Generated by All in One SEO v4.9.4.1, this is an llms.txt file, used by LLMs to index the site. # The Positive Community GOOD NEWS FROM THE CHURCH AND COMMUNITY ## Sitemaps - [XML Sitemap](https://thepositivecommunity.com/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website. ## Posts - [Blog](https://thepositivecommunity.com/blog/) - Bring to the table win-win survival strategies to ensure proactive domination. At the end of the day, going forward, a new normal that has evolved from generation. - [AI and the Future of Health Equity](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2026/03/02/ai-and-the-future-of-health-equity/) - By Sheila Thorne What if the same technology powering smartphones, navigation apps, and digital assistants could help close America’s most persistent healthcare gaps? Artificial Intelligence—once the stuff of science fiction—now sits at the center of a quiet transformation in U.S. healthcare, promising faster diagnoses, more precise treatments, and smarter use of limited resources. But as - [Affordability Cannot Come at the Expense of Justice](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2026/03/02/affordability-cannot-come-at-the-expense-of-justice/) - By Dacosta Headley New Yorkers are facing a real affordability crisis. Housing costs are high, groceries are expensive, and insurance premiums are rising. Families are stretched thin. But weakening our civil justice system is not a solution to the lack of affordability. Under the banner of “insurance reform,” proposals are being advanced that would significantly - [Remembering Lloyd Williams, My Brother](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2026/03/02/remembering-lloyd-williams-my-brother/) - By Voza Rivers I met Lloyd Williams nearly seventy years ago, in the Boy Scouts at St. Martin’s Church, when we were just boys growing up in Harlem. Neither of us could have imagined then that this friendship—formed in a church basement, shaped by scouting values, and grounded in a deep love for our neighborhood—would - [Sy Smith Continues to Rise](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2026/03/01/sy-smith-continues-to-rise/) - Sy Smith has built a career defined by soulful artistry, musical intelligence, and unwavering independence. Born in Washington, D.C., she began singing at a young age and later attended Howard University, where she studied psychology and music therapy while continuing to develop her musical voice. Her early experiences performing in the city’s vibrant go-go scene - [The Promise of Everlasting Life](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2026/03/01/the-promise-of-everlasting-life/) - Reverend J. Loren Russell John 5:24 NKJV “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life.” HarperCollins Publishers defines everlasting life as the “gift of God's grace, offering a present - [Driving, Not Being Driven](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2026/03/01/driving-not-being-driven/) - At North Star Academy Washington Park High School in Newark, seniors are taking a new A.I. literacy class built around one core question: are they steering the technology or letting it steer them. The course treats A.I. like driver’s ed, aiming to make students active, critical users instead of passive passengers of chatbots and algorithms.​ - [In Tribute: The Right Rev. Reginald Thomas Jackson](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2026/02/26/in-tribute-the-right-rev-reginald-thomas-jackson/) - When I think about my good friend and brother, Bishop Reginald T. Jackson, I think about a man who was intentional about living out the gospel and helping others become fully liberated and uplifted. Saint Matthew AME Church, in Orange, New Jersey, where Bishop Jackson served as senior pastor, was a solid church where the - [Winter Issue 2026](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2026/02/24/winter-issue-2026/) - [Brown Pointe Shoes, Bold Dreams](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2026/02/25/brown-pointe-shoes-bold-dreams/) - For nearly a decade, Brazilian-born ballet dancer Ingrid Silva laced up her pointe shoes in a shade that was never meant for her. The satin was pink—soft, traditional, unquestioned. It was the color ballet had decided was “neutral,” a pale blush that presumed a single kind of body, a single kind of beauty, a single - [Keke Palmer Uplifts Single Mothers](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2026/02/19/keke-palmer-uplifts-single-mothers/) - Keke Palmer is using her platform in a deeply intentional way, speaking directly to single mothers and affirming that their daily efforts are enough, even when the world suggests otherwise. Her message centers on dignity, courage, and the emotional labor that often goes unseen in solo parenting.​ In a recent Instagram post, she opened up - [Global Denim Honors Black Creativity](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2026/02/19/global-denim-honors-black-creativity/) - Gap and Harlem’s Fashion Row have reunited for a second capsule collection, launching a 20-piece denim line that merges New York Fashion Week excitement with Black History Month celebration. The collaboration centers Black designers and repositions classic denim as a canvas for cultural storytelling and creative expression.​ Five designers of color—Daveed Baptiste, LaTouché, Igdaliah Pickering, - [Rainbow Coalition and Enduring Hope](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2026/02/19/rainbow-coalition-and-enduring-hope/) - The Rev. Jesse Jackson, the veteran civil rights leader, presidential candidate and founder of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, died at the age of 84 at his home in Chicago. His family confirmed that he died peacefully, closing the chapter on one of the most consequential public lives in modern American political history. For decades, Jackson - [Soulful Rise Madison Calley Sound](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2026/02/20/soulful-rise-madison-calley-sound/) - Madison Calley is part of a new generation of musicians who blend emotional honesty with contemporary sound. Her work reflects a deep connection to storytelling, drawing listeners in with lyrics that feel both personal and universal. She represents the modern independent artist—one who builds a following through authenticity rather than formula. From an early age, - [Black-Owned Bookstores Build Community](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2026/02/15/black-owned-bookstores-build-community/) - In a city defined by constant motion, independent bookstores serve as grounding spaces for reflection, culture, and connection. Among the most impactful are The Lit. Bar, Sister's Uptown Bookstore & Cultural Center, and Cafe con Libros. Each of these Black-owned bookstores does more than sell books—they cultivate community, preserve culture, and create platforms for voices - [New New York Woman Rising](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2026/02/20/new-new-york-woman-rising/) - ​ Rachel Scott, founder of Diotima and newly appointed designer at Proenza Schouler, is positioning herself not to build a gigantic brand but to upend fashion’s status quo from within a conservative industry. Fresh off major prizes from the CFDA and recognition from LVMH and Vogue, she met Anna Wintour and accepted that her independent - [Happy Birthday to You!](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2026/02/15/happy-birthday-to-you/) - Rep. Yvette D. Clarke, and Mom Una, Celebrated Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke celebrated her birthday on December 6, 2025, with a lively gathering at KAI Studios in Brooklyn that felt as much like a community reunion as it did a party. Friends, family, elected officials, and longtime supporters filled the space to celebrate Clarke and - [Louis Armstrong’s Playful Musical Triumph](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2026/02/15/louis-armstrongs-playful-musical-triumph/) - Louis Armstrong recorded “You Rascal You” during a pivotal moment in his career, as he was transitioning from a groundbreaking cornet player in ensembles to a full-fledged bandleader and international star. By the early 1930s, Armstrong had already reshaped jazz with his innovative improvisation and unmistakable gravelly voice. “You Rascal You” became one of the - [What About Today?](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2026/02/15/what-about-today/) - Reverend J. Loren Russell James 4:1-6 NJKV Where do wars and fights come from among you? Do they not come from your desires for pleasure that war in your members? You lust and do not have. You murder and covet and cannot obtain. You fight and war. Yet you do not have because you do - [The History of Palm Beach](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2026/02/15/the-history-of-palm-beach/) - Palm Beach, located on a barrier island along Florida’s southeastern coast, has a rich and layered history shaped by Indigenous people, European exploration, industrial expansion, and modern luxury. The area that is now Palm Beach was originally a wild, tropical landscape of mangroves, lagoons, and sandy shores. Its natural beauty and strategic coastal location made it significant - [Colonial Legacies and Economic Dependency](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2026/02/16/colonial-legacies-and-economic-dependency/) - The relationship between France and many African nations is long, complicated, and deeply rooted in the history of colonialism. When people say that France is “exploiting” African countries to the tune of $500 billion, they are often referring to a broader critique of historical extraction, economic dependency, and modern financial arrangements that some analysts argue - [Crafting Silence Into Monumental Form](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2026/02/16/crafting-silence-into-monumental-form/) - Martin Puryear is widely regarded as one of the most significant contemporary sculptors in the United States. Known for his masterful craftsmanship and quiet, contemplative forms, Puryear has built a career defined by subtlety rather than spectacle. His sculptures resist easy interpretation, inviting viewers to slow down, observe closely, and reflect on shape, space, and - [Trades Overtake College in Value](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2026/01/16/trades-overtake-college-in-value/) - Going to college used to be a defining milestone in the classic American Dream. But as tuition costs rise and returns on investment shrink, many young people are rethinking what “success” looks like and redefining the traditional path. A new study by Skillit finds that a growing majority of Americans now view trade skills as - [Algebra Blessett’s Quiet Musical Power](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2026/01/13/algebra-blessetts-quiet-musical-power/) - Algebra Blessett has never relied on spectacle to command attention. In an industry driven by volume—viral moments, oversized personas, and constant reinvention—her strength has always been restraint. She sings like someone grounded in self-knowledge, and that quiet certainty has sustained a career built on trust in the music rather than trends. Raised in Atlanta, a - [Our Great American Story](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2026/01/13/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 - [Employees as Engines of Innovation](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2026/01/13/employees-as-engines-of-innovation/) - Innovation is widely recognized as a critical driver of long-term success for companies in an increasingly competitive and fast-changing global economy. While technology, capital, and strategy all play important roles, the most consistent and renewable source of innovation within any organization is its employees. The ideas, experiences, and creativity that workers bring to their roles - [Stolen Land](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2026/02/06/stolen-land/) - Allow me to explainAsiba Tupahache From the magnanimous stage of The Grammys, Billie Eilish used this platform to say that no one was illegal on stolen land. I thank her for that. While it was good to hear in a moment when she was entitled to shine in the glory of her award, she chose - [Global Fire of Afro-Fusion Sound](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2026/02/08/global-fire-of-afro-fusion-sound/) - Burna Boy stands as one of the most influential African artists of his generation, carrying the sound of Nigeria to the farthest corners of the world. Born Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu in Port Harcourt, he grew up surrounded by a rich blend of culture, music, and storytelling that would later shape his artistic voice. His grandfather - [Still On the Wall](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2026/02/08/still-on-the-wall/) - 95th Holy Convocation October 9–12, 2025 | The House of the Lord and Church on the Mount A powerful testament to unwavering faith, bold leadership, and prophetic legacy unfolded during the 95th Holy Convocation of The House of the Lord and Church on the Mount. National Presiding Minister Bishop Leah D. Daughtry warmly welcomed the - [Who Are You?](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2026/02/08/who-are-you/) - Reverend. J. Loren Russell Luke 18:10-17 NKJV Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. I fast - [How Much Exercise is Enough?](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2026/02/08/how-much-exercise-is-enough/) - Weight training can be one of the most effective ways to rebuild strength, improve mobility, and restore confidence in your body. Using dumbbells, barbells, or weight machines creates resistance that encourages muscles to adapt and grow stronger over time. A typical session might last 30 to 45 minutes, allowing you to work through several movements - [Gordon Parks Foundation Expands Creative Legacy](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2026/02/07/gordon-parks-foundation-expands-creative-legacy/) - The piece announces how the Gordon Parks Foundation is celebrating its 20th anniversary with a year-long programme of shows, books, fellowships and public events that extend Parks’ legacy at the crossroads of art and social justice.