision.”

“African Americans account for 12 percent of the U.S. population but make up only five percent of clinical trial participants. When it comes to increasing African American participation in clinical trials, we cannot overstate the importance of trust and collaboration,” said Freda Lewis-Hall, M.D., chief medical officer and executive vice president, Pfizer.

Beyond clinical trial awareness and recruiting, the AAHES provides insight into other areas where the organizations can work together to increase health equity, including increasing the capacity of African American health care provider organizations; facilitating more effective health-seeking behaviors in African Americans through health education and community initiatives; and defining and launching targeted initiatives to respond to specific health care needs in African American communities.

Source: National Medical Association (nmanet.org)

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The Positive Community Summer 2018

www.thepositivecommunity.com

V E TE SA DA E

TH

MEN’S HEALTH & FOOTBALL NIGHT

SEPTEMBER 20, 2018 7 PM Englewood Health – Main Campus 350 Engle Street, Englewood, NJ Enjoy a night of watching football alongside former players, and learn from Englewood Health experts on how to keep your body in top shape, and ready for the excitement and thrill of the next big game.

For more information email: community@ehmchealth.org

englewoodhealth.org

Men_health_football.indd 1

8/16/18 5:01 PM

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

Kahlil Carmichael MAPCC, MDIV, CPT the of Well Church, in New Kahlil MAPCC, CPT is isDoctor, the pastor pastor of Live Liveand Well Church,consulting in Somerset, Somerset, New Jersey.

Jersey.

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

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

His first publication, authorLonger of 50 Tips forBetter, a Better He isnow. a contributor to Guideposts magazine.

His first publication, Living Living is You. available Go to www.livewellchurch.org for more information.

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

Ride Ride to to Live Live

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his summer I began looking for some new achis II began looking for some achis summer summer began for routine some new new activities to help me takelooking my fitness to the tivities to help me take my fitness routine to the tivities to help me take swimming, my fitness routine the next level.

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I purchased the bike and went riding with tenthusing birthday.

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The ride with was him my mountain bike.

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• muscle Good for strength and stamina—cycling increases •• Good for and increases Good for strength strength and stamina—cycling stamina—cycling increases stamina, strength, and aerobic fitness. stamina, strength, and aerobic fitness. stamina, aerobic fitness.

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The healthwhich benefits regular cycling include: el. health of cycling el. •The The health benefits benefits of regular regular cycling include: include: increased cardiovascular fitness •• increased fitness increased cardiovascular cardiovascular • increased muscle strengthfitness and flexibility •• increased muscle strength increased muscle strength and and flexibility flexibility • improved joint mobility •• improved joint mobility improved joint • decreased stressmobility levels •• decreased stress decreased posture stress levels levels • improved and coordination •• improved posture and improved posture and coordination coordination • strengthened bones •• strengthened bones strengthened bones In colloquial speech there’s a phrase “ride or die.” It’s In speech there’s aa phrase “ride or In colloquial colloquial there’snegatives phrase into “ridepositives, or die.” die.” It’s It’s nonsense; but I speech love turning so nonsense; but I love turning negatives into positives, nonsense; but I love turning negatives into positives, so so

64 The Positive Community Summer 2018 64 64 The The Positive Community Summer 2018 The Positive Positive Community Community Summer Summer 2018 2018 TPC_Summer_2018_FOR_PRINTER.indd 4 TPC_Summer_2018_FOR_PRINTER.indd 4 4 TPC_Summer_2018_FOR_PRINTER.indd

I have coined the term “ride and live.” That’s what cyII have the term and live.”

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Church scenic backroads of Franklin Township.

Live Well Church scenic backroads of Franklin Township. Live and The Fitness Doctor are participating thisWell yearChurch and so and The Doctor are participating this year and and you!

The Fitness Fitness Doctor year and so so can Come ride andare liveparticipating with us. Forthis more informacan you!

Come ride and live with us.

For more informacan you!

Come ride andorlive with us. For and more tion call (732)921-3746 (732)846-1380 askinformafor Ms. tion (732)921-3746 tion call callSpruill.

(732)921-3746 or or (732)846-1380 (732)846-1380 and and ask ask for for Ms. Ms. Shirley Shirley Spruill.

Shirley Spruill.

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

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

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

You should consultinyour is of a general nature.

You should consult your physician is of a general nature. You before shouldbeginning consult your or health care professional any physician exercise or care professional before beginning any exercise or health health or care professional program changing your before dietarybeginning regimen. any exercise program or changing your dietary regimen. program or changing your dietary regimen. www.thepositivecommunity.com www.thepositivecommunity.com www.thepositivecommunity.com www.thepositivecommunity.com

8/22/18 2:21 PM 8/22/18 2:21 2:21 PM 8/22/18 PM

Save the date!

Saturday, September 15, 2018 | Noon-4 p.m.

THE BETH’S ANNUAL

Alma Beatty Health and Wellness Fair Fun and Food for Seniors, Adults, Youth and Children!

201 Lyons Avenue, Newark, NJ 07112 at Alma Beatty Way (Osborne Terrace) For more information contact: 973-926-7884

rwjbh.org/newarkbeth

nbi6697 Alma Beatty_Positive_comunity 8.75x11.125_m1.indd 1

7/11/18 11:28 AM

Education the art + science of learning

“Call Me Doctor” Queen Latifah gives Rutgers Commencement Speech Receives Honorary Doctorate Photo: Anthony Alvarez

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drawing attention to issues of social importance. More recently, she co-starred in the acclaimed comedy Girls Trip, which was chosen by Time magazine as one of its top ten films of 2017.

An Award-winning Entertainer and Trailblazer Born in Newark and raised in East Orange, New Jersey, Queen Latifah has earned a Grammy, Primetime Emmy, Golden Globe, three Screen Actors Guild Awards, three NAACP Image Awards, two BET Awards, two Teen Choice Awards, and numerous other accolades of national and international distinction. At the age of 21, she organized and became CEO of Flavor Unit Records and Management Company based in Jersey City, N.J. By 1993, the label had 17 signed artists. In 1995, her label won its first Grammy for a song she composed, “U.N.I.T.Y.,” which became an anthem rallying young women to self-love and mutual support, demonstrating the ways in which Queen Latifah leverages her talent to pursue the proverbial “double bottom line” of doing well and doing good by

A Humanitarian and Philanthropist Who Never Forgot Her Newark Roots Queen Latifah founded a scholarship foundation for low-income youth and worked to mitigate home foreclosures in disadvantaged neighborhoods. These were just some of the reasons why she received Newark Beth Israel Medical Center’s Community Award in 2013. Queen Latifah also has been an effective advocate for international initiatives such as ‘Let Girls Learn,’ the campaign started by former First Lady Michelle Obama, that strives to provide support to 62 million girls around the world who do not have access to education. She is currently the spokesperson for the American Heart Association’s “Rise Above Heart Failure” initiative. Other causes she has supported include the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, and Save the Music Foundation “You are the testament to a powerful and enduring truth,” Dr. Queen Latifah stated to the crowd, which included more than 1,500 graduates. “When we value diversity, when we share our individual gifts, our individual stories–we create the mosaic that is America at its very finest, at its very best.” — Source: Rutgers Newark

ewark’s own Queen Latifah delivered the keynote address at the Rutgers University − Newark Commencement Ceremony on May 14, 2018 at the Prudential Center. Selected for this honor by a committee of students, faculty, and staff, the hip-hop icon, award-winning actress, singer/song-writer, producer, entrepreneur, and humanitarian, also received an honorary doctorate. “I’m always asked by people what should I call you? Queen? Latifah? Dana? After today, you can just call me Doctor,” Queen Latifah said, after receiving an honorary Doctor of Fine Arts degree.

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MONEY magazine says Touro’s NYSCAS is #1.

So do our students.

Steve O. B.A. | NYSCAS ’18 Future Special Ed teacher

Your path to success starts at New York School of Career & Applied Studies (NYSCAS). Students like Steve choose from more than 45 associate’s and bachelor’s degree programs at seven convenient locations throughout the metro area. Choose NYSCAS. A division of Touro College.

1.212.463.0400 x5500 | NYSCAS.TOURO.EDU

Touro is an equal opportunity institution. For Touro’s complete Non-Discrimination Statement, visit www.touro.edu *Touro College was named #1 in the Value-added all star category.

MONEY is a registered trademark of Time Inc. and is used under license. From MONEY Magazine, ©2017 Time Inc. Used under license. MONEY and Time Inc. are not affiliated with, and do not endorse products or services of Touro College.

BY JEAN NASH WELLS

The Clarks, Dr. Kenneth and Dr. Mamie Phipps-Clark

Northside Center For Childhood Development

Still Helping Children and Families Survive and Thrive

F

or over 72 years, Northside Center for Childhood Development has been on the front lines of the civil rights movement and played a monumental role in building brighter futures for the children of this city.

Dr. Mamie Phipps Clark and her husband, Dr. Kenneth B. Clark, founded the not-for-profit organization in 1946.

