Our Great American Story
People must prove to the people; A better day is coming, for you and for me . . . Choice of Colors—Curtis Mayfield and the Impressions
At The Positive Community, we mourn the passing of our friend, Rt. Rev. Reginald T. Jackson, the 132nd Bishop of the AME Church. For ten years, he wrote a monthly column, A Shepherd’s Corner, for our publication.
During that time, he was Senior Pastor at St. Matthews AME Church in Orange, NJ, and President of the Black Ministers’ Council of New Jersey. Yes, he was really looking forward to returning home to New Jersey to be honored as the recipient of the Hon. Mildred C. Crump Loving Service Award at our annual Awards Gala in February. This mighty torchbearer will forever remain an inspiration to us all!
A New Season
Welcome to this season of The Great American Emancipation! It begins during Kwanzaa celebrations (Dec. 26–Jan. 1). On December 30, with solemn remembrance, the 4th Annual Pre-Watch Night Candlelight Prayer Walk takes place in Newark, NJ. The next day, January 1—New Year’s Day—is “Freedom Day.” This date is celebrated because it marks the anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation.
The season then spans through the King Holiday (Jan. 15) and Black History Month, ending on February 28 with the 7th Annual Great American Emancipation Day Awards Banquet at the historic Robert Treat Hotel in Newark.
Two hundred fifty (250) years ago, on July 4, 1776, our nation was formed—the United States of America. The document of record was the Declaration of Independence from Great Britain. One hundred sixty-three years ago, the Emancipation Proclamation, signed by President Abraham Lincoln in 1863, became law. Both events are perfect examples of positive change and mark significant spiritual and cultural high points in American history.
The Great American Emancipation Day Awards ’26 are focused on the contributions of Black Americans to this nation’s founding and on their role in helping to build America into the most powerful nation in the world.
Announcing the Crispus Attucks Medal of Freedom
On what many consider the first day of the American Revolution—the Boston Massacre—the first American lost his life at the hands of the enemy. That American was Crispus Attucks. His sacrifice was only the first of so many to follow.
In the War of 1812, for instance, 15 percent of America’s Navy were Black sailors. Over 220,000 soldiers and sailors fought for the Union during the Civil War. In World War I, more than 350,000 African American soldiers, including the Harlem Hellfighters, served in the U.S. military. Over one million, including the Tuskegee Airmen, served in World War II. Thousands more, including Charles Rangel, served in Korea. And in Vietnam, 300,000—30 percent of all American troops there—were Black. We are justly proud of them all!
This year, we honor members of the Congressional Black Caucus, led by its National Chair, Brooklyn Congresswoman Hon. Yvette D. Clarke, and current CBC members from New York and New Jersey. Along with former U.S. Representative Hon. Edolphus “Ed” Towns, they will each receive the prestigious Crispus Attucks Medal of Freedom 1776–2026 for courage, intelligent patriotism, and unselfish, loving service to country, community, and Almighty God.
The Business of Positive Change
The Positive Community, a multimedia and community-based marketing firm, operates on the premise that real and lasting business success in America must be about much more than money. We believe that a loving service motive—a positive, life-affirming, community-building ideal—should stand alongside the profit motive.
We also believe that the progress of our children and the integrity of our African American culture, values, and traditions mean everything. Indeed, we the people must assume complete and full sovereignty over three sacred areas of a child’s character development and education. Together—one generation to the next—we teach and learn the essentials:
Cultural Literacy — Focuses on origins, history, and destiny. Teach the African American cultural narrative. Never grow weary of telling our own great American story!
Music Appreciation — Positive music matters. Teach and promote the real elements of music, song, and sound—melody, harmony, and rhythm.
The Economics of Culture — To prosper, we must leverage our own natural resources—collective talents and inherent gifts—for the mutual benefit of all. We must exercise critical community-building ideals: teamwork, spiritual unity, and cultural pride; self-acceptance; self-reliance; and self-respect.
A Heartfelt Appeal
Let us all stand for wise leadership, true liberty, cultural integrity, quality service, and positive change. This is our direct, heartfelt appeal to you—a message targeting the very soul of all forward-thinking individuals, organizations, institutions, and corporations that care.
Shout-out to our celebrity athletes, artists, and entertainers—the influencers! Thank you in advance for your support of this noble, righteous, and timely cause—the business about our future.
Join us on Saturday, February 28, for TPC’s annual Awards Gala, AKA the Function at the Junction! It’s all there: good food, great music, and loving fellowship. You will be enlightened, entertained, and inspired. On that day, peace and goodwill prevail. So let us all gather in a spirit of brotherhood to do something positive—together!
…Because a Positive Community Is Everybody’s Business;
It Really Pays to Care!
Suggested dress code: Classic Black.