​ The article opens by situating the Foundation’s mission in Parks’ own multidisciplinary practice as a photographer, filmmaker, writer and - [MLK Day Events](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2026/01/07/mlk-day-events/) - Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a time to honor the enduring legacy of Dr. King, reflecting on his vision of justice, equality, and service to community. Across New York and New Jersey, a wide variety of events commemorate his life—from volunteer service projects and educational programs to performances, marches, and family-friendly celebrations. These gatherings - [New Leadership for Newark Museum](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2026/01/03/new-leadership-for-newark-museum/) - The Newark Museum of Art has announced the appointment of Lisa Funderburke as its next president, chief executive, and director, marking an important moment of transition for New Jersey’s largest cultural institution. Her selection follows a national search and signals a continued commitment to innovation, community engagement, and inclusive leadership within the museum sector. Funderburke - [Anthony David: Soulful Stories in Song](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2026/01/23/anthony-david-soulful-stories-in-song/) - Anthony David is a Grammy-nominated singer, songwriter, and musician whose work sits comfortably at the crossroads of soul, R&B, jazz, and hip-hop. Known for his smooth baritone voice, thoughtful lyrics, and understated authenticity, David has built a career rooted in emotional honesty rather than mainstream spectacle. His music often feels conversational, drawing listeners in with - [Dr. Gladys West: Mapping the World](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2026/01/23/dr-gladys-west-mapping-the-world/) - Dr. Gladys West was a pioneering mathematician whose work laid the foundation for one of the most important technologies in modern life: the Global Positioning System (GPS). Born on October 27, 1930, in rural Dinwiddie County, Virginia, West grew up on a farm where opportunities for advancement were limited. From an early age, she understood - [Black Slang in Advertising](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2026/01/23/black-slang-in-advertising/) - The use of Black slang in modern advertising reflects a long and complicated relationship between Black culture and American consumerism. Black slang, often rooted in African American Vernacular English (AAVE), emerges from lived experience, creativity, resistance, and community bonding. What begins as an internal language of identity and survival frequently becomes a public-facing cultural product - [Charles White: Art and Human Dignity](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2026/01/23/charles-white-art-and-human-dignity/) - Charles White was one of the most influential American artists of the twentieth century, celebrated for his unwavering commitment to portraying Black life with dignity, strength, and moral clarity. Born in Chicago in 1918, White grew up during the Great Depression, an era that shaped both his social awareness and his belief that art should - [Kandy G. Lopez: Faces of Resilience](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2026/01/23/kandy-g-lopez-faces-of-resilience/) - Kandy G. Lopez is an Afro-Caribbean visual artist whose work is deeply rooted in cultural inquiry, material exploration, and storytelling. Born in New Jersey and raised in Florida, Lopez’s early experiences navigating identity and place would later become central themes in her artistic practice. Her work reflects a commitment to honoring marginalized communities while inviting - [Fifty Years in the Field—Never Weary!](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2026/01/18/fifty-years-in-the-field-never-weary/) - In West Philadelphia, he was born and raised, but unlike the fictional Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, Rev. Dr. W. Franklyn Richardson did not spend most of his days on the playground. Instead, he pressed his way through high school until one fateful day in the 11th grade, when his life was nearly derailed by the - [Audible Opens A New Hub](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2026/01/18/audible-opens-a-new-hub/) - Audible’s “The Pillars” is a 15,000-square-foot wellness-focused retail hub in Newark’s Arts and Education District, created not just as a store but as a community “heartbeat” centered on beauty, rest, and care for Black women. The space is designed to celebrate small business ownership, creativity, and collective care, positioning wellness as both cultural practice and - [Take a Stand, Not a Seat](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2026/01/17/take-a-stand-not-a-seat/) - Reverend J. Loren Russell 2 Thessalonians 2:15 (NKJV) “Therefore, brethren, stand fast and hold the traditions which you were taught, whether by word or our epistle.” - NKJV To stand is not exceptional for the Christian—it is expected. It is not extraordinary to stand firm in faith, to go where others dare not go, to - [Insurance Costs Reshaping Homeownership](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2026/01/17/insurance-costs-reshaping-homeownership/) - Homeowners insurance has shifted from a quiet, background expense to a central force shaping whether people can realistically afford to buy and keep a home. The article explains that premiums are climbing faster than many other household costs, making insurance a key piece of the affordability puzzle for buyers, owners, and lenders.​ Recent years have brought steady, - [The Brain’s Functional Landscape Explained](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2026/01/31/the-brains-functional-landscape-explained/) - The cerebral cortex is the brain’s outermost layer and the center of conscious thought. It is responsible for reasoning, decision-making, language, and voluntary movement. Divided into two hemispheres and folded into ridges and grooves, the cortex allows humans to interpret the world, plan for the future, and reflect on the past. The frontal lobe, located - [Talk Tank Podcast Launches Bold Conversations](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2026/01/24/talk-tank-podcast-launches-bold-conversations/) - That Challenge Thinking, Spark Growth, and Center Real-Life Experiences The Talk Tank Podcast is launching as a bold new platform designed to challenge conventional thinking, spark personal growth, and center real-life experiences. Based in Atlanta, Georgia, the podcast takes on timely and often difficult conversations surrounding business, education, relationships, and personal development, offering listeners thoughtful - [A Model for Urban Development](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2026/01/24/a-model-for-urban-development/) - Urban neighborhood reform and revitalization are complex and prolonged processes. It takes decades to transform New Jersey cities where, historically, the wealthy have fled from the urban core. Despite the obstacles, over the past 12 years, places like the City of Orange Township have witnessed a sturdy, accelerated transformation. After more than 40 years of - [Roseville Community Charter Creates a Sustainable Garden!](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2026/01/24/roseville-community-charter-creates-a-sustainable-garden/) - Dr. Ledford, RCCS Executive Director and Superintendent, along with students and faculty, are celebrating an exciting new addition to the school community: the RCCS Sustainable Garden and Outdoor Classroom. This project represents a meaningful step forward in hands-on, experiential learning for students. The Sustainable Garden and Outdoor Classroom was made possible through a grant award - [Brilliance Against Barriers in Mathematics](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2026/01/31/brilliance-against-barriers-in-mathematics/) - Dr. David Harold Blackwell was one of the most brilliant mathematicians and statisticians of the twentieth century, and also one of the most quietly influential. Born in 1919 in Centralia, Illinois, Blackwell showed exceptional intellectual ability from a young age. By the time he was a teenager, it was already clear that he possessed a - [Biscuits & Banjos Music Festival](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2026/01/31/biscuits-banjos-music-festival/) - Rhiannon Giddens, the Grammy and Pulitzer Prize–winning musician, composer, and scholar, is launching a brand-new music festival rooted in history, community, and celebration. Announced today, her inaugural Biscuits & Banjos music festival will take place in Durham, North Carolina, next April, honoring Black music, art, and culture while also commemorating the 20th anniversary of the - [Stokely Carmichael and Black Power](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2026/01/26/stokely-carmichael-and-black-power/) - Stokely Carmichael was one of the most influential and controversial figures of the 1960s Civil Rights and Black Power movements. Known for his electrifying oratory and uncompromising vision of Black self-determination, Carmichael helped shift the national conversation from integration alone toward power, autonomy, and global Black liberation. His ideas challenged both white America and the - [Nia DaCosta: Redefining Modern Filmmaking](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2026/01/26/nia-dacosta-redefining-modern-filmmaking/) - Nia DaCosta is one of the most compelling voices in contemporary cinema, known for her ability to blend genre storytelling with sharp social insight. As a filmmaker, she has consistently demonstrated a fearless approach to narrative, tackling complex themes around race, identity, power, and trauma while working within popular cinematic forms. Her work signals a - [The Ego: Power and Pitfalls](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2026/01/26/the-ego-power-and-pitfalls/) - The ego is the part of the psyche that gives us a sense of identity. It answers the question “Who am I?” and helps us navigate the world as a distinct individual. Without ego, a person would struggle to make decisions, assert boundaries, or even recognize their own needs. In this sense, the ego is - [The Complicated Black Response to Brown](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2026/01/26/the-complicated-black-response-to-brown/) - The 1954 Supreme Court decision Brown v. Board of Education is often remembered as a universally celebrated victory within the Black community, but the reality was far more complex. While many African Americans supported desegregation as a moral and constitutional necessity, others expressed hesitation, skepticism, or outright opposition. These reactions were shaped not by a - [Inauguration of Rutgers President](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2026/01/26/inauguration-of-rutgers-president/) - President William F. Tate IV articulated an ambitious, future-focused vision for Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, positioning