Their groundbreaking black and white doll studies showing the results of discrimination on the self-esteem of black children continue to hold strong influence in the discipline of psychology and the history of race in this country.

In the historic Brown v. Board of Education decision of the United States Supreme Court, the Clark’s pioneering research was cited as contributing to the court’s finding that school segregation was unconstitutional.

At their annual fundraising gala on May 9, 2018, Northside Center for Childhood Development honored former Congressman Charlie Rangel, his wife Alma Rangel, and Anthem CEO Brian Griffin for their commitment to improving communities. Held at the Plaza Hotel, the more than $1.2 million raised will help fuel the center’s mental health and education programs that benefit over 4,000 children and families in New York City.

Comgresman Rangel expresses gratitude on behalf of his wife, Alma (pictured on the screen behind him) L–R: Northside’s Executive Director & CEO Hilde L. Mosse with Hon. David Dinkins, and Hon. Charles B. Rangel Photos: Seitu Oronde

Northside Center after-school drummer instructor Baba Don Eaton with students

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PREPARE TO GROW PREPARE TO LEAD PREPARE TO SERVE ALLIANCE.EDU

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New Brunswick Theological Seminary Installs new President

The McCreary Family (L–R) Rev. Dr. Jacqueline E. Madison-McCreary; NBTS President Rev. Micah L. McCreary, Ph.D.; and daughter, Makeba N. McCreary

Photos: Allison V. Brown

L–R: NBTS Board of Trustees Moderator Rev. Gregory Jackson, pastor, Mount Olive Baptist Church, Hackensack, NJ welcomed Rev. McCreary to the office of President

NBTS graduating class of 2018

I

naugurated as the 12th president of New Brunswick Theological Seminary on May 18, 2018, Dr. Micah L. McCreary presided over the commencement ceremony for more than 30 seminary graduates on May 19.

In his inaugural address, “Our Sankofa Flight,” Rev. McCreary honored the rich history and traditions of New Brunswick Theological Seminary, envisioning the founders who built a resilient institution and fostered global missions, which continue to this day. As he traveled through the decades, he recounted the addition of evening classes and the welcoming of students of color and women to the student body. In recent years, the board of trustees established an anti-racism commitment and have since worked to foster an environment welcoming to all. According to McCreary, the NBTS mission is still relevant and powerful today. He enthusiastically invited all in attendance to join in the mission

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of the “new” New Brunswick Theological Seminary, “a seminary with a heart for metro-urban ministry, spirituality, and community transformation.”

Commencement speaker Rev. John W. Kinney, PhD, a longtime mentor and friend to President McCreary, advised graduates that, “you gotta move it, move it,” as King Julian says in the Madagascar movies. His impassioned address, entitled, “Don’t Stop Now,” reminded the graduates that commencement, though it feels like the accomplishment, the end of much hard work, is only the beginning.

“God is inviting you. He doesn’t coerce, but he will invite you to go beyond…you must surrender to the possibilities and promise.” Graduates, he said, can and should congratulate themselves and feel accomplished and proud, but proud in the unique accomplishments and gifts God has made possible. Kinney’s conclusion, “You gotta move it and don’t stop now!” was met with a standing ovation.

—JNW www.thepositivecommunity.com

THE NEWARK SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY FALL COURSES 2018 CERTIFICATE PROGRAMS THEOLOGY BIBLICAL STUDIES PASTORAL COUNSELING DIACONAL STUDIES CHAPLAINCY Classes taught by instructors with advanced degrees and doctorates from The Graduate Theological Union (Berkeley), Princeton Theological Seminary, Drew University, and The New York Theological Seminary.

Ms. Thurmond isa writer, publisher, and Lay-Theologian.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Contact: Admissions Office 201-407-4047 • nstnewark@aol.com

THE OLD TESTAMENT: Part I Rev. Dr. Douglas Bendall, Ph.D.

BEGINNING BIBLICAL HEBREW Dr. Milton Eng, Ph.D.

How the Arc of the Universe Moves toward Justice Rev. Dr. Douglas Bendall, M.Div., Ph.D.

PASTORAL THEOLOGY Rev. Dr. Miguel A. Hernandez, D.Min.

THE NEW TESTAMENT Rev. Nicholas Johnson, Ph.D. (ABD)

SPIRITUAL JOURNALING Ms. Mary Thurmond, Writer & Photographer

Sept. 11 – Dec. 18 Tuesday 6:00 – 9:00 PM Sept. 11 – Dec. 18 Tuesday 3:30 – 5:00 PM Sept. 12 – Dec. 19 Wednesday 6:00 – 9:00 PM Sept. 12 – Dec. 19 Wednesday 6:00 – 9:00 PM Sept. 13 – Dec. 20 Thursday 6:00 – 9:00 PM Sept. 13 – Dec. 20 Thursday 6:00 – 9:00 PM

WE ARE NEWARK'S SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY!

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SUMME SESSIONS 2018

2018

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www.citytech.cuny.edu

Summer 2018 The Positive Community

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2018 Chad School Scholars Photos: Makeba Green

Scholars and Committee: L-R: Abdulbasit Ajeigbe; Jerome Carter; Janet Cazares; Chad School Executive Director Eric Stevenson (back row); Bryanna Gabriel; Christine Malcolm Lynsung; Inasia Belton; Chad Scholarship Committee Chair Michelle Diaz; and Chad Real Estate Chair William Parrish

L-R: Dr. Denise Rodgers, Obie McKenzie, and Hon. Victoria Pratt

T Upcoming Special Issue!

EDUCATION To Advertise Call: 973-233-9200 or Email: sales@thepositivecommunity.com for rates & deadlines

he Chad School Foundation presented scholarships to six deserving students on May 23, 2018 during a reception in the Crystal Room at the Robert Treat Hotel in Newark. Five students: Abdulbasit Ajeigbe, Jerome Carter, Janet Cazares, Bryanna Gabriel, and Christine Malcolm Lynsung received $10,000 scholarships.

Inasia Belton received a $1,000 book scholarship.

This year’s theme "Building Educational Wealth,” celebrated the contributions of those who further the Chad legacy, recognizing several outstanding individuals for their community service in Newark. They are: Pat Green, Black Youth organization and • Brother educator at The Chad Science Academy • Obie McKenzie, managing director, BlackRock, Inc. Denise Rodgers, EVP, Academic and Clinical • Dr. Affairs at UMDNJ Victoria Pratt, former chief justice, Newark • Hon. Municipal Court, Rutgers Law School Professor • Dr. Kia Grundy,Trinity Pediatrics • Lakeya Shipley, 2018 Alumna Award • Lennox Mars, 2018 Alumnus Award

Since 2010, The Chad School Foundation has awarded over $250,000 in scholarships to support Newark area youth with $51,000 awarded in 2018.

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Mount Olivet Baptist Church Salutes HARLEM CONGREGATIONS FOR COMMUNITY IMPROVEMENT (HCCI) and your newly-elected President Joan O. Dawson, Ph.D.

Mt. Olivet Baptist Church, 201 Lenox Avenue, New York, NY 10027

We Congratulate HCCI’s Board of Directors and amazing Staff for your remarkable achievements in housing, education and the prevention of AIDS.

We Commend our Pastor Rev. Dr. Charles A. Curtis, President Emeritus, for his faithfulness and visionary leadership of HCCI for over twenty-three years.

µ To God be the Glory!

Culture

music, art + literature Photo: Oswald Cabrera

Voice Your Inspiration 2018

Ray and Vivian Chew

Presented by Chew Entertainment & RCA Inspiration at Sony Rooftop Club

I

t was truly a night of inspiration as Ray and Vivian Chew announced their third annual Carnegie Hall concert, this time with a twist. Who's who in the music industry media gathered on the rooftop of the Sony building in Manhattan. Surrounded on three sides by marvelous views of New York City and a magnificent sunset on Tuesday, June 26, the Chews revealed the “Voice Your Inspiration” nationwide talent search.

Soloists, duos and small ensembles are invited to enter.

The winner(s) will have the opportunity to perform on the famous, historic Carnegie Hall Stage during the Chews’ “Night of Inspiration” in December and a deal for a recording contract on the RCA Inspiration label.

Presented by Ray and Vivian Chew in collaboration with RCA Inspiration and Carnegie Hall, A Night of Inspiration features musical mashups by artists of all genres with one goal in mind; to inspire! Top musicians and singers readily answer the call from bandleader

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Ray and show biz entrepreneur Vivian to join the list of performers for the standing room only concert. Previous performers include Donny McClurkin, Dionne Warwick, Shirley Ceasar, BeBe Winans, Anthony Hamilton, Yolanda Adams, Richard Smallwood and the 125-voice choir conducted by Rev. Lester Taylor, pastor of Community Baptist Church of Englewood.

To close out the evening press reception, RCA Inspiration artist Koryn Hawthorne delivered a rousing performance and guests mingled and enjoyed great fellowship with artists and industry media alike.

