The National Black Church Initiative Launches its Responsible Drinking Campaign in Harlem

Members of the National Black Church Initiative (NBCI) from the New York area joined NBCI President Rev. Anthony Evans to launch a Responsible Drinking Campaign during a news conference in front of the Apollo Theater on December 17. The live on social media event brought a simple message to New Yorkers: If YOU ARE GOING TO DRINK, DO IT RESPONSIBLY. Since COVID, alcohol abuse, violence, and deadly vehicular accident rates have risen. The NBCI ministers preached and the theater group, IMPACT, performed to draw attention to the problem of alcoholism in the community.

NBCI, a partner of the Diageo Multicultural Consortium for Responsible Drinking (MCRD) Initiative, is a coalition of 150,000 African American and Latino churches working to eradicate racial disparities in healthcare, technology, education, housing, and environment. The mission of NBCI is to provide critical wellness information to all of its members, congregants, churches, and the public. NBCI partners with major organizations and officials to reduce racial disparities. The programs—guided by credible statistical analysis, science-based strategies and techniques, and methods that work—offer faith-based, out-of-the-box, and innovative solutions to stubborn economic and social issues.

Six public service announcements (PSAs) featuring the ministers (see below) will air on local television and radio beginning in 2023. Powerful messages encouraging responsibility and moderation, the PSAs begin a three-year effort to change the impact of alcohol in these communities.

Rev. Dr. Calvin R. Kendrick, pastor,
Grace Baptist Church, Bronx, NY

Rev. Dr. Sheldon E. Williams, pastor,
Co-Op City Baptist Church, Bronx, NY

Bishop Peggy Smalls,
Change a Life Ministries, Inc. United Clergy of NY

Rev. Dr. James N. McKoy,
Springfield Baptist Church, Beacon, NY

Rev. Dr. Allen Paul Weaver, Jr.,
Bethesda Baptist Church of New Rochelle, NY

Rev. Reginald E Paris, pastor,
United Christian Baptist Church, Bronx, NY

Celebrating Literacy, Leadership, and Legacy

At Roseville Community Charter School, royalty isn’t inherited—it’s earned through leadership, compassion, wisdom, and service. On Friday, March 21, the...

Wellpoint New Jersey Brings Joy of Reading to Schools Across the State

School auditoriums and multi-purpose rooms across New Jersey were filled with excitement in March as Wellpoint New Jersey launched its...

Celebrating Literacy, Leadership, and Legacy

Queens Who Read at Roseville Community Charter School At Roseville Community Charter School, royalty isn’t inherited, it’s earned through leadership...

30 Handy Ways to Use AI

AI is new enough that people are still discovering the different ways it can be employed. Below are some of...

Black Girls Sew

Black Girls Sew is more than just a creative initiative — it’s a movement dedicated to empowering young Black girls...

Accountability and Reciprocity

November 4, 2025, is a significant date in the history of New Jersey. On this...

Ten Tips to Keep Your Business Cybersafe

Sponsored by JPMorganChase A cybersecurity breach can present significant threats to your business. No matter...

Maximizing Your Bank Branch Experience

In a world of online tools that let you make banking transactions with the touch...

The Okwelians: Unlocking New Economic Paths for Cameroon

On the agenda: The Okwelians, an idea laboratory focused on empowering youth and the private...

Target Sees a Decline in Stocks

Target, once a favorite shopping destination for groceries, home décor, and essentials, is facing significant...

The Netflix Series Forever

The Netflix series Forever offers a compelling reimagining of Judy Blume’s classic coming-of-age novel. Developed by celebrated showrunner Mara Brock...
Read More

Yellowman Interview

Born in Jamaica in 1956, Winston Foster, a.k.a. Yellowman, was abandoned by his parents and raised in various orphanages in Jamaica...
Read More

Samara Joy Interview

Samara Joy is 25 and didn’t really immerse herself in jazz until she was in college, when she was studying...
Read More

The Red Summer of 1919: A Pivotal Chapter in American Racial History

The Red Summer of 1919 marked one of the most violent and racially charged periods in American history. Occurring in...
Read More

Target National Selective Buying Campaign Continues

BLACKPRESSUSA.COM NEWSWIRE — To those companies who do embrace the inclusion of their diverse consumer base, we say this: Stand...
Read More

Steps to Weight Loss

Losing weight is a common health goal for many individuals seeking to improve their physical...

15 Steps to a Healthy Life

Living a healthy life starts with two fundamental habits: regular exercise and mindful eating. Together...

Fit in 15: The Spirit of Fitness

There is a spirit that moves us to do things. It can prompt us to...

Al B. Sure! Amplifies the Call for Health Equity

Music icon and health advocate Al B. Sure! is using his legendary voice for a...

Randall’s Island Park Trail

Randall’s Island Park Trails offer a series of interconnected paved loops on an island in...