the institution as a dynamic engine of opportunity for students, for the state, and for a rapidly changing world. Speaking before a full audience at Ruth Bader Ginsburg Hall at Rutgers–Newark during his inauguration ceremony on - [A Return on Investment!](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2026/01/26/a-return-on-investment/) - Reverend J. Loren Russell Romans 12:1-3 NKJV I beseech you therefore brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may - [Set Her Free](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2026/02/05/set-her-free/) - The Screen and Statehouse By Kaylyn Kendall Dines, MBA Rethinking Justice Through a Trauma-Informed Lens The criminal justice system is designed, in part, to decisively address a fundamental question: What law was broken? A coalition of policymakers and social justice advocates believe another question should be considered in the courtroom: What happened to the defendant - [Atlantic Routes and Brazil’s Enslaved Millions](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2026/02/04/atlantic-routes-and-brazils-enslaved-millions/) - The history of Brazil is inseparable from the transatlantic slave trade organized by the Portuguese Empire. From the early sixteenth century until the late nineteenth century, Brazil became the single largest destination for enslaved Africans in the Americas. This forced migration shaped Brazil’s population, culture, economy, and social structure in profound and lasting ways. The - [Woodie King Jr.’s Enduring Theatrical Legacy](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2026/02/04/woodie-king-jr-s-enduring-theatrical-legacy/) - Woodie King Jr. stands as one of the most influential and visionary figures in American theatre, particularly in the advancement of Black voices on the stage. For more than five decades, he has dedicated his life to creating space, opportunity, and visibility for artists who were too often excluded from mainstream theatrical institutions. His work - [Islands, Empire, Rhythm, Resistance](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2026/02/04/islands-empire-rhythm-resistance/) - Jamaican speech, often called Jamaican Patois or Patwa, did not appear overnight. It developed over centuries as different peoples were forced, invited, or driven to the island. The accent and dialect reflect Jamaica’s history as a crossroads of empire, slavery, survival, and creativity. What people hear today is not “broken English,” but a fully formed - [Shared Patterns of Systemic Black Destabilization](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2026/02/04/shared-patterns-of-systemic-black-destabilization/) - Across continents and centuries, systems of power have used strikingly similar strategies to destabilize communities of African descent and resource-rich regions of the Global South. While the historical contexts differ, the patterns of disruption in parts of Africa and South America closely mirror the social, economic, and political pressures experienced by African Americans in the - [A Jazzy Soul Singer](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2026/02/02/a-jazzy-soul-singer/) - Ari Lennox is in expressive, earthy form on her first new album since 2022 Singer Ari Lennox operates in a challenging middle ground within the modern R&B firmament. In terms of popularity, she ranks below genre heavyweights like Summer Walker and Kehlani, and far beneath the cultural juggernauts SZA and Beyoncé. Yet she also exists - [Links Host Symposium:](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2026/02/01/links-host-symposium/) - In alignment with its mission and vision to enrich communities and improve the quality of life for people of African descent through friendship and service, the Bergen County Chapter of The Links, Incorporated hosted a powerful symposium titled “Moving Forward: The Impact of the National Climate on the Black Community.” Collaborative Leadership and Partnership The - [From Sitcom Star to Minister](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2026/02/01/from-sitcom-star-to-minister/) - Demond Wilson, the actor celebrated for his role as Lamont Sanford on the 1970s sitcom “Sanford and Son,” has died at the age of 79, his publicist confirmed in a statement. The family, through publicist Mark Goldman, expressed deep sadness over his passing and requested privacy as they mourn, with no initial public details shared - [J Carter’s ONE Musicfest Journey](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2026/01/31/j-carters-one-musicfest-journey/) - Music, Melanin, and Relationship Lessons When Jason “J” Carter set out to fill a cultural void in Atlanta’s music scene, he did far more than create the largest Black-owned open-air festival in the nation. He built a living, breathing testament to Black creativity, ownership, and collective power. ONE Musicfest is not just a weekend of - [Community Solar Helps New Jersey Families Save on Energy](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2026/01/14/community-solar-helps-new-jersey-families-save-on-energy/) - Every New Jersey household uses electricity, but not every household has equal access to clean, affordable energy. New Jersey Board of Public Utilities is working to change that with a program that brings the benefits of solar energy directly to people across New Jersey. Community solar makes it possible for residents to benefit from solar - [Island Pride Electrifies Super Bowl Halftime](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2026/02/12/island-pride-electrifies-super-bowl-halftime/) - Bad Bunny’s headline performance at the Apple Music Super Bowl LX Halftime Show on February 8, 2026, at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, was not just a concert — it was a cultural declaration. The global superstar made history as the first artist to perform primarily in Spanish on the iconic Super Bowl stage, - [Grace, Grit, Gold on Ice](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2026/02/12/grace-grit-gold-on-ice/) - Erin Jackson has become one of the most inspiring figures in modern winter sports, not only for her achievements on the ice but for the unlikely path she took to get there. Known for her explosive speed, calm demeanor, and groundbreaking accomplishments, Jackson’s story is a testament to talent, determination, and the power of opportunity. - [Trees Where Children Might Have Been](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2026/02/12/trees-where-children-might-have-been/) - Saalumarada Thimmakka, a farm laborer from the southern Indian state of Karnataka, died in Bengaluru on Nov. 14, believed to be about 113 years old, after a lifetime spent turning bare roadsides into green corridors. She became a symbol of environmental care in India, admired not for drafting policies or leading big campaigns, but for - [A Stage Carved From Faith](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2026/02/12/a-stage-carved-from-faith/) - In the landscape of American theater, few figures stand as boldly and gracefully as Vinnette Carroll. A visionary director, playwright, and trailblazer, she carved out space where none had existed for Black artists in serious, faith-rooted, and culturally resonant performance. Her work was not simply about entertainment; it was about dignity, representation, and spiritual depth. - [Radiant Pride On Winter Stage](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2026/02/08/radiant-pride-on-winter-stage/) - Haiti’s small Winter Olympic delegation arrived in Milan with a visual statement that far exceeded its size, turning the opening ceremony into a runway for national identity. The country’s two athletes stepped out in outfits that instantly cut through the sea of parkas and uniforms, asserting that visibility itself is a form of power.​ Their - [Newark’s Night of Culture Reclaimed](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2026/01/04/newarks-night-of-culture-reclaimed/) - By Egypt Young Some nights are simply entertaining. Others mark history in real time. A Merry CQ Christmas at the newly revitalized Newark Symphony Hall was undeniably the latter—a night wrapped in holiday joy, Black excellence, and unmistakable Jersey pride. First, flowers are in order. Deep gratitude goes to Raymond Hagans and Talia L. Young, - [Betty Davis: Fierce, Uncompromising, Iconic](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2026/01/07/betty-davis-fierce-uncompromising-iconic/) - Like many uncompromising, creative women, Betty Davis is often called a pioneer—a tribute to the inroads she made for later artists. In the 1970s, she released three raw, libidinous albums that presaged modern expressions of Black female desire in music, influencing artists like Janelle Monáe. Yet her legacy also underscores how much Davis struggled and - [Vanessa Williams Commands the Runway](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2026/01/07/vanessa-williams-commands-the-runway/) - Vanessa Williams’ performance in The Devil Wears Prada marked a significant moment in her career, showcasing her authority, versatility, and commanding stage presence. Taking on the iconic role of Miranda Priestly in the stage musical adaptation, Williams stepped into a character already deeply embedded in popular culture. Rather than imitate previous portrayals, she made the - [The Scholar Who Brought Hip-Hop Into Academy](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/12/09/the-scholar-who-brought-hip-hop-into-academy/) - For decades, scholars overlooked hip-hop as a serious cultural force. But long before universities created minors, majors, or endowed chairs devoted to the genre, Dr. Marcyliena H. Morgan — a linguistic anthropologist from Chicago’s South Side — recognized hip-hop as a living archive of Black thought, creativity, and political expression. Her work would transform not - [Jon Faddis Modern Jazz Trumpeter](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/11/19/jon-faddis-modern-jazz-trumpeter/) - Jon Faddis has long been regarded as one of the most electrifying trumpeters in modern jazz, a musician whose technical brilliance and radiant tone have placed him in a league of his own. Born in Oakland, California, he picked up the trumpet as a young boy and quickly developed an ear finely tuned to the - [The Black and Missing Foundation](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/11/19/the-black-and-missing-foundation/) - The Black and Missing Foundation was created to address a crisis that too often goes unseen: the disproportionate number of missing Black people whose cases receive little to no media attention. Founded by Derrica Wilson and Natalie Wilson, the organization emerged from a shared frustration—families pleading for help while their loved ones vanished into silence. - [Somi from Lagos](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/11/13/somi-from-lagos/) - Somi’s relationship with Lagos began as an artistic leap of faith, a decision that would transform both her sound and her creative trajectory. Although she was born in the United States to Rwandan and Ugandan parents, it was the city of Lagos that pushed her work into a new realm of urgency, grit and experimentation. - [Our Hearts are with Jamaica](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/11/11/our-hearts-are-with-jamaica/) - Our Hearts are with Jamaica - [CBC Is Endorsing Rep. Adriano Espaillat](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2026/01/17/cbc-is-endorsing-rep-adriano-espaillat/) - The CBC, through its PAC, has officially endorsed Rep. Adriano Espaillat over his primary challenger, Darializa Avila Chevalier, in New York’s 13th District. This marks a notable shift given that the caucus once rebuffed Espaillat’s efforts to become a member.