For more information about the talent search visit www.voiceyourinspiration.org or www.nightofinspiration. org and follow on social media @voiceyourinspiration (on all handles) for the latest news and updates about one of the greatest nights in music. Tickets for the Night of Inspiration show can be purchase by visiting www. carnegiehall.org. www.thepositivecommunity.com

November 2018

kem with special guest marsha ambrosius sep 15

Gregory Porter

Sheila E.

Django Festival Allstars with special guest Edmar Castaneda Sun, Nov 4 @ 3PM Antonio Sanchez: BiRDMAN LiVE Thu, Nov 8 @ 7:30PM Dianne Reeves & Gregory Porter Thu, Nov 8 @ 8PM Guitar Passions with Sharon Isbin, Romero Lubambo & Stanley Jordan Fri, Nov 9 @ 7:30PM Sheila E., Eddie Palmieri, Tito Nieves & Christian McBride Congas y Canto Fri, Nov 9 @ 8PM

trevor noah

jo koy

Fri, Sep 7–8 @ 7PM Trevor Noah, the host of Comedy Central’s Emmy-winning Daily Show, returns to NJPAC with an evening of hilarious stand-up.

Break the Mold Tour Thu, Sep 13 @ 8PM Fri, Sep 14 @ 7PM Stand-up sensation Jo Koy, a regular on Chelsea Lately, Comedy Central and The Adam Carolla Show, makes his NJPAC debut.

oscar d’león Sat, Sep 22 @ 8PM An evening with three of salsa’s hottest acts: bassist-vocalist Oscar D’León, vocalist Tony Vega and Los Hermanos Moreno.

Look for the Silver Lining Tribute to Jerome Kern with Daryl Sherman Sat, Nov 10 @ 3PM Marcus Miller, David Sanborn, Lalah Hathaway and more!

Sat, Nov 10 @ 8PM Terri Lyne Carrington’s Money Jungle / Joni Mitchell’s Mingus featuring Luciana Souza, Kate McGarry and Jo Lawry Sun, Nov 11 @ 3PM Cécil McLorin Salvant Fri, Nov 16 @ 7:30PM Dorthaan’s Place: Jazz Brunch Eric Alexander Quartet Sun, Nov 18 @ 11AM & 1PM

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theresa caputo live! the experience

Sun, Sep 23 @ 7PM These GRAMMY-winning, world music superstars bring their party-starting blend of flamenco, salsa and pop.

Sun, Oct 14 @ 7:30PM A spellbinding evening of live audience readings and more with TLC’s incredible Long Island Medium.

Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition Sun, Nov 18 @ 3PM Sat, Oct 27 @ 2PM & 7:30PM Experience Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire™ with the full score performed live by New Jersey Symphony Orchestra!

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

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

8/9/18 11:35 AM

Notewor thy

Bed and Breakfast in Harlem A Cottage industry helps fuel tourism

By Fern Gillespie

W

hen Jacqueline Orange’s job with the federal government relocated her from Washington, D.C. to New York City, she made her temporary home at Harlem’s Sankofa Guest Apartment on West 121st Street.

For Harlem visitors, finding a place to stay uptown can be a challenge.

Hotels are limited to the swank boutique Aloft Hotel on Frederick Douglass Boulevard, which boasts 124 rooms ($285–$315) and the upcoming Marriott Renaissance Hotel, scheduled to be part of the HCDC Victoria Theater Redevelopment Project on 125th Street. While Harlem might not have major hotels, it does have a cottage industry—bed and breakfast guest homes.

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“Sankofa’s owners, sisters Norma Garner and Edith Palmer, were very nice and accommodating,” Orange recalled. “I was so excited moving into this new community of Harlem that I shared the B&B information for local accommodations with many of my friends. They also loved the experience of staying at a bed and breakfast.”

Sankofa Guest Apartment ($175–$200) is in a magnificent limestone brownstone, with a large, detailed stone carving of an African mask on its façade. African and Caribbean flair decorate the onebedroom apart-ment that sleeps two guests. “We go beyond the call of duty when welcoming guests. They get a bottle of wine, gift certificate, and toiletries,” said Garner. “A lot of Europeans come. I think they like coming to Harlem be-cause they’ve heard so much about Harlem. It has a rich history.”

The B&B experience was life changing for Orange.

Today, she is the owner of Taste Harlem Food and Cultural Tours and has been a leader in Harlem tourism for 11 years. “Harlem appeals to tourists because it is a place they have only read about or seen in movies,” she explained. “Harlem is mysterious. The energy and vibe can’t be found anywhere else. Tourists want to see the style, the music, the people, and the best architecture in New York City.”

A vice president at an investment bank, Kellyn Tillers traveled throughout Europe, Asia, and South America, but rarely had time to sightsee. “I’d sit in my hotel room knowing I was surrounded by amazing people, places, and things but had no one to show me the way to them and no time to explore and enjoy my surroundings,” she recalled. So, when Tillers retired, she established the Harlem Grand B&B on West 122nd Street ($99 - $250), an elegant five-bedroom brownstone built in 1899.

“Once I set my mind on creating Harlem Grand, I slowly began to hone my craft in hospitality. I wanted to share my home and all of the beautiful places, spaces and people in our community,” she said. “I wanted to create a home away from home complete with the comforts and care I wished I’d had abroad. So, we offer each arriving guest a full tour of our neighborhood along with 24/7 concierge access.”

Harlem Grand stylishly blends Victorian and Art Deco décor from the antique furniture to the delicate linens. It’s a glimpse into early 20th century Harlem. “Our rooms are spacious, beds are dreamy, and our bathrooms are luxurious,” stated Tillers. “People love the idea of the Harlem Renaissance and they want to see it, touch it, feel it, and bring home their experience of it.”

Conrad Neblett, an entertainer and producer, specializes in showing visitors Harlem’s “hidden treasures.” As the owner of ConRAD’s Place on 119th Street ($150 $200), a studio apartment, and one-bedroom apartment, he believes in connecting with his visitors. “People ask me where are the black businesses and restaurants?” he said.

“A lot of the black businesses are in the inside streets and I make sure that they are aware of those places. These places have atmosphere. I believe in people supporting these small businesses so they can prosper and maybe shift from small business to bigger.”

“The excitement of Times Square is exhilarating, but that allure can quickly fade when 42nd Street is where you’re living,” explained Harlem Grand’s owner Tillers.

“Visitors wanting to hear birds chirping while enjoying a warm piece of Lee Lee’s rugelach & coffee in the morning, and then return home to peaceful tree-lined street after a full and busy day downtown, quickly find that Harlem’s THE spot.”

Resources for Harlem Bed and Breakfast Locations: Sankofa Guest Apartment: www.sankofaguestapartment.com; Grand Harlem: Facebook HarlemBnB; ConRAD’s Place: Facebook ConRAD’s Place; Taste Harlem Food and Cultural Tours: www.tasteharlem.com; Travelocity.com; Expedia.com; Tripadvisor.com; AirBNB.com www.thepositivecommunity.com

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T er r i S e e n e y

knows firstHand tHat Good tHinGs Come to tHose wHo wait

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By R.L. Witter

f patience is a virtue, Terri Seeney is a most virtuous woman. Many of us have heard the saying, “Be careful what you wish for,” but Seeney wasn’t raised to wish; she was raised to pray. Her faith and personal relationship with God have been integral in her life since she was a child. Seeney didn’t have to wish for success in life, she prayed and God led her to it from the very beginning.

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After stints in radio and the record industry, employment at Panasonic came as a blessing in her life. People often go to work each day searching for purpose, wondering whether or not they’re making a difference, and sometimes even feeling as though they don’t matter. Terri Seeney was blessed with a career in corporate America that had her travelling internationally and reaping the financial rewards of hard work and dedication at a Fortune 500 company. But more importantly to her, her position as director of Community Relations and Outreach Programs allowed her to give back to communities. It was a natural fit for someone who has always enjoyed giving of herself. Seeney’s kind eyes, soothing voice, friendly smile, and pleasant demeanor immediately put corporate officers and local volunteers alike at ease. On the day of our interview she was working from home after returning from Japan the day prior. As we settled in to chat, we were interrupted two or three times by neighbors checking in with her. She apologized as she chuckled, “We’re really like a family here, we look out for each other,” describing the building where she makes her home.

And family is of utmost importance to her. Even today, she is still incredibly close to her parents and younger brother. The example they set for her instilled a strong desire in Seeney to begin a family of her own. She envisioned Sunday dinners, holidays around the hearth, and a home full of children, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. “I had dreams like a lot of young girls do,” Seeney recalled. “I was going to grow up to get a job making six figures, and have a husband and 2.5 kids. But that didn’t happen.” As her career hummed along, her prospects for marriage and family seemed to stall. Of course, more and more women were waiting until their thirties to marry and have children, so she enjoyed her family and friends throughout her late twenties and early thirties. As the mid- and late thirties approached, Seeney began to feel pangs for motherhood. “I had family and friends and I was enjoying myself; but I wanted more.

I thought about having a child on my own,” she explained, “but I’m a traditional kind of woman. I wanted to be married and I wanted to have kids—in that order.”