​ CBC Chair Rep. Gregory Meeks praised Espaillat as embodying the type of leadership the caucus - [How to Fight the Flu](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2026/01/16/how-to-fight-the-flu/) - Influenza isn’t strictly seasonal. Flu viruses can infect people year-round, but cases tend to rise when colder weather arrives. “When the weather turns colder, we see more respiratory illness,” says Jennifer Turkish, MD, a primary care provider with Primary & Specialty Care at Old Bridge and a member of RWJBarnabas Health Medical Group. She explains - [Avery Sunshine: Soul, Faith, and Joy](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2026/01/17/avery-sunshine-soul-faith-and-joy/) - Avery Sunshine, born Denise Nicole White on May 22, 1975, in Chester, Pennsylvania, is an acclaimed American R&B, soul, and neo-soul singer, songwriter, and pianist known for her rich vocals and heartfelt songwriting. Her musical roots were established early in life through church choir and piano, setting the stage for a lifelong career in music. - [Light Watkins and the Ease of Bliss](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2026/01/17/light-watkins-and-the-ease-of-bliss/) - Light Watkins is a meditation teacher, author, and speaker who has been guiding others in mindfulness and inner peace for more than two decades. He has built a global reputation by distilling complex spiritual practices into approachable, practical tools for everyday life, helping people access joy and presence without mysticism or complexity. Originally from Montgomery, - [IShowSpeed’s Journey Across Africa](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2026/01/15/ishowspeeds-journey-across-africa/) - IShowSpeed’s trip to Africa marked a significant moment in his evolution from an internet entertainer to a global cultural figure. Known primarily for high-energy livestreams and spontaneous reactions, Speed entered the continent with millions watching, curious to see how he would engage with cultures far removed from his usual online environment. For many viewers, the - [Queen of the Violin Rising](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2026/01/15/queen-of-the-violin-rising/) - Kersten Stevens is a genre-defying violinist and composer widely known as the “Queen of the Violin.” Her music blends jazz, gospel, soul, and improvisation into a sound that is both powerful and deeply expressive. Audiences often describe her performances as electrifying, marked by technical brilliance and emotional depth that create an uplifting, joyful experience. She - [Important But Often Overlooked Figure](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2026/01/15/important-but-often-overlooked-figure/) - Claudette Colvin is an important but often overlooked figure in the history of the American civil rights movement. Born on September 5, 1939, in Montgomery, Alabama, she grew up in a deeply segregated society where racial injustice was enforced by law. From a young age, she was aware of the inequalities surrounding her, especially in - [Also known as Mitchell Akat Maruko Raan](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2026/01/15/also-known-as-mitchell-akat-maruko-raan/) - Mitchell Akat, also known as Mitchell Akat Maruko Raan, is a South Sudanese fashion model who has emerged as a powerful presence in the global fashion industry. Known for her striking features and commanding runway walk, she represents a new generation of models who bring cultural depth and personal narrative into high fashion. Her work - [When Expertise Isn’t Enough](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2026/01/13/when-expertise-isnt-enough/) - The new year had barely begun when devastating news arrived: Dr. Janell Green Smith died less than 72 hours into 2026, reminding us once again that Black women’s lives remain perilously undervalued in America’s healthcare system. Her death was not just a personal loss for her family and community—it was a national reckoning that reopened - [Celebrating Black-Owned Culinary Excellence](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2026/01/13/celebrating-black-owned-culinary-excellence/) - Black-owned restaurants have long served as more than places to eat—they are sites of memory, culture, resilience, and community. Across New York and New Jersey, these establishments preserve culinary traditions while adapting to modern tastes, anchoring neighborhoods even as cities change around them. The following ten restaurants represent that legacy, each offering food that tells - [Women’s Health, UTIs, And Prevention](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2026/01/13/womens-health-utis-and-prevention/) - Urinary tract infections, commonly known as UTIs, are one of the most frequent health concerns affecting women, yet they are often discussed only when symptoms become impossible to ignore. In a health landscape that increasingly emphasizes prevention and self-advocacy, UTIs serve as a clear reminder of how closely daily habits, biology, and access to care - [Teyana Taylor’s Defining Acting Triumph](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2026/01/12/teyana-taylors-defining-acting-triumph/) - Teyana Taylor’s win for Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role in any Motion Picture marks a defining moment in her ever-evolving career. Long celebrated as a cultural force—singer, dancer, fashion muse, and creative director—Taylor has steadily proven that her artistry extends just as powerfully onto the screen. This honor recognizes not - [Stress Less, Trust More, Live Blessed!](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2026/01/10/stress-less-trust-more-live-blessed/) - Rev. J. Loren Russell Isaiah 54:1-4, 17 (NLV) “Sing, O childless woman, you who have never given birth! Break into loud and joyful song, O Jerusalem, you who have never been in labor. For the desolate woman now has more children than the woman who lives with her husband,” says the Lord. “Enlarge your house; - [Olivia Dean in the Mix](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/12/27/olivia-dean-in-the-mix/) - Olivia Dean’s second album, “The Art of Loving,” emerged from a moment of pressure and doubt as she tried to follow her Mercury Prize-nominated debut, “Messy,” and prove she could match its success. Initially, she flew to Los Angeles to work in “big, sexy” studios with new producers, but the environment felt wrong for the - [Remembering Ghana Through Barnor’s Lens](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/12/27/remembering-ghana-through-barnors-lens/) - James Barnor, a 96-year-old Ghanaian photographer with an archive of more than 32,000 images, recalls in vivid detail life in the Gold Coast before independence and his encounters with Kwame Nkrumah, embodying a living memory of Ghana’s transformation. From his flat in an elderly-housing complex west of London, he can still describe how he once - [Jimmy Cliff, Groundbreaking Reggae Singer, Dies at 81 ](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/11/25/jimmy-cliff-groundbreaking-reggae-singer-dies-at-81/) - Jimmy Cliff was born as James Chambers on July 30, 1944, in St. James Parish, Jamaica, during a hurricane. His early childhood in rural Jamaica shaped much of his outlook; his mother saw something special in him even as a baby, and those early years laid a foundation for his future as a storyteller, singer, - [The Fire That Never Faded H. Rap Brown](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/11/25/the-fire-that-never-faded-h-rap-brown/) - H. Rap Brown emerged in the 1960s as one of the most electrifying and uncompromising voices of the Black Freedom Movement. Known for his sharp wit, fiery rhetoric, and unwavering political clarity, Brown represented a generation determined not merely to request rights but to claim them. As a leader in both the Student Nonviolent Coordinating - [Olivia Yacé a Beauty Ambassador](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/11/25/olivia-yace-a-beauty-ambassador/) - Olivia Yacé is a beauty ambassador and public figure from Côte d’Ivoire who has used her platform to speak about values, community, and change. Born in Abidjan, she has built a reputation for being more than just a beauty queen — she is also an advocate, a student, and a role model for young African - [Schomburg Centennial Featured at Polonsky](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/11/21/schomburg-centennial-featured-at-polonsky/) - The Polonsky Exhibition of The New York Public Library’s Treasures has long been a centerpiece of the NYPL’s mission to bring rare, historically significant items into public view. Installed in the majestic Gottesman Hall of the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building, the exhibition showcases the extraordinary range of the Library’s research collections. In celebration of the - [James Baldwin and William F. Buckley Jr.](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/11/01/james-baldwin-and-william-f-buckley-jr/) - Few moments in 20th-century intellectual history feel as electrifying—or as eerily current—as the 1965 debate between James Baldwin and William F. Buckley Jr. at the Cambridge Union. It was more than an exchange of ideas. It became a cultural flashpoint, a battle between two visions of America delivered by two men who embodied opposing philosophical - [Such As I Have](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/11/23/such-as-i-have/) - Reverend J. Loren Russell Acts 3:1-6 (KJV) “Now Peter and John went up together into the temple at the hour of prayer, being the ninth hour. 2 And a certain man lame from his mother's womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms - [In the Name of Gratitude](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/11/22/in-the-name-of-gratitude/) - By Asiba Tupahache The act of thanksgiving is wonderful. Especially today, people need time set aside for family, kinship, and gratitude. I am a woman of the Matinecoc Nation, a nation indigenous to what is now known as Long Island, New York. While our traditional time for thanksgiving occurs in October, I offer this in - [Rhiannon Giddens Illustrates Color Me Country](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/11/21/rhiannon-giddens-illustrates-color-me-country/) - Rhiannon Giddens, Grammy-winning musician and celebrated illustrator, brings her vibrant perspective to the children’s book “Color Me Country: A Celebration of Black Women Who Shaped Country Music.” Collaborating with editors Kelly McCartney and Rissi Palmer, Giddens’s artistry is front and center, with PEOPLE unveiling the book’s cover in an exclusive first look. “Color Me Country” - [Caribbean Food with Fat Fowl](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/11/21/caribbean-food-with-fat-fowl/) - Tucked inside DeKalb Market Hall at City Point BKLYN, Fat Fowl stands as a beacon of culinary innovation. The brainchild of chef-turned-celebrity Shorne Benjamin, this vibrant eatery has recently exploded across social media. Its buzz is powered by Benjamin’s inventive spins on Caribbean classics, drawing lunchtime lines of eager patrons hoping to sample specials like - [Nikole Hannah-Jones to Open a Literary Salon](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/11/21/nikole-hannah-jones-to-open-a-literary-salon/) - Nikole Hannah-Jones’s mission has always been clear: protect, uplift, and celebrate Black culture. From the seismic impact of “The 1619 Project” to her tireless work elevating Black journalists through the Ida B. Wells Society, she is a force redefining the narrative. Now, she aims to leave a new legacy in Brooklyn’s Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood—a legacy carved in - [Top Money Apps](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/12/27/top-money-apps/) - Managing money has become more complex in an era of rising living costs, multiple subscriptions and digital payments, but a new generation of apps is making budgeting, saving and organizing finances more manageable and less overwhelming. The article tests several buzzy tools to identify which ones actually help Black women streamline their money management, stay - [Are We Romanticizing Entrepreneurship](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/12/27/are-we-romanticizing-entrepreneurship/) - Our economy is facing significant challenges right now. For instance, the federal minimum wage has remained unchanged at 7.257.25 since July 2009, marking the longest period without an increase in U.S. history. Many cities are seeing average rents for two-bedroom apartments between 1,2001,200 and 1,8001,800. Prices for childcare, groceries, and utilities are rising, and increasing healthcare costs continue to make - [And the Lord Will Reward You](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/12/15/and-the-lord-will-reward-you/) - By Reverend J. Loren Russell 1 Kings 17:13–16 (NLT) “But Elijah said to her, ‘Don’t be afraid! Go ahead and do just what you’ve said, but make a little bread for me first. Then use what’s left to prepare a meal for yourself and your son. For this is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: There will always - [The reign of King Leopold II over the Congo](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/12/03/the-reign-of-king-leopold-ii-over-the-congo/) - The reign of King Leopold II over the Congo Free State stands as one of the most brutal and devastating chapters in modern colonial history. What began as a European monarch’s supposed “civilizing mission” quickly revealed itself to be a ruthless corporate empire, built on terror, extraction, and unimaginable human suffering. Between 1885 and 1908, - [Lamine Yamal a Different Kind of Awe](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/12/03/lamine-yamal-a-different-kind-of-awe/) - In the sun-soaked corridors of La Masia, whispers tend to travel faster than facts. Yet even in a place accustomed to prodigies, people spoke about Lamine Yamal with a different kind of awe. Coaches didn’t marvel at his speed or his power—they marveled at his serenity. He played like a boy who had nothing to - [Steps to Prevent Financial Scams](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/11/26/steps-to-prevent-financial-scams/) - Many elements of retirement are enjoyable, but the increased risk of financial scams is a downside to aging. While everyone can fall victim to a scam, older adults are especially vulnerable. In 2023, the FBI reports that people aged 60 and older lost a combined $3.4 billion to scams. Fortunately, with some preparation, you can significantly reduce - [Enon Church: Faith, Vision, Legacy](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/11/25/enon-church-faith-vision-legacy/) - Enon Church has been a beacon of faith and worship since its establishment in 1872. From its earliest days, the church has provided a spiritual home for generations, guided by dedicated pastors including Reverend Jerry Jones, Reverend A.J. Beavers, and Reverend J.F. Farmer. In 1893, under the leadership of Reverend G.W. Woodson, the church expanded - [Born Albert Leornes Greene](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/11/25/born-albert-leornes-greene/) - Al Green, born Albert Leornes Greene on April 13, 1946, in Forrest City, Arkansas, is one of the most influential voices in soul music. Raised in a deeply religious family, he first performed in gospel groups as a child, which laid the spiritual foundation that would later inform both his secular and sacred music. After - [Faith Ringgold at Shainman Gallery](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/12/03/faith-ringgold-inaugural-exhibition-at-shainman-gallery/) - Jack Shainman Gallery is pleased to announce Faith Ringgold, its inaugural exhibition dedicated to the trailblazing American artist, author, educator and activist. Spanning Ringgold’s extraordinary career, the exhibition foregrounds her groundbreaking and multifaceted practice in textiles—from her earliest ‘tankas’ to her iconic story quilt paintings—alongside pivotal early paintings, sculptures and rarely seen works on paper. Restlessly creative and - [Jackie Aina Influential Voices in Beauty](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/12/02/jackie-aina-influential-voices-in-beauty/) - Jackie Aina has become one of the most influential voices in beauty, representation, and digital culture, reshaping not only how makeup is marketed but how inclusivity is understood within the industry. Born to a Nigerian father and an African American mother, she grew up navigating two cultural worlds while discovering the power of self-expression through - [Teenagers in Lab Coats](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/12/02/teenagers-in-lab-coats/) - Teenagers in lab coats are not the usual image conjured by the phrase “medical breakthrough.” Yet in a suburban high school tucked north of Atlanta, a group of students has spent late afternoons and weekends doing the kind of work more often associated with graduate labs and biotech startups. Their focus is one of the - [Breaking Ground:](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/12/04/breaking-ground/) - First Phase of University Hospital Campus Expansion University Hospital and Rutgers Health celebrated at a ceremonial ground breaking of a multiyear redevelopment plan to expand the campus and increase access to care, world-class clinical services, education and research. Located at 12th Avenue and Bergen Street in Newark, N.J., Government officials, organizational leadership and community advocates came - [A Legacy Shaped by Service](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/12/04/a-legacy-shaped-by-service/) - “I am saddened about the passing of Bishop Reginald Jackson. Before he was elevated in the church, he was a pivotal figure in Essex County, the leader of St. Matthew AME Church in Orange and a champion of civil rights and justice. The Bishop was never afraid to speak his mind and was not afraid - [Love, Loss, and Marvin’s Truth](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/12/03/love-loss-and-marvins-truth/) - Marvin Gaye’s 1978 album Here, My Dear stands as one of the most revealing and emotionally unguarded recordings in popular music history. Conceived during the dissolution of his marriage to Anna Gordy Gaye, the sister of Motown founder Berry Gordy, the album was initially viewed as a curious, even self-destructive act. But over time it - [Tahesha Way Entered the Race for Congress](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/12/03/tahesha-way-entered-the-race-for-congress/) - Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of State Tahesha Way entered the race for Congress today with a message rooted in public service, resilience, and a deep commitment to New Jersey’s families. Her campaign launch underscored a career defined by defending democracy and expanding opportunity, as well as her belief that the state needs leaders who understand - [The Art of Thomas J. Price](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2026/01/04/the-art-of-thomas-j-price/) - Silent Figures, Monumental Humanity Thomas J. Price is a British contemporary artist whose work has profoundly reshaped conversations around representation, identity, and the value of individuals in public art. Born in London in 1981, Price studied at the Chelsea College of Art before completing his Master of Arts at the Royal College of Art. From - [Meeting the Moment: Affordable Housing as a Critical Urban Priority](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2026/01/01/meeting-the-moment-affordable-housing-as-a-critical-urban-priority/) - Urban America faces an unprecedented housing crisis. Rising construction costs, labor shortages, and inflated insurance premiums are increasing rents faster than wages, while federal programs struggle to keep pace. Millions of families are burdened by high housing costs, and although mission-driven developers aim to address this need, zoning restrictions, environmental reviews, and insufficient funding continue - [Redefining Country Through Truth](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2026/01/01/redefining-country-through-truth/) - Rissi Palmer is a groundbreaking country singer whose career has challenged long-standing norms within the genre while expanding its emotional and cultural range. Emerging in the mid-2000s, she became one of the few Black women to receive mainstream attention in country music, not as a novelty, but as a fully formed artist rooted in traditional - [Legends Lost, Legacies Remembered Forever](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2026/01/01/legends-lost-legacies-remembered-forever/) - The year 2025 marked the loss of several extraordinary women whose lives shaped culture, politics, media, and music in lasting ways. Each of them—through movement, resistance, storytelling, or song—challenged boundaries and expanded what was possible in their respective fields. Their influence reached far beyond fame, touching issues of identity, justice, creativity, and human connection. This - [New Year's Framework for Improvement](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2026/01/01/new-years-framework-for-improvement/) - This New Year's framework for improvement is designed for people who are serious about improving their lives in measurable, lasting ways. It does not rely on motivation, luck, or vague inspiration. Instead, it focuses on responsibility, structure, and consistent action across the areas that most directly determine quality of life: finances, business, health, family, wisdom, - [Newark Economic Outlook](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/12/27/newark-economic-outlook/) - The Newark Regional Business Partnership (NRBP) recently hosted the Regional Economic Outlook, an annual program designed to help business leaders plan for the year ahead. This year’s event highlighted statewide economic trends and the powerful role of the Greater Newark region’s creative industries—from film and tourism to arts and placemaking—in driving growth and opportunity.​ Economic - [Fleeing El Fasher’s Carnage](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/12/27/fleeing-el-fashers-carnage/) - Sudan’s nearly three-year civil war reaches a brutal turning point in this piece, which centers on the fall of El Fasher in late October and the harrowing journeys of survivors now sheltering in refugee camps across eastern Chad. The Rapid Support Forces (R.S.F.) seized the city after an 18‑month siege, gaining near-total control of North - [It’s In The Process!](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/12/27/its-in-the-process/) - Reverend J. Loren Russell Matthew 20:11-16 And when they had received it, they complained against the landowner, saying, ‘These last men have worked only one hour, and you made them equal to us who have borne the burden and the heat of the day.’ But he answered one of them and said, ‘Friend, I am - [LISC Partnership with Core Public and Private Sector Partners](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2026/01/04/lisc-partnership-with-core-public-and-private-sector-partners/) - In partnership with several core public- and private-sector partners, LISC has repeatedly demonstrated that meaningful capacity building and targeted investment in under-resourced, mission-driven real estate developers can significantly impact the most pressing affordable housing and community development gaps in our market. Our toolkit includes: Capacity-building grants and technical assistance to strengthen organizational infrastructure and long-term - [Stress Less and Be Blessed In 2026!](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2026/01/04/stress-less-and-be-blessed-in-2026/) - Reverend J. Loren Russell Habakkuk 3:17-19 (NKJV) “Though the fig tree may not blossom, Nor fruit be on the vines; Though the labor of the olive may fail, And the fields yield no food; Though the flock may be cut off from the fold, And there be no herd in the stalls— Yet I will - [Art of Swizz Beatz and Alicia Keys](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2026/01/04/art-of-swizz-beatz-and-alicia-keys/) - The collection is coming to the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, bringing with it a powerful and expansive presentation of contemporary Black creativity. The exhibition draws from the personal collection of musical and cultural icons Swizz Beatz (Kasseem Dean) and Alicia Keys. The exhibition features more than 130 works of art created by 40 - [Songs of Pain That Last](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2026/01/04/songs-of-pain-that-last/) - Richard Smallwood’s obituary sketches a portrait of a classically trained gospel composer who fused Baroque flourishes with Black church traditions to create enduring, widely covered songs. It centers his role as a pioneering “progressive” gospel figure whose music reached from Washington sanctuaries to the pop charts.