Seeney had to make the best of her “meantime,” the time when she desired marriage and family but there weren’t any prospects on the immediate horizon. So she focused on herself and a relationship she knew was always there for her. “I spent a lot of time with God,” Seeney reflected. “I needed to find my way back home, and by home I mean to myself…

I’m talking about self-care. I tell young women it’s important to be able to take of you. I grew up in the church, but I needed to redefine my relationship with Jesus Christ.”

In the meantime, Seeney’s body had other ideas and she went through menopause at 40 years old. It was devastating to her as her dream of bearing children seemed to be slipping away from her. “I struggled with that; it was like a loss I grieved,” she revealed. “I find it sad that we as women don’t

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talk about not having children. It’s still hard sometimes, but it doesn’t cut as deeply as it used to.” Terri has since initiated those difficult but necessary conversations with other women in her life and supported them through their fertility challenges.

As her meantime continued, Seeney prayed and worked on becoming who she wanted to be. She also got real about who she wanted to be with if the opportunity arose. “If your list of what you want at 40 is the same as it was at 20 or even 30, that’s going to be a problem,” she chuckled. She found height, looks, and social status made way for more meaningful traits in a mate. The list wasn’t long and included, “someone who believed in God, had dreams, and wanted to travel; a good man, who would treat me well.” When tax time rolled around and Seeney was in need of a tax preparer, a friend made an introduction to a nice man, Eric.

He was friendly and knowledgeable and completed her tax return in a timely manner. And seemingly, that was it.

“But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.” —Romans 8:24 “When I look back I’m glad God didn’t answer certain prayers because I wasn’t ready,” Seeney shared. She and Eric kept in touch and eventually went on a first date. “On our second date I invited him to church,” she explained.

“That was the key for us—no matter what changes were going on, we had to trust God. We chose to trust God in this process, and He has perfect timing.” As time went on, Terri realized Eric was “The One.” “I kind of stumbled through things and he was always there,” she said in quiet amazement. “No matter what I did, he was always there to catch me. Our relationships with God deepened separately and cont’d on next page then together.”

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TERRI SEENEY cont’d from previous page

On October 26th, 2017, Terri Seeney and Eric Majette were married. The flowers were lovely, and the food was both plentiful and delicious. Beneath sparkling chandeliers, R&B Artist Major performed “Why I Love You” for the couple’s first dance as man and wife. The groom wore a dashing tuxedo; the bride a stunning white gown. Terri sported an updo with both a crystal barrette and streaks of gray hair. At just over 50 years old, the first-time bride was the definition of a silver fox. “I’m glad I got married at this age,” she smiled. “When I was planning our wedding and I would tell people I was getting married and they knew my age, they would say, ‘That’s wonderful! You give me hope.’

We remind them it’s not too late.”

As their first wedding anniversary draws closer, the couple has settled into the comfort and joy of wedded bliss.

“Coming home to him is the best part of my day,” Terri beamed. “He’s here, we curl up, we talk and share the day.

He’s my safe space. I love the laughter between us. I like being married. We found our rhythm — we know when to lean in and when to step back.” Married life was seemingly worth the wait for the Majettes, but sometimes, a bit of melancholy makes an appearance. “Every so often we’ll see a child somewhere and Eric will say, ‘God she looks like she belongs to us,’ and it’s there,” Terri confessed. But God is good, and when He is the rock on which your relationship is built, blessings will manifest.

Terri has been blessed with the joy of nieces and neph-

ews. She’s squarely in the running for “Aunt of the Year” as she recently took her niece to a Beyoncé concert. But God didn’t stop there with His favor. “Eric had two children when we met — a tween and a teen,” Terri explained. Today they are adults finding their way through their own lives, and finding love and support from their father and his wife, their bonus mom. “Every Sunday I cook family dinner and every Sunday my kids are sitting around the table,” she said happily. Last May on Mother’s Day, “the kids came and brought their friends and their friends brought their kids.

And there I was sitting around the table with all of the kids I couldn’t have — the kids I wasn’t supposed to have. God has blessed me with a whole lot of them!” Seeney-Majette celebrated the joy of her first Mother’s Day in her 50s.

As I reflect upon Terri’s journey to becoming a wife and mother, I’m reminded of the 1981 song “I Want to Thank You” by Alicia Myers. “I want to thank you Heavenly Father/ For shining your light on me/It took a long time for it to happen/But I knew those nights I prayed/That you would send me someone who’s real/And not no one for play/I kept the faith/And didn’t worry/My nights grew longer than the days/Until one day/It really happened/You sent true love my way…When the time is right He’ll fill your life with love and care/Believe, and He’ll be there/Just do all right don’t do no wrong/And the keep the faith, The Lord will shine his light your way.” And Terri Seeney-Majette does thank Him, every single day.

THE BRIDAL PARTY Maid of Honor: Wanda Edwards, Best Man: Michael McLeod, Groomsman: Calil Jones, Jr., Junior Bridesmaid: Jazmyne Seeney; Bridesmaids: Michelle Hinton, Jennifer Davis, Gladys “Cookie” Payton, Geneva McLeod, Joelle Wagner-Lynch, Lydia Burnett Groomsmen: Eric Majette Jr., Ed Gillus, Cory Richardson, Melvin Creddle Jr., Derek Gaters; Ushers: John Burnett, Rev. Jerry Smith www.thepositivecommunity.com

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35/20 Banquet Extraordinaire Celebration for Bishop Eric R. Figueroa

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iving all glory to God, Bishop Eric R. Figueroa, senior pastor and founder of New Life Tabernacle, accepted the honors and blessings bestowed upon him in celebration of 35 years of pastoral excellence and twenty years in the episcopacy. More than 800 guests gathered at Russo's On The Bay in Howard Beach, NY for a festive 35/20 Banquet Extraordinaire.

Rev. Al Sharpton delivered an inspiring sermon. Bishop Albert Jamison; Bishop Gerald Seabrooks; and Minister Eric R. Figueroa, Jr. brought levity and laughter. The New Life Tabernacle Mass Choir, along with the soul stirring voices of Zacardi Cortez, Miles Caton, Timiney Figueroa, and Anaysha Figueroa-Cooper, accompanied by musicians Jermaine Parrish, Jules Bartholomew, Katrina Cooper, Dwayne Wright, and Tim Clinton— filled the air with glorious sounds.

Bishop Figueroa and Lady Doreen Figueroa thanked God for sustaining the vibrant and virile ministry of New Life Tabernacle throughout the years. — JNW

Lady Doreen Figueroa and Bishop Eric R. Figueroa, Sr.

Bishop Figueroa and grandchildren L-R: Quincy, Ella, and Miles Caton

The New Life Tabernacle Mass Choir Photos: Alston Media Group

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www.thepositivecommunity.com

2018 COMMEMORATION OF

THE MAAFA

SEPTEMBER 10 - SEPTEMBER 22, 2018

G N I T A C I D A R E " " y c a g e L s ' y r e v a Sl GALATIANS 5:1

FOR MAAFA SUITE..A HEALING JOURNEY THEATRICAL PRESENTATION, SPEAKER & PREACHER INFORMATION PLEASE VISIT: WWW.THEMAAFA.COM

Rev. David K. Brawley, Lead Pastor | 859 Hendrix Street, Brooklyn, NY 11207 718.257.1300 | Fax: 718.257.2988 | www.spcbc.com | info@spcbc.com SPCBCBKNY

SPCBC One to One Network

Legacy

i, too ColleCtive nurtures tHe arts and younG writers Non-profit housed in the home of Langston Hughes By g.r. mattox

“I would rather have a kitchenette in Harlem than a mansion in Westchester.”—Langston Hughes

T

he residence of one of America’s greatest writers has gained a new life as an incubator for young talent, and a gathering place for the surrounding community.

You can’t have a discussion about the history of African-American literature without the work of Langston Hughes coming into the conversation. Called the Poet Laureate of Harlem, Hughes traveled many places in the world, but his wondering wanderings always led him back to the warm, welcoming heart of Black America.

One of the earliest innovators of the then new literary art form called jazz poetry, Hughes is best known as a leader of the Harlem Renaissance. The poet, playwright and novelist stands as one of the first black writers able to support himself financially through his writing. He purchased a four-story brownstone at 20 East 127th Street about three blocks from Harlem’s epicenter, likely with the proceeds of his work as the lyricist on the 1946 American opera Street Scene. He lived in that house for the last 20 years of his life, penning such literary gems as Simple Speaks His Mind, The First Book of Negroes, four plays and hundreds of pieces

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of verse including the book-length poem suite, Montage of a Dream Deferred, from his spacious top floor studio.

For a time after his death, the home stood vacant, slowly deteriorating. Although given landmark status in 1981, the elegant ivy-covered structure had trouble finding a new owner, even in this desirable section of the city.

Harlem resident Renée Watson, an award-winning author of children’s books, lived in the neighborhood and often passed the house, wondering why the vacant structure was not put to some use.