​ The article opens with his death at 77 in - [Enduring Legacies Across Music, Sports, Politics](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2026/01/04/enduring-legacies-across-music-sports-politics/) - The year 2025 became a moment of renewed reflection on the lives of towering figures whose influence continues to shape American culture, even after their passing. Sly Stone, George Foreman, and Charles Rangel each transformed their respective fields—music, sports, and public service—through innovation, strength, and an unwavering commitment to their principles. Remembering them together highlights - [Safety and AI](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2026/01/01/safety-and-ai/) - Safety and artificial intelligence are inseparably linked as AI systems become more deeply embedded in everyday life. From healthcare and transportation to education and public services, AI increasingly influences decisions that affect human well-being. As these systems grow more powerful, ensuring their safety is no longer optional but a fundamental responsibility shared by developers, institutions, - [Pattern, Power, Identity, African Vision](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2026/01/01/pattern-power-identity-african-vision/) - Thandiwe Muriu is a contemporary Kenyan visual artist celebrated for her bold, imaginative portraits that reframe how African women are seen and represented. Working primarily through photography, she combines vibrant patterns, striking color palettes, and carefully constructed compositions to create images that feel both playful and deeply intentional. Her work stands out for its ability - [Angelique Kidjo’s Global Voice of Freedom](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2026/01/07/angelique-kidjos-global-voice-of-freedom/) - Angelique Kidjo is an internationally celebrated singer, songwriter, and activist whose career has reshaped how African music is heard and valued around the world. Born in Benin, she grew up immersed in traditional West African music, dance, and storytelling. These early influences formed the foundation of her artistic voice. From the start, Kidjo’s work has - [Excellence and Promise at Seventeen](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2026/01/07/excellence-and-promise-at-seventeen/) - Sahli Negassi is a 17-year-old senior at West Orange High School, representing a generation of students navigating adolescence with purpose, resilience, and ambition. As a senior, Sahli stands at a pivotal moment, balancing academic responsibility with long-term aspirations. This stage of life reflects both culmination and preparation, shaped by years of learning and personal development. - [Unearthing the Untold Story:](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2026/01/07/unearthing-the-untold-story/) - Part I — Friendship Baptist Church: Where Faith Meets the Work I want to begin not with a headline, but with a memory. In 1978, I was seven years old, growing up in Harlem. Pastor Coleman, then pastor of New Pilgrim Baptist Church—formerly located at 145 West 131st Street—baptized me. Our church did not have - [Salvation Through Justice: Faith in Action](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2026/01/07/salvation-through-justice-faith-in-action/) - The Salvation and Social Justice Press Conference 2025 brought together faith leaders, community organizers, and advocates to highlight the deep connection between spiritual renewal and social responsibility. Centered on the belief that salvation is not only personal but also communal, the conference emphasized how faith-based action can address systemic injustice, poverty, and inequality. Speakers underscored - [Joseph DiVincenzo Jr. Will Seek 7th Term](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2026/01/06/joseph-divincenzo-jr-will-seek-7th-term/) - DiVincenzo highlighted his 23 years as county executive by pointing to major improvements in Essex County’s landscape, both physically and administratively. He said he remains proud of his accomplishments and continues to bring the same passion and enthusiasm he had when first elected. He emphasized his commitment to representing Essex County’s approximately 850,000 residents, noting - [Atlas: Advanced Humanoid Robotics](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2026/01/06/atlas-advanced-humanoid-robotics/) - Atlas is a bipedal humanoid robot developed by Boston Dynamics, designed to advance the field of whole-body mobility and balance in robotics. It is widely regarded as one of the most capable humanoid robots ever built, demonstrating movements that closely resemble human agility and coordination. The robot was originally created with funding from DARPA and - [Denyce Graves as Maria Today](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2026/01/06/denyce-graves-as-maria-today/) - Denyce Graves was born on March 7, 1964, in Washington, D.C., and raised in the city’s Bellevue neighborhood. Her musical talent was evident at a young age, leading her to study at the Duke Ellington School of the Arts. She later continued her education at the Oberlin Conservatory of Music and the New England Conservatory, - [Afrobeat Rebellion ’25 Fela Anikulapo Kuti](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2026/01/06/afrobeat-rebellion-25-fela-anikulapo-kuti/) - Afrobeat Rebellion ’25 – FELA ANIKULAPO KUTI is a landmark cultural event celebrating the life, music, and revolutionary spirit of Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, the Nigerian musician widely regarded as the pioneer of the Afrobeat genre. The exhibition traces his journey from Lagos to global influence and positions Afrobeat not just as a musical style but as a vehicle - [Chéri Samba Humor as Weapon and Shield](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2026/01/06/cheri-samba-humor-as-weapon-and-shield/) - Chéri Samba is one of the most influential figures in contemporary African art, widely associated with the Congolese movement known as popular painting. Emerging in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, he developed a visual language that blends figurative realism with bold color and direct commentary. His work is immediately recognizable for its clarity, accessibility, - [Dec Jan Issue 2026](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2026/01/07/dec-jan-issue-2026/) - [Grief, Power, and Ryan Coogler](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/12/17/grief-power-and-ryan-coogler/) - Ryan Coogler walks into a room like someone who still doesn’t quite believe any of this is supposed to be about him. The box-office records, the Marvel juggernauts, the awards chatter swirling around his latest film, “Sinners” — he treats all of it like background noise to the real work of getting a story told - [Breaking Ground:](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/12/15/breaking-ground-2/) - First Phase of University Hospital Campus Expansion University Hospital and Rutgers Health celebrated a ceremonial groundbreaking for a multiyear redevelopment plan to expand the campus and increase access to care, world-class clinical services, education, and research. Located at 12th Avenue and Bergen Street in Newark, N.J., government officials, organizational leaders, and community advocates came together - [Happy New Year?](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/12/15/happy-new-yearhappy-new-year/) - This fall, we found ourselves in a season of celebrity. Politics, once rooted in service and sacrifice, has become a spectacle—a parade of promises, polished commercials, and pulpit endorsements. But perennial endorsements are not the best we can offer. Our congregations deserve more than ceremony. They deserve clarity, conviction, and a commitment to real change. - [Thankful and Thriving](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/12/15/thankful-and-thriving/) - Thankful and Thriving As we pursue healthier lives, it’s easy to focus on what we want to change—lose weight, tone up, eat better, gain energy. But fitness is more than a physical transformation; it’s an opportunity to practice gratitude and appreciate the blessings of movement, breath, and the body we’ve been given. This is a - [The Triumph Awards](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/12/15/the-triumph-awards/) - The Triumph Awards, presented by the National Action Network on October 6 at Lincoln Center, once again stood as a powerful testament to the enduring fight for social, racial, and economic justice. Set against one of New York City’s most iconic cultural backdrops, the evening gathered leaders, artists, and advocates committed to advancing equity and - [Sloane Stephens: Teaching kids tennis … and financial skills](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/12/25/sloane-stephens-teaching-kids-tennis-and-financial-skills/) - Tennis is an expensive sport. There's the basic equipment, such as balls, shoes and rackets. Then there are court fees and tennis camp costs and personal coaching. As a young player grows and improves, there are tournament fees and travel costs, and even more coaching. The high price of tennis can keep many lower-to-middle-income children - [Crafting Jazz’s Modal Masterpiece](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/12/25/crafting-jazzs-modal-masterpiece/) - Miles Davis conceived Kind of Blue in the late 1950s as a break from the dense harmonies and fast-changing chords of bebop and hard bop, turning instead toward a modal approach that emphasized scales and color over complex progressions. Drawing on ideas he had begun exploring on Milestones and influenced by European classical composers, Davis wanted an album where improvisers could - [RWJBarnabas Health: The Best Doctors and Services](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/12/25/rwjbarnabas-health-the-best-doctors-and-services/) - RWJBarnabas Health provides New Jersey’s largest network of pediatric care and the state’s only academic pediatric program at The Bristol-Myers Squibb Children’s Hospital (BMSCH) at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, Children’s Hospital of New Jersey at Newark Beth Israel, Unterberg Children’s Hospital at Monmouth Medical Center, and the McMullen Children’s Center at Cooperman Barnabas Medical - [Black Clergy Amplifies the Black Community’s Voice](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/12/25/black-clergy-amplifies-the-black-communitys-voice/) - BY JEANNINE FRISBY LARUE The journey on the long and winding road that led to New Jersey’s state capital is one for the record books. While pundits analyze data, minorities and progressives look at what happened in the June 10 primary election.​ Mayor Ras Baraka led a fierce coalition of supporters who shaped the conversation - [Balancing Motherhood and NBA Ambition](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/12/25/balancing-motherhood-and-nba-ambition/) - Tori Miller’s story centers on how she and her husband, coach Mfon Udofia, are building an NBA “power couple” life that makes room for both demanding careers and a new baby, without surrendering ambition or family. The article follows her path from sending unsolicited scouting reports to running a G League team and now serving - [The Day of Advent](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/12/24/the-day-of-advent/) - Reverend J. Loren Russell Isaiah 9:6 For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end, - [Murals Born From Hip-Hop Roots](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/12/17/murals-born-from-hip-hop-roots/) - Rob “ProBlak” Gibbs is a celebrated visual artist and community organizer whose vibrant murals and graffiti-inspired work have transformed public art in Boston and beyond. Born and raised in the Roxbury neighborhood during the Hip-Hop Golden Age, Gibbs discovered early on that art could be a powerful force for self-expression and cultural preservation. From his - [Grand Opening of the Studio Museum in Harlem](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/11/05/grand-opening-of-the-studio-museum-in-harlem/) - The grand opening of the Studio Museum in Harlem on Saturday, November 15, 2025, marks a pivotal moment in the landscape of Black art and community in New York City. After years of planning, anticipation, and construction, the museum opens its doors in a brand-new, purpose-built home at 144 West 125th Street in Harlem. The - [The Work of O’Neil Scott](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/11/02/the-work-of-oneil-scott/) - When you first encounter the work of O’Neil Scott, it’s impossible not to pause. His portraits—charged with emotion, precision, and humanity—command your attention in a way that feels both classical and entirely new. I first saw his painting Bridge the Gap at Arch Enemy Arts in Philadelphia’s Old City. The piece, a square self-portrait against - [Weequahic Park in Fall](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/11/02/weequahic-park-in-fall/) - Weequahic Park, located in the heart of Newark, New Jersey, offers a peaceful yet invigorating escape for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you’re searching for a serene stroll, an energizing bike ride, or a family-friendly adventure, this historic park has something for everyone. With its combination of lush greenery, gentle hills, and a tranquil lake, Weequahic Park - [His Power, His Presence and His Grace](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/11/02/his-power-his-presence-and-his-grace/) - By Rev. J. Loren Russell Numbers 6:24-26 NKJV “The Lord bless you and keep you; The Lord make His face shine upon you, And be gracious to you; The Lord lift up His countenance upon you, And give you peace.” If you have ever suffered from low self-esteem or a lack of self- confidence, you - [Dr. Ade Osinubi Modern Vision of Medicine](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/11/21/dr-ade-osinubi-modern-vision-of-medicine/) - Dr. Adeiyewunmi “Ade” Osinubi embodies a modern vision of medicine — one deeply rooted not just in healing bodies, but in telling stories. As an emergency medicine physician, filmmaker, writer, and advocate, she has built a multifaceted career that bridges the clinical world with public health education in compelling and human-centered ways. Her work amplifies - [Erykah Badu, born Erica Abi Wright](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/11/21/erykah-badu-born-erica-abi-wright/) - Erykah Badu, born Erica Abi Wright in Dallas, Texas, emerged in the late 1990s as a defining voice of the neo-soul movement. Her debut album, Baduizm, introduced a deeply personal and atmospheric sound that blended jazz, R&B, hip-hop, and spiritual reflection. From the beginning, she treated music as more than entertainment—as a way to heal, - [Erin Jackson: Breaking Every Barrier](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/11/19/erin-jackson-breaking-every-barrier/) - Erin Jackson’s rise to Olympic stardom is a story shaped by speed, discipline, and a willingness to reinvent herself. Before she ever stepped onto the ice, she had already made a name in inline skating, where raw athleticism pushed her toward world-class competition. But when she transitioned to speed skating on ice, her trajectory exploded - [Valerie Maynard’s Art of Resilience](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/11/19/valerie-maynards-art-of-resilience/) - Valerie Jean Maynard stands as one of the most powerful and uncompromising visual storytellers to emerge from the Black Arts Movement. Her sculptures, prints, and mixed-media works confront the realities of displacement, racial injustice, and the resilience of Black identity. Through a career that spanned decades, she carved a space for honesty, memory, and liberation - [Story of the Slave Ship Zorg](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/11/15/story-of-the-slave-ship-zorg/) - The story of the slave ship Zorg offers a chilling glimpse into the brutal world of the transatlantic slave trade. In 1781, the ship departed the West African coast overcrowded with hundreds of enslaved people destined for the Americas, their fates determined by the whims of profit and cruelty. During its journey, the Zorg became - [Colman Domingo](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/11/15/colman-domingo/) - Colman Domingo, is now the face of Valentino Beauty as its first global fragrance ambassador. As he speaks from upstate New York in the midst of stormy weather, his positive outlook seems unaffected by the gloom outside, conveying a sense of unwavering optimism. Domingo is currently taking a short break from a hectic filming schedule - [Afua Kyei Remarkable Figure in British Finance](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/11/05/afua-kyei-remarkable-figure-in-british-finance/) - Afua Kyei stands as a remarkable figure in British finance, not just for the roles she holds, but for the journey she has taken to reach them. The Bank of England’s Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Kyei, has topped the 2026 Powerlist as the UK’s most influential Black person. She is also an Executive Director at - [Aneesa Strings on Bass](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/11/14/aneesa-strings-on-bass/) - Aneesa Al-Musawwir, who performs under the name Aneesa Strings, is a multifaceted musician known for her powerful voice, virtuoso bass playing, and deeply thoughtful songwriting. Born and raised in East Oakland, California, her early life was steeped in music education through public school programs, where a middle school band teacher named Randy Porter first recognized - [AI Specialist Ngozi Elobuike](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/11/14/ai-specialist-ngozi-elobuike/) - Ngozi Elobuike has emerged as one of the most compelling new voices in ethical artificial intelligence, a technologist whose work bridges innovation, community impact, and advocacy. With a background that spans neuroscience, computer science, and health equity research, she approaches AI as a tool that must serve real people rather than abstract models. Her career - [The Price of Beauty](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/11/14/the-price-of-beauty/) - BY FERN GILLESPIE Black women are dying for beauty. Medical studies have shown that the rise of many health crises—ranging from rashes to cancer—among Black women can be traced to beauty-care products. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) conducted a 2025 study evaluating 4,000 products marketed to Black women and discovered that almost 80 percent were - [Audra McDonald Mental Health Revelation](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/11/14/audra-mcdonald-mental-health-revelation/) - Audra McDonald is revered for her work on stage, but her journey has included moments of deep difficulty hidden from public view. Behind the triumph of her award-winning performances lies a history marked by significant personal struggles, especially regarding mental health. During her early years at Juilliard, McDonald felt pressured to conform to the institution’s - [](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/11/13/19094/) - Assault Case Against LaMonica McIver A federal judge in New Jersey has ruled that prosecutors can proceed with their assault case against Representative LaMonica McIver, a Democrat. McIver is accused of assaulting immigration agents outside a Newark jail where many migrants awaiting deportation are housed. McIver’s legal team argued for legislative immunity, claiming she was - [Rap’s Style Architect](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/11/13/raps-style-architect/) - June Ambrose’s legacy in the world of hip-hop style is one defined by courage and innovation. Her magnetic energy and whimsical approach have made her a true trailblazer, transforming the visual presence of some of the genre’s biggest stars. Born in the Caribbean and raised in the Bronx, she grew up with a fierce desire - [Dana Scruggs is Contemporary Photography](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/11/12/dana-scruggs-is-contemporary-photography/) - Dana Scruggs has carved out a singular place in contemporary photography, emerging as a force whose work is defined by motion, power and a deeply human sensibility. Born and raised on the South Side of Chicago, she brings an acute awareness of identity, representation and self-determination to every frame. Her images feel both intimate and - [Studio Museum Opens its Doors](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/11/12/19083/) - When the Studio Museum in Harlem first opened its doors more than half a century ago, it signaled a bold new beginning for Black art and its stewards. What began as a collection-free loft over a liquor store has blossomed into a cultural cornerstone, symbolizing possibility and creative potential. Now, after a long period of - [Reclaiming Great-Great-Grandfather’s Land](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/11/12/reclaiming-great-great-grandfathers-land/) - In the late 1800s, William Dove, a man who had once been enslaved, accomplished something extraordinary. With $210, he purchased 36 acres of land in Potomac, Maryland. For Dove, buying land wasn’t just about property; it was an act of defiance, an investment in his family’s future, and a claim that Black people belonged in - [This Gospel of the Kingdom](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/11/11/this-gospel-of-the-kingdom/) - Reverend J. Loren Russell Matthew 24:3, 14 NKJV “Now as He sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately, saying, “Tell us, when will these things be? And what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?” And this gospel of the kingdom will be - [Known to the World as Tems](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/11/09/known-to-the-world-as-tems/) - Temilade Openiyi, known to the world as Tems, was born on June 11, 1995, in Lagos, Nigeria. She grew up between Lagos and the United Kingdom before returning to Nigeria, where she began to forge her identity as both a young woman and an artist. Raised by a single mother after her parents separated, Tems - [Michelle Obama's, “The Look,”](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/11/09/michelle-obamas-the-look/) - Michelle Obama's new book, “The Look,” is a celebration of self-discovery and beauty in the face of public scrutiny. Stepping into her historic role as the nation’s first Black First Lady, Michelle found every detail of her appearance—especially her hair—under a magnifying glass. The world wasn’t just watching; it was sizing her up against a - [Kehinde Wiley American Artist](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/11/09/kehinde-wiley-american-artist/) - Kehinde Wiley is an American artist best known for his striking, large-scale portraits of Black and Brown sitters placed within the visual vocabulary of classical Western art. His work challenges conventional notions of power, race and representation by placing his subjects—often young urban men of color—within heroic, historically charged formats, thus demanding that viewers reconsider - [Lina Khan Journey Laid the Foundation](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/11/09/19045/) - Lina Khan is a British-born legal scholar and public-servant who has emerged as one of the most consequential figures in U.S. antitrust law and regulatory policy. She was born in London to Pakistani-heritage parents and moved to the United States at age 11, where her family settled in New York. From an early age she - [Egypt’s Grand Museum](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/11/09/egypts-grand-museum/) - From the very beginning, the Grand Egyptian Museum was envisioned as a landmark cultural project of epic scale. Though the foundation stone was laid in 2002, full construction really accelerated in 2005, and then again from 2016 onwards. The idea was to create the world’s largest museum devoted to a single civilization—the ancient Egyptian civilization—located - [Ashley D. Farmer’s Queen Mother](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/11/07/19101/) - Ashley D. Farmer’s Queen Mother is a deeply researched and richly detailed biography that restores the legacy of Audley “Queen Mother” Moore, a central but often under-recognized figure in Black radical politics. Farmer positions Moore not simply as a biography subject but as a lens through which to view twentieth-century Black nationalism, reparations, and global - [Carettes Inc. Debutante and Esquire Ball](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/11/06/carettes-inc-debutante-and-esquire-ball/) - The Scholarship Ball empowers participating students to directly generate financial support for their higher education. A key feature of the program is its exceptional financial return for the participants. Students who take part in the ball will receive 90% of the funds they raise, ensuring that their efforts directly translate into substantial educational savings. Families - [Dr. Calvin O. Butts III Center Opens](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/11/06/dr-calvin-o-butts-iii-center-opens/) - The historic Abyssinian Baptist Church in Harlem ushered in a new era of faith, culture, and community with its Homecoming Weekend, held from September 12–14, 2025. For generations, Homecoming has been a sacred tradition at Abyssinian—a time when members near and far return to honor their spiritual roots. This year’s celebration carried an added sense - [Michelle Obama Graced the Brooklyn Academy of Music](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/11/06/michelle-obama-graced-the-brooklyn-academy-of-music/) - Michelle Obama graced the Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM) on a chilly November evening, radiating both the unfiltered warmth of her charisma and the dazzling strength that has made her a global icon. Throngs of admirers—students, mothers, artists, activists—came together under BAM’s soaring arches, drawn by the electric promise of hearing the former First Lady - [Jamaica Struck by Hurricane Melissa](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/11/06/jamaica-struck-by-hurricane-melissa/) - The island of Jamaica was struck by Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 hurricane, on October 28 2025, making landfall with sustained winds of around 185 mph. The storm brought catastrophic winds, storm surge and flooding, particularly affecting the south-western parishes. Roads were washed out, power infrastructure collapsed and thousands were displaced. The human toll is - [Betty