Using her extensive knowledge from working with www.thepositivecommunity.com

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non-profits, Watson made it her mission to turn the house into a place that would carry forth Hughes’ legacy. First introduced to the writings of Langston Hughes in elementary school, Watson told a television interviewer earlier this year, “The stories I heard about who he was as ‘The People’s Poet’ in this space were that the young people on the block who knew him by name would come to sit with him on the stoop and he planted a garden in the front yard for them to enjoy. Those are the things that drew me to him. This was a person who did not just write about Harlem, but loved Harlem.”

Tracking down the owner and striking a deal in 2016, Watson started a crowd-funding campaign. In just 30 days she raised more than enough to lease the space and open the doors to the public for the first time in years.

She also founded I, Too Arts Collective. Named for one of Hughes’ most famous poems, the collective provides programming for emerging writers.

Watson serves as executive director.

The once-silent space is now alive and active. A highlight of the summer week-long Langston Hughes Creative Writing Institute centered on Hughes’ poetry, hip-hop, and writing that honors everyday people and speaks out against injustice. About a dozen young people of various races sat at tables discussing the poetry process and how it personally relates to them, their community, and modern day culture. www.thepositivecommunity.com www.thepositivecommunity.com

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“The ultimate goal of the program is to know why his work, poetry, and writing are important,” explained facilitator, Lucretia Berry, “and to know his importance and standing in American Literature.” At the end of the weeklong intensive, students performed their work to an audience in the community. “We want kids to be enthusiastic about writing and sharing their voices as Hughes did.”

The collective also holds monthly poetry salons featuring a guest poet and welcomes theater performers, singers, and musicians, to share their work in an open mic forum. The Creative Conversations series is an unscripted, un-moderated, and open exchange for artists and writers on the subjects of the practice, process, and politics of art.

And then there is the monthly social, christened “Semple” after one of Hughes most colorful characters, where local creatives and community members can sip a glass of wine, engage in conversation, and share ideas.

The collective also holds an annual fundraising gala and occasionally rents out the parlor floor for artistic events.

Program Director Kendolyn Walker, who runs the day-to-day operations, is personally interested in the music of Langston Hughes. The parlor floor is open to the public and the typewriter on which Hughes worked and a piano he owned are on view there. “We want to move the organization forward and that means supporting, donating and volunteering just so we stay here and help give a voice to writers and artists of all ages to grow our craft,” stated Walker.”

Eventually, Renée Watson wants to raise the money to buy the house outright and make needed renovations.

“It’s never lost on me that I am in his home, standing in the space that was once his,” she said. “Langston sitting in this parlor space with friends talking politics and music; talking about art — we do that now and I feel he would be proud of what has happened here.”

For more information on the I, Too Arts Collective, visit http://www.itooarts.com.

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90 Years Young Celebrating Rev. Dr. William L. Watkins Birthday

Rev. Dr. Watkins ready to make a birthday wish L–R: Darrell and Denise Williams, Rev. Watkins, Dr. La Nina, and Dr. Sanders Mompremier

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econd St. John Baptist Church in Harlem NY hosted a special birthday celebration on May 18, 2018 for Rev. Dr. William L. Watkins, Jr., who received a huge surprise for his 90th birthday. His son and daughter-in-law, Darrell and Denise Williams, came from Chicago and granddaughter, Dr. La Nina Mompremier and her husband Dr. Sanders Mompremier, arrived from Atlanta to join friends, colleagues, and congregants, adding to the festivities of the milestone event.

Dr. Watkins has spent 43 years in ministry praising GOD. He is a bible teacher, preacher, and pastor emeritus of Bethlehem Moriah Baptist Church. A member of Abyssinian Baptist Church since 1950, Watkins was licensed to preach the gospel by Abyssinian’s renowned pastor, Rev. Dr. Samuel D. Proctor, in 1980. Active in several clergy fellowship organizations, Dr. Watkins is one of the original founders of Harlem Congregations for Community Improvement.

Photos by Bruce Moore

Rev. Dr. William Watkins, Jr. and friends, family, and clergy colleagues

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www.thepositivecommunity.com

Medicare + Medicaid = More Benefits for You! You may be eligible for additional money-saving benefits including:

Medicare Card NEW MEDICARE HEALTH INSURANCE Name/Nombre

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OR

• Care Management support • Top-quality doctors and hospitals • Discounts for hearing devices*

For a complete listing of plans available in your service area, contact the plan. The benefit information provided is a brief summary, not a complete description of benefits. For more information, contact the plan.

Limitations, copayments, and restrictions may apply. Benefits, formulary, pharmacy network, premium and/ or copayments/coinsurance may change on January 1 of each year. You must continue to pay your Medicare Part B premium. Out-of-network services may require more out-of-pocket expense than in-network services.

Benefit restrictions apply. Fidelis Legacy Plan is an HMO plan with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in Fidelis Legacy Plan depends on contract renewal. *Fidelis Legacy Plan partners with TruHearing for discounted purchases of hearing devices.

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Protecting and Connecting NYPD Meets with NYC Clergy Roundtable

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ev. Dr. Que English, senior pastor of Bronx Christian Fellowship and Rev. Dr. Divine Pryor, PhD, executive director of the Center for NuLeadership, hosted clergy from all five boroughs at an all-day conference themed “Building Bridges: Still We Rise NYC” at Hunter College on June 19, 2018.

The event, organized by the NYC Clergy Roundtable, featured a meet and greet with NYPD top brass including Commissioner James P. O'Neill, borough commanders, clergy leaders, community leaders, seniors, and young people. Together they discussed issues such as implicit bias, policing in public housing, sexual assault, domestic violence, human trafficking, and public safety as a shared responsibility in New York City. Rev. A.R. Bernard, senior pastor of Christian Cultural served keynote speaker.

L–R: Rev. Dr. Que English, convener, Building Bridges; co-founder, People's Police Academy, CEO/co-founder, Not On My Watch Inc. with Dr. Jennifer Raab, president, Hunter College

Photos: Rev. Que English

L–R: Doreen LeSane, Terence Monahan, James P. O'Neill, Rev. Dr. Que English, Rodney Harrison, and Rev. Dr. A.R. Bernard

Photos by Bruce Moore

CPA, entrepreneur and motivational speaker, Ronald E. Dukes

Seacoast Missionary

S

eacoast Missionary Baptist Association celebrated its Fourth Annual Granville Academy Scholarship Recognition Luncheon at The Renaissance located in Ocean, NJ on Saturday, June 9, 2018. Scholarship awardees are Denee' Hunter, 2018 graduate of Long Branch High School; and Mason Gray, 2018 graduate of Red Bank Regional High School. The guest speaker was motivational speaker Ronald E. Dukes, CPA.

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L–R: Rev. Alex Brown, scholarship recipients Mason Gray, and Denee’ Hunter, and First Lady Magnolia Brown

www.thepositivecommunity.com

BY DERREL JAZZ JOHNSON

The Cecil Steakhouse

F

rom upscale restaurants to take your significant other to on a special night, to Gospel brunches that feed the soul after church, or eateries that won’t break the bank, Harlem offers lots of dining diversity. If you are checking out these venues for the first time, be sure to let us know what you think! The Positive Community’s TOP 10 Harlem restaurants are guaranteed to please your tastebuds.

TPC TOP 10 Harlem Eateries Chocolat Restaurant and Bar

2223 Frederick Douglass Blvd.

Owned by Harlem entrepreneur Leon Ellis, (who also owns the pioneering Moca Lounge across the street), this restaurant is an upscale dining experience. With tasty and creative dishes like steak with mac and cheese and grilled lollipop lamb chops, Chocolat has a diverse menu that satisfies most desires. For those looking for a cocktail, they also have an extensive wine list and crafted cocktails available until the early morning hours.

Red Rooster

310 Malcolm X Blvd.

It’s hard to find a time when this venue is not packed. World-renowned chef Marcus Samuelsson takes diners on an exquisite culinary journey. Gospel Brunch on Sundays featuring Vy Higginsen's Gospel for Teens Choir downstairs at Ginny’s Supper Club, or dinner on a Monday night while listening to the Rakiem Walker Project, my personal favorites are Marcus’ cornbread with honey butter, mac and greens, and hot honey bird, but with Samuelsson and executive chef Edward B. Brumfield in the kitchen, you can’t go wrong with any menu item.

Sylvia’s Restaurant

328 Malcolm X Blvd.

If there has been one culinary constant in Harlem over the last 50 years, it is without a doubt Sylvia’s Restaurant. This iconic restaurant, founded by the “Queen of Soul Food” Sylvia Woods, is a hotbed of action from their 8am breakfast opening to the 10:30pm closing. With 450 seats, Sylvia’s always has a seat waiting for you. Warning: if you are planning a post-church visit for their Gospel Sunday Brunch, which begins at 11am, be prepared for a short wait. Even with 450 seats, Sylvia’s is always packed on Sundays! I stay with the soul food classics, like fried chicken, collard greens, and macaroni and cheese; but morning, noon, or night, the world-famous Sylvia’s feeds your soul.

Jacob Restaurant

373 Malcolm X Blvd. (and 2695 Frederick Douglass Blvd.)

For delicious, affordable food you can enjoy several times a week, you can’t beat Jacob Restaurant. With two Harlem locations (129th and Lenox and 143rd and Eighth), this weigh and pay eatery gives you the option to savor multiple soul food and Caribbean staples.

Whether you choose fried, barbecue, or jerk chicken, roast turkey, fried fish, or baked salmon, complimented by macaroni and cheese, candied yams, collard greens, a variety of salads and fruit, and even banana pudding—Jacob will send you home with a full stomach and a full pocket to boot.

BLVD Bistro

239 Malcolm X Blvd.

This venue makes the absolute best jumbo shrimp and grits I have enjoyed in my life! Other favorites brought to you by chef Carlos Swepson include BLVD’s Southern Dinner — choice of fried chicken or catfish with turkey collards and southern potato salad, or the barbecue baby back ribs www.thepositivecommunity.com

The Cecil Steakhouse & Minton’s 210 West 118th Street,

With arguably the best selection of steaks and chops in Harlem, The Cecil Steakhouse is a premier fine dining venue. Whether you have a taste for their 24-ounce porterhouse steak, lamb chops, filet mignon, or the pan-seared salmon, they have you covered. If you are looking to enjoy world-class entertainment with a fine dining experience, head to Minton’s Playhouse, which is next door to The Cecil Steakhouse and shares its menu. You will not be disappointed!

Miss Mamies Spoonbread Too 364 W.110th St.

Classic comfort food is her staple and Miss Mamie’s Spoonbread does not disappoint. Two of my menu favorites are the Miss Mamie’s Sampler, which comes with chicken, ribs, shrimp, and vegetables, all in sample portions. The seafood sampler, features shrimp and your choice of catfish or whiting. Stop by to see why past customers as diverse as former President Bill Clinton and Harlem hip-hop artist Cam’ron love Miss Maime’s food. Spoonbread’s catering division is renowned for its multicultural cuisine, which is served at many of New York’s most elegant events.

Melba’s Restaurant 300 W. 114th St.

With famed restaurants Sylvia’s Restaurant and Windows of the World on her resume, Melba Wilson took her talents to 114th and Eighth Avenue in 2005 and created one of Harlem’s finest eateries. Two menu items that I can’t get enough of are the catfish strips with chipotle mayo and the tres macaroni and cheese. Their southern fried chicken and eggnog waffles won Throwdown with Bobby Flay and may have you throwing your hands up in praise.

Chez Lucienne

308 Lenox Ave (at 125th St)

Take a culinary journey to France while in Harlem at Chez Lucienne. Serving French favorites like foie de veau Lucienne (pan-seared calf liver) and canard roti et arugula (roasted duck breast), dine like you are in Paris. If your appetite isn’t as adventurous, the venue offers classic fish dishes like tuna steak and pan-seared Atlantic salmon, as well as steaks and a variety of burgers.

Lenox Sapphire Harlem 341 Lenox Avenue

This venue takes you to the west coast of Africa with a selection of food from Senegal. Be it Senegalese dishes like yassa poisson or poulet (fish or chicken marinated in lemon sauce) or maffe lamb (lamb marinated and cooked with vegetables in a creamy, rich peanut sauce) or classics like shrimp or lobster mac and cheese, sizzling garlic shrimp, or grilled salmon fillet, you will find a dish that agrees with your palate.

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Rev. Dr. Edward D. Harper’s 18 Years of Pastoral Excellence

D

r. Edward D. Harper and First Lady Virginia A. Harper of Macedonia Baptist Church, Lakewood, NJ celebrated his 18th Pastoral Anniversary on June 9, 2018 at the Riverfront Buckingham Hall in Lakewood, NJ. Special guests were former President of the General Baptist Convention Rev. Dr. Guy Campbell and his wife, First Lady Dorothy Campbell; Executive Director of Caregivers Volunteers of Central Jersey Lynette Whiteman; and Executive Director of Lunch Break, Inc. Gwen Love. Friends and family came from near and far to attend this celebration. The afternoon was infused with delightful song, memorable presentations, and special tributes to the Harpers.

Rev. Dr. Edward D. Harper and First Lady Virginia A. Harper

Photos: Karen Waters

L–R: Noah Prince; Leah Prince; Amanda Bivins; Mary Ann Warner; First Lady Virginia; Rev. Dr. Edward D. Harper; Virginia Bivins; Hannah Prince; and Olivia Bivins

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www.thepositivecommunity.com

Remember the date SEPTEMBER 9, 2018 Grandparents Day It’s celebrated each year on the first Sunday after Labor Day Let them know you care… a call... a card... some love

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Summer 2018 The Positive Community

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®

®

Roundtable: The Future of Black Music in America Community Partners L–R: H. Dan Dunn of Ray Catena and Willie Blalock of City National Bank

Comments about the Music Roundtable:

The forum was very enlightening. It became clear that we as a people need to know our history as it pertains to the “Total Black Experience in Sound.” There is a need to listen and connect to one another in order to have a better appreciation for our musical past, present, and most importantly, our future.

The question is; “Where do we go from here?” Where is the emphasis to have MORE positive messages in our music?

Rev. Louis C. Slade President, Frontiers International Plainfield The roundtable was awesome, engaging the community in meaningful conversation and sharing enlightening views from various ages. This dialogue is needed and must be continued to enhance growth and understanding.

The Rev. Stefanie R. Minatee, D. Min. Artistic Director, Rev. Stef and Jubilation

As a member of the Frontiers, Plainfield Chapter, knowing the goals and mission of the forum, I was very pleased with the insightful dialogue that was generated. The panelists varied in their backgrounds by age, generation, and musical connection.

Overall, it was an excellent platform on which to build, in order to bring light and influence to this very important topic.

Darryl Clark The dialogue spanned generations and each voice remained constant in the love for our people and willingness to see us collectively do better.

I represented the hip-hop generation, which is often misunderstood and/ or miscounted and the cultural impact both good and bad is too massive to ignore. Rather than dismiss hip-hop, I embrace it as a tool and arguably one of the most powerful tools to engage youth. As long as we bring our minds together, we can form a fist–shattering any ailments or dangers to the preservation and survival of our people.

Lyle Omolayo Negro Americanos

Our first annual Black Music Month forum went well. Both the panelists and attendees were impassioned with their comments about the history and direction of the music...

John Brinkley, Event Chair, Frontiers Intl.

P

Photos: Vincent Bryant and Karen Waters

lainfield, NJ, birthplace of the iconic R&B funk band, a powerful force whose music, after more than 40 years, continues to impact the entire world; Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, George Clinton and Parliament Funkadelic, in the land of P-Funk! What better setting to launch a Positive Music Matters conversation about The Future of Black Music in America.

On June 16, local civic organization Frontiers International, under the leadership of Rev. Louis

Slade and event chair John Brinkley, hosted their first annual Black Music Month event at Washington School in Plainfield. This year, the group partnered with The Positive Community to introduce a roundtable discussion moderated by publisher, Adrian Council, Sr. It was a lively, upbeat, engaging, intergenerational conversation about our music and our art—past, present, and future—from a glass half-filled perspective. The panelists addressed the fundamentals, the absolutes, the

essentials of music and song, social progress, and show business.

It was a well-informed, expert panel featuring: Rev. Stefanie Minatee, artistic director of Jubilation (choir); Larry “Ice” Winfree from the legendary R&B group Ray, Goodman & Brown, Alexandria Riley, H.S. student and “Open Mic” producer; Lyle Omolayo, artist and hip hop intellectual from the group, Negro Americanos; and Lawrence Liggins, educator and band director, Newark Arts High School.

Q&A discussion

Positive Music Matters Panel

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www.thepositivecommunity.com

Positive Music Matters Panel

Larry “Ice” Winfree from “Ray Goodman and Brown”

Alexandria Riley, H.S. student and “Open Mic” producer

Lyle Omolayo, from Negro Americanos

Rev. Stefanie Minatee, artistic director of Jubilation

Lawrence Liggins, bandleader, Newark Arts High School

L–R: Darryl Clark, Gene Baucum, Adrian Council, Gladston Hackett, John Brinkley, Rev Louis Slade, Saafir Jenkins, and Mike Pyne

Photo: Wali Amin Muhammad

L–R: TPC Publisher Adrian Council, Sr.; Larry “Ice” Winfree; and Rev. Louis C. Slade

L–R: Larry “Ice” Winfree with brother Kevin Owens, also of Ray, Goodman & Brown, with Darryl Clark.

Mr. Owens toured as a back-up singer with Luther Vandross for 25 years.

Here’s the take-away:

L–R: Fatimah Sabir (friend); Yasmeen Muhammad (wife); Halim Quddus, founder & president of The Muslim American Chamber of Commerce; Nadira Nash; Ibn Halim Quddus (Halim’s son); Nasirah Nash; and Elijah Nash

LeDerick Horne, spoken word poet

L–R: John Brinkley, chair Frontiers Lecture committee and Rev. Louis Slade www.thepositivecommunity.com

To secure the future, the African American people must accept full responsibility for their music legacy and culture—all of it! No, it does not belong to the person or the people with the most money! To the contrary, on matters regarding the progress of our children and cultural sovereignty —collective gifts and talents— the only way we can ever be denied these things is if we deny ourselves of our own blessings!

A spirit of goodwill prevailed among all who were present. This was evident in how many remained behind, fellowshipping in small groups long past the end of the event. On that day, the generations were of the same accord in discussing potentials and possibilities, values and ideals — The Future of Black Music in America. And, yes, everyone did agree: Positive Music Matters! —AAC A very special thanks to our sponsors and community partners City National Bank and Ray Catena Luxury Automobiles. To view excerpts go to www. thepositivecommunity.com.

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PATRICIA PATRICIA BALDWIN BALDWIN

Koryn Hawthorne is UNSTOPPABLE Grace Grace & & Peace Peace hen hen you’re you’re focused focused with with aa strong strong mindset, mindset, aa clear clear vision, and the Holy Spirit on your vision, and the Holy Spirit on your side, side, you you might might find find yourself yourself singing singing the the lyrics, lyrics, “Powered “Powered by by the the King King and and He He won’t won’t let let me me fall/‘Cause fall/‘Cause I’m I’m unstoppable/Nah, unstoppable/Nah, nah, nah, He He won’t won’t let let me me fall/’Cause fall/’Cause I’m I’m Unstoppable.”

Unstoppable.”

Those are the lyrics of Ms. Koryn Those are the lyrics of Ms. Koryn Hawthorne, Hawthorne, whose whose rerecent debut album Unstoppable jumped onto Billboard’s cent debut album Unstoppable jumped onto Billboard’s Top Top Gospel Gospel albums albums at at #1 #1 last last month month and and was was streamed streamed more more than than 11 million times in its first week.

I can’t imagine the million times in its first week. I can’t imagine the number number by by the the time time you’re you’re reading reading this this good good news. news. But But wait, wait, there’s there’s even greater news . . .

Koryn Hawthorne is the first even greater news . . . Koryn Hawthorne is the first woman woman to to top top four four gospel gospel charts charts simultaneously simultaneously in in five five years! years!

“Won’t “Won’t He He Do Do It?” It?” Yes, Yes, He He will; will; and and that that is is the the song song you you may recognize played on radio hourly.

It’s also the may recognize played on radio hourly. It’s also the anthem anthem question question of of anybody anybody who who receives receives aa miracle miracle or or favor favor from from God and Ms. Koryn has received favor by the masses.

God and Ms. Koryn has received favor by the masses. This This 21-year-old 21-year-old from from Louisiana Louisiana started started out out at at age age 17 17 on on reality reality TV TV as as aa finalist finalist in in season season 88 of of NBC’s NBC’s The The Voice.

Voice. She She began began on on Christina Aguilera’s team, but found success on Pharrell Christina Aguilera’s team, but found success on Pharrell WilWilliams’ liams’ team team where where she she finished finished in in fourth fourth place. place.

But obviously that wasn’t where But obviously that wasn’t where God God wanted wanted her her to to stay stay because soon after, she was signed to Sony Music’s because soon after, she was signed to Sony Music’s gospel gospel label, label, RCA RCA Inspiration.

Inspiration. Ms. Ms. Koryn Koryn has has been been able able to to work work with some great producers and songwriters like Mekeba with some great producers and songwriters like Mekeba RidRiddick dick and and Canadian Canadian Christian Christian Musician Musician Bernie Bernie Herms.

Herms. God God blessed blessed her her mightily mightily by by connecting connecting her her with with aa producer producer who who would be instrumental in helping Hawthorne would be instrumental in helping Hawthorne produce produce her her own own original original material, material, Pastor Pastor Warryn Warryn Campbell Campbell of of TV’s TV’s Mary Mary Mary Mary fame. fame.

Koryn Koryn joined joined the the TV TV show show Saints Saints & & Sinners Sinners on on Bounce Bounce TV that same year and recorded music for the TV that same year and recorded music for the original original soundtrack, soundtrack, including including the the show’s show’s theme. theme. Her Her unstoppable unstoppable momentum carried her into 2017, when momentum carried her into 2017, when she she collaborated collaborated with with Christian Christian recording recording artist artist Branan Branan Murphy Murphy on on the the sinsingle “All the Wrong Things,” and soon thereafter she gle “All the Wrong Things,” and soon thereafter she made made aa guest guest appearance appearance on on OWN OWN TV’s TV’s Greenleaf, Greenleaf, where where she she dedebuted her hit song “Won’t He Do It.” buted her hit song “Won’t He Do It.” II don’t don’t know know if if Ms. Ms. Koryn Koryn knew knew it, it, but but expectations expectations were were

W

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The Positive Positive Community Community Summer Summer 2018 The Summer 2018

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high high when when she she released released her her 4-track 4-track EP EP in in August August of of 2017.

2017.

Her faith, hard work, and dedication were rewarded Her faith, hard work, and dedication were rewarded with with two two Stellar Stellar Gospel Gospel Music Music Awards Awards nominations nominations for for New New Artist Artist of of the the Year Year and and Contemporary Contemporary Female Female Vocalist Vocalist of of the the Year.

Year.

This young woman, whose vocals are both a little bit This young woman, whose vocals are both a little bit raspy raspy yet yet mellow mellow at at the the same same time, time, is is aa very very humble humble spirit. spirit. Hawthorne Hawthorne says, says, “Thank “Thank You You Lord!

Lord! Thank Thank you you everyone everyone for for buying buying UnUnstoppable!

It has been a wonderful gift to create stoppable! It has been a wonderful gift to create this this album album and and collaborate collaborate with with so so many many amazing amazing producers producers and and writwriters.

I am so grateful for our work together and the ers. I am so grateful for our work together and the response response from from fans fans all all over over the the world. world. God God is is Good!”

Good!” That’s That’s what what haphappens when you believe in God, have faith, and work pens when you believe in God, have faith, and work hard. hard.

You You find find you’re you’re not not just just blessed blessed and and highly highly favored; favored; like like Koryn Koryn Hawthorne Hawthorne .. .. .. you’re you’re UNSTOPPABLE! UNSTOPPABLE! www.thepositivecommunity.com www.thepositivecommunity.com

8/22/18 2:21 PM 8/22/18 2:21 PM

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For more information and to register, visit newarkmuseum.org.

Two new courses on Thursdays, September 27 through November 15 Supported by:

Mixed-Media Sculpture with Antonia A. Perez 10 am – noon

Contemporary Book Arts with Dave DiMarchi 10 am – 2 pm

Website

Always something going on!

www.thepositivecommunity.com

Summer 2018 The Positive Community

95

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

Developing Developing African-American African-American Male Male Youths Youths for for Manhood Manhood

O

n Father’s Day, Sunday, June 17, 2018, the 11:00 n Father’s Day, Sunday, June 17,Community 2018, the 11:00 a.m. worship service at St. Paul Bapa.m. worship service at St. Paul Community tist Church SPCBC) in Brooklyn featuredBapthe tist Church SPCBC) in Brooklyn featured annual crossover activities of Chionusu Bakari, whichthe is annual activities Bakari,The which is Swahili crossover for “Guiding Light of of Chionusu Noble Promise.” conSwahili for “Guiding Light of Noble Promise.”

The congregation and guests watched, listened, enthusiastically gregation watched, listened, enthusiastically applauded,and andguests sometimes cheerfully shouted out while applauded, and sometimes cheerfully shouted out while boys and grown men conducted the annual program. boys and grown men conducted the annual program.

The presentation included artistically choreographed The presentation included artistically choreographed entrances, stances, and movement on the wide, stageentrances, stances, and movement on the wide, stagelike pulpit, along with concise, meaningful statements by like pulpit, along with concise, meaningful statements by youths and adults. Meanwhile, church members and othyouths and adults.

Meanwhile, church members and other observers sat according to their roles within the church er observers according to roles within thethe church and/or theirsat relationship totheir the young men on puland/or their relationship to the young men on the pit. For example, the pastor and accompanying clergypulsat pit. example, the pastor and accompanying clergy sat in a For front row, members of the Board of Elders sat in rows in a front row, members of the Board of Elders sat in rows directly behind the clergy, and the Council of Wise Jewels directly the clergy,Ministry) and the Council Wiserows.

Jewels (leadersbehind of the Women’s sat in theofnext (leaders of the Women’s Ministry) sat in the next rows.

Relatives of Chionusu Bakari members appeared to sit of Chionusu members appeared sit in Relatives sections parallel to theBakari clergy, Elder Board, andtoJewin sections parallel to the clergy, Elder Board, and Jewels Council, and thus appeared to have great views of the els Council, thus appeared views Bakari of the activities on and the pulpit, as well astoofhave the great Chionusu activities on the pulpit, as well as of the Chionusu Bakari members who marched down a selected aisle to reach the members who marched down a selected aisle to reach the pulpit at prescribed times. pulpit at prescribed times.

That Sunday, especially at the 11:00 a.m. worship serThat Sunday, especially at the a.m. worshipwere service, a large number of men in 11:00 the congregation vice, a large number of men in the congregation were dressed in African attire such as dashikis or African robes. dressed in African attiremembers such as dashikis or African robes.

The Chionusu Bakari wore specially designed The Chionusu Bakari members wore specially designed www.thepositivecommunity.com www.thepositivecommunity.com 96 The Positive Community Summer 2018

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outfits, also essentially outfits, alsodesign. essentially of African of African design.

Chionusu Bakari, Bakari, an Chionusu organization afan organization affiliated with SPCBC, filiated with SPCBC, teaches and reinforcteaches and values reinforces positive to es positive values to young black males young black males throughout the year. throughout the year.

During summer During summer months, Chionusu months,typically Chionusu Bakari takes Bakari typically takes members on supermembers on supervised educational trips visedI educational trips to various parts of the United States. strongly suspect to various parts of the United States.

I strongly suspect that Chionusu Bakari’s combined activities and teachings that Chionusu Bakari’s activities and teachings replace negative streetcombined culture with positive Christian replace negative street culture with positive Christian values and discipline. Ultimately, such stuff positively imvalues and discipline.

Ultimately, such stuff positively impacts black male youths’ worldviews and lives, resulting pacts black male youths’ worldviews and lives, resulting in increased rates of high school graduation and college in increasedamong rates ofother high productive school graduation and college acceptance, life results. acceptance, among other productive life results.

According to its website, Chionusu Bakari is a mentoAccording website, Chionusu is a mentoring and rites to of its passage program that Bakari serves black males ring and rites of passage program that serves black males ages 8 to 18. It strives to motivate these young men to ages 8 to 18.

It strives to motivate these young men to think critically and productively. Over the years, it has think critically and productively.

Over the years, it has reportedly helped guide more than 300 young men, rereportedly guide moregraduation than 300 young men, resulting in a helped 100% high school rate and a 96% sulting in a 100% high school graduation rate and a 96% enrollment into colleges and universities. enrollment intomany colleges and universities.

I remember years ago walking through Bedford I remember many years ago walking Bedford Stuyvesant on a weekday and seeing anthrough extremely disciStuyvesant on a weekday and seeing an extremely disci-I plined, orderly school class walking toward me. When plined, orderly school class walking toward me.

When got closer, I recognized their teacher, Horace Moore—I got founder closer, I and recognized their teacher, Horace Moore— the chief administrator of Chionusu Bakari. theDuring founderchurch and chief administrator of Chionusu services at SPCBC, Chionusu Bakari.

Bakari Duringfrequently church services at SPCBC, Chionusu Bakari members sit together in a certain rear section members frequently sit together in a certain rear section of the sanctuary. Years before Chionusu Bakari was orgaof the I’d sanctuary.

Years Bakari nized, frequently seebefore youngChionusu people sitting in was thatorgaarea nized, I’d frequently see young people sitting in that area cutting up. Not anymore. Now I see regal, well-behaved cuttingmen. up. Not anymore. Now I see regal, well-behaved young young men.

For more information on Chionusu Bakari, the For number more information on Chionusu Bakari, the phone is 347.708.2008, and the email address phone number is 347.708.2008, and the email address is info@youngblackmanonline.org. is info@youngblackmanonline.org.

Summer 2018 The Positive Community 97 Summer 2018 www.thepositivecommunity.com The Positive Community 97 8/22/18 2:21 PM 8/22/18 2:21 PM

The Last Word

MUNITY

™

™

GOOD NEWS FROM THE CHURCH AND COMMUNITY

BY R.L. WITTER

thepositivecommunity.com

No. 10

All art, or or by rmispine

e als mate-

May 2018

WELCOME HOME TO HARLEM WEEK

Publisher

I

n my youth, I always looked forward to Homecoming Week; first in high school, and again, later in college. Those of us who attended HBCUs know, from our late teens to our early thirties, Homecoming is EVERYTHING! Thousands of beautiful black people gathered together to enjoy the sights, sounds, smells, and tastes of black culture in America. Divine Nine members step on the Yard and people who haven’t seen each other in years reminisce on past adventures, then catch up on the latest news of marriage, children, etc.

Somewhere around my 33rd year I found myself muttering, “I’m not ‘bout this life” on the drive back to the NY/NJ area. While I could enjoy a football game followed by an afternoon socializing on the Yard, no longer could I hang out all night dancing, trying to keep up with the latest steps done by the current students. I loved seeing people from years ago and the street fair atmosphere with vendors and performers. I just needed it to not be so far away and find activities and music geared a bit more toward my demographic.

That’s when I decided HARLEM WEEK would be my surrogate Homecoming. It’s all of the flavor and none of the guilt! A quick trip across the river from Jersey would have me uptown in mere moments and I didn’t need to fool with rest stops, hotel reservations, or any of the other hassles of visiting my alma mater. Realistically, if you grew up in proximity to New York City, isn’t Harlem basically your alma mater, anyway? I learned plenty at Harlem U. over the years. Back in the day I learned math and negotiation skills with street vendors. I was culturally enriched by shows at the Apollo,

er 2018 www.thepositivecommunity.com

Vol. 18 No. 4

Adrian A. Council, Sr.

Editor-in-Chief Jean Nash Wells

Associate Editor R. L. Witter

Sales

had culinary experiences at Sylvia’s and Copeland’s, and explored modern dance at various clubs.

These days, HARLEM WEEK gives black folks life! With music in the streets, food on every corner, art exhibits, a film festival, JazzMobile, Harlem Summer Stage, fashion shows, a kids festival, a farmer’s market, a fun run, and myriad other activities and adventures to be had, HARLEM WEEK is reminiscent of Homecoming on just about any HBCU campus you can find.

Oh, and as for illustrious alumni, HARLEM WEEK boasts EVERYONE from Duke Ellington and Billie Holiday to Angela Bassett, QTip, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. I could easily write 500 words just listing luminaries and noteworthy people who are from or spent time living in Harlem, but then I wouldn’t be able to remind you that HARLEM WEEK is happening RIGHT NOW and you can still get in on the fun.

Go to a concert, spend a day in the park—become a part of the current Harlem Renaissance.

Enjoy eating, drinking, dancing, shopping, and exploring. Just like at Homecoming, you can buy a tshirt to commemorate the experience. And best of all, no one will ask you “What year?” and put you on Front Street.

thepositivecommunity.com

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

Contributing Writers Patricia Baldwin Glenda Cadogan Helene Fox Fern Gillespie g.r. mattox Mwandikaji K. Mwanafunzi Rev. Theresa Nance

Photographers

Vincent Bryant Risasi Dias Regina Flemming Bob Gore 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.

Summer 2018 The Positive Community

97

A Healthier Life STARTS HERE!

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designing for your community for over 20 years.

Parag Mehta Established in 1995, PM Architecture PC has successfully completed many projects ranging from multi-unit residential to commercial and restaurant interiors. Our firm provides functional architecture that enriches user experience with environmentally sustainable sensibilities. Our ongoing projects continue to improve and revitalize their local neighborhoods.

As Principal of PM Architecture PC, Mr.Mehtahassuccessfullyshapedthe firm into an enterprise that focuses on affordable projects that are developed with the client’s needs in mind.

577 Hamilton Heights is an efficiently designed mixed income rental building.

We are proud to announce that 577 Hamilton Heights has been Pre-Certified PHIUS! (seen below) PM Architecture PC endeavors to develop unused and underutilized sites throughout our city. Many of our projects have been the first to help jump-start regeneration of otherwise neglected areas.

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77 Condominiums is a thoughtfully composed mixed income ownership building. (seen above) Aerial Perspective Rendering at Corner of E 144th St and Grand Concourse

425 Grand Concourse RFP Bronx, NY METAL PANEL

BRICK A

LIMESTONE

Castle on the Concourse is a project designed in reponse to a Request for Proposal issued by the New York City Housing Preservation & Development. The site was formerly occupied

by PS 31, a large gothic style public school that needed to be demolished by the city due to safety concerns.

Thank you for all of your support! We look forward to continuing to serve the Harlem Community!

BRICK B

WINDOW WALL AND PANEL SYSTEM

Grand Concourse Elevation

This project proposes the construction of a new 293,000 gross square foot, mixed-use building. The uses will consist of firstfloor commercial spaces, including a supermarket, , a middleschool, health clinis and a large residential building that opens up to Garrison Playground located immediately to the north of the site.

Governor Andrew Cuomo will continue to fight the Trump Administration to protect our democratic values.

A proven leader, Governor Andrew Cuomo has delivered: $15 Minimum Wage Tuition-Free College Free Legal Services for Immigrant Families Increased Opportunities for Minority and Women-Owned Businesses Criminal Justice Reform • Restored voting rights to people on parole • Raised the age of criminal responsibility from 16 to 18 • Closed 24 prisons and juvenile detention centers • Appointed a special prosecuter to investigate and prosecute police-related deaths

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