Davis was Born](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/11/05/betty-davis-was-born/) - Betty Davis was born on July 26, 1944, in Homestead, Pennsylvania, into a working-class Black family whose strength and resilience would later echo through her music. From a young age, she displayed a creative spark, writing her first song at twelve. “I was writing music since I was 12 years old,” she once said. “The - [Lynette Yiadom-Boakye a British Painter](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/11/05/lynette-yiadom-boakye-a-british-painter/) - Lynette Yiadom-Boakye is a British painter and writer of Ghanaian heritage whose quietly radical art has established her as one of the most important contemporary figurative painters. Her parents emigrated from Ghana and worked as nurses in the UK’s National Health Service; she has described her childhood as “boring” in the sense of being a - [NEW NEW 2025](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/11/07/new-new-2025/) - [Reclaiming Our Story Are We Too Broken?](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/10/29/reclaiming-our-story-are-we-too-broken/) - By Marcia Brown, Esq. I write to the people James Weldon Johnson urged to “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” to those who walked with Weary Blues in Langston Hughes’ verse of sorrow and survival, and to those who saw their lives, culture, and struggle reflected in the dances Alvin Ailey created. Oh, my people—this message - [Gordon Chambers a Fort Greene Community Hero](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/10/29/gordon-chambers-a-fort-greene-community-hero/) - Fort Greene celebrated one of its brightest lights as Grammy Award-winning songwriter and vocalist Gordon Chambers was honored as a Fort Greene Community Hero. The recognition was part of a community meet-and-greet where neighbors gathered to applaud Chambers not only for his remarkable musical achievements but also for his deep, ongoing commitment to nurturing the - [Vote with Discernment—but Vote!](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/10/29/vote-with-discernment-but-vote/) - By Bishop Johnny Ray Youngblood [Bishop Dr. Youngblood has been a pastor for more than 60 years in New York. He was a key leader in the Nehemiah Project, a Brooklyn-based housing development.] This fall, we find ourselves in a “season of celebrity” in New York. Politics has become all about celebrity. Election season is - [The Legend of Roy Hargrove](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/10/26/the-legend-of-roy-hargrove/) - Roy Hargrove was the kind of musician who could make a horn sing like it had a heartbeat. Every note he played carried a story — part joy, part sorrow, and always soul. To hear Hargrove live was to witness a conversation between eras: bebop and hip-hop, swing and soul, tradition and rebellion. He wasn’t - [Atrocities Haunt Darfur Again](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/11/02/atrocities-haunt-darfur-again/) - The horrors that first brought the world’s attention to Darfur twenty years ago have returned, casting a grim shadow over the region. Once again, Darfur is experiencing widespread brutality, as villages and cities are subjected to atrocities reminiscent of the darkest days in its history. The repeat of such violence is a sobering reminder of - [A Message from Mikie Sherrill](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/11/02/a-message-from-mikie-sherrill/) - My entire life has been dedicated to serving our country and the people of New Jersey. I took my first oath to the Constitution at 18, when I entered the U.S. Naval Academy. I went on to serve nearly a decade on active duty as a helicopter pilot and Russian policy officer. Later, I joined - [The Monsters at Two River Theater](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/10/29/the-monsters-at-two-river-theater/) - The world premiere of The Monsters at Two River Theater is a gripping sibling love story that delves into the messy, turbulent spaces between family ties, ambition, resentment, and reconciliation. Written and directed by Ngozi Anyanwu—the acclaimed dramatist behind Good Grief and The Homecoming Queen—this co-production with Manhattan Theatre Club invites the audience into the - [Health Benefits of Exercise and Physical Activity](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/10/19/health-benefits-of-exercise-and-physical-activity/) - Physical activity is essential for healthy aging, and it can be beneficial at any stage of life. Some potential benefits are immediate, such as reduced feelings of anxiety, reduced blood pressure, and improved sleep. Others are long term and require consistent physical activity over time, such as reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and some - [Short Version](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/11/03/short-version/) - [Gala 2026](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/11/02/gala-2026/) - [Misty Copeland, the Trailblazing Ballerina](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/10/26/misty-copeland-the-trailblazing-ballerina/) - Misty Copeland, the trailblazing ballerina who shattered barriers at American Ballet Theatre, has taken her final bow. On a glittering night at Lincoln Center’s David H. Koch Theater, Copeland returned to the stage alongside her ABT peers for a farewell performance that celebrated her legacy and her 25-year journey with the famed company. The moment - [Allies Rally for McIver Outside the Federal Courthouse in Newark](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/10/23/allies-rally-for-mciver-outside-the-federal-courthouse-in-newark/) - By Max Pizarro The allies of U.S. Rep. LaMonica McIver (D-10) assembled outside the federal building Congresswoman McIver here, demanding the feds drop all charges against the congresswoman and dismiss the case against her. District Judge Jamel Semper was upstairs at the same time, hearing oral arguments from McIver's legal team. Judge Semper this afternoon - [African Americans and the National Anthem](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/10/23/african-americans-and-the-national-anthem-2/) - I can help you write a thoughtful and factual essay on why some African Americans choose not to celebrate the national anthem, focusing on history, culture, and social justice — without promoting hate or exclusion. Here’s a balanced 12-paragraph essay: The American national anthem, “The Star-Spangled Banner,” has long been a symbol of patriotism and - [India Bradley NYC Ballet’s First Black Female Soloist](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/10/22/india-bradley-nyc-ballets-first-black-female-soloist/) - From the moment she stepped onto the stage, India Bradley has carried more than her own artistry — she carries a lineage of possibility. Born in Detroit, Michigan, she was drawn to movement almost as soon as she could stand. Under the watchful tutelage of her mother, herself a dancer and educator, Bradley’s earliest lessons - [Anthony Jackson, a Legend](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/11/01/anthony-jackson-a-legend/) - Anthony Jackson, a legend in the jazz and pop worlds, has died at 73, leaving a legacy etched in bottom-end grooves and uncompromising artistry. Born in New York City, he was a scholar of the electric bass whose relentless pursuit of innovation changed the game for generations of musicians. Jackson’s fingerprints are all over records - [Erykah Badu a Force of Nature](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/11/01/erykah-badu-a-force-of-nature/) - Like a force of nature on the stage and beyond, Erykah Badu remains one of contemporary music’s most singular icons—spiritual, enigmatic, and forever unapologetic. At 54, she is still at the top of her game, and for Badu, making music is nothing short of an athletic feat. Touring eight months out of every year, she - [COALITION OF NEW JERSEY FAITH LEADERS ENDORSE MIKIE SHERRILL](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/10/30/coalition-of-new-jersey-faith-leaders-endorse-mikie-sherrill/) - FOR GOVERNORCOALITION OF NEW JERSEY FAITH LEADERS ENDORSE MIKIE SHERRILL FOR GOVERNOR A broad coalition of faith leaders today announced their endorsement of Mikie Sherrill’s campaign for Governor of New Jersey. Featuring faith leaders from across the state, this show of support demonstrates Mikie’s strong presence in the faith community and her commitment to standing - [Artist King Saladeen](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/10/29/artist-king-saladeen/) - King Saladeen is a self-taught contemporary artist from West Philadelphia whose career has rapidly evolved from local creativity to global visibility. He uses bold colors, playful symbols, and a visual lexicon that draws on hip-hop, youth culture, sports, and community pride. Raised in a neighborhood where artistic outlets were scarce, Saladeen’s early years included drawing - [Drummer Jack DeJohnette](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/10/29/drummer-jack-dejohnette/) - Jack DeJohnette was more than a drummer—he was a sound architect, a rhythmic storyteller, and one of jazz’s most imaginative voices. His passing marks the end of an era that stretched across six decades of exploration and reinvention. From his early days on Chicago’s South Side to his boundary-breaking work with legends like Miles Davis, - [The American Revolution](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/10/29/the-american-revolution/) - The American Revolution is often remembered as a fight for freedom — the birth of a nation declaring independence from tyranny. But for thousands of Black men and women caught between slavery and liberty, it was something far more personal. It was a moment to gamble everything on the hope of freedom. Historians estimate that - [Indian Residential Schools](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/10/29/indian-residential-schools/) - In 1894, the Canadian government formalized a policy that would shape — and shatter — generations of Indigenous lives. That year, attendance at government- and church-run Indian Residential Schools became mandatory for Indigenous children across the country. Over the following century, more than 150,000 First Nations, Métis, and Inuit children were taken from their families - [Artist Barkley L. Hendricks](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/10/26/artist-barkley-l-hendricks/) - Barkley L. Hendricks was more than a painter—he was a chronicler of Black brilliance, a visual griot whose canvases captured the cool confidence, style, and spirit of a generation too often left out of the art world’s frame. Long before the contemporary art scene embraced the aesthetics of streetwear, afros, and swagger, Hendricks painted them - [Samara Joy to Headline Jazz House Kids’ Benefit ](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/10/26/samara-joy-to-headline-jazz-house-kids-benefit/) - Five-time Grammy Award winner Samara Joy will be the special guest at “Ralph Pucci Jazz Set Turns 10,” the milestone fundraiser for Jazz House Kids, on February 25, 2026. Hosted by nine-time Grammy-winning bassist, composer and Jazz House artistic director Christian McBride, the evening will celebrate 10 years of generosity and electrifying performances at the annual - [Wearing History](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/10/26/wearing-history/) - Wearing History Ketanji Brown Jackson and the Politics of Style When Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson stepped into the national spotlight at the 2025 presidential inauguration wearing a dramatic cowrie-shell collar and matching earrings, it was more than a fashion choice—it was a deliberate cultural statement. The piece—a bib-like collar made of dozens of - [Grace Wales Bonner Fashion Designer](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/10/26/grace-wales-bonner-fashion-designer/) - Grace Wales Bonner has quietly but powerfully redefined what it means to design fashion with soul. Her work moves beyond fabric and silhouette—it is a language of identity, heritage, and history. At once poetic and political, Wales Bonner creates garments that feel as intellectual as they are beautiful, weaving together threads of Black spirituality, diasporic - [Wall Street Echoes With Calls for Equity](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/10/22/wall-street-echoes-with-calls-for-equity/) - Sixty-two years after the historic March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, the spirit of that defining moment in American civil rights history was revived in the heart of New York City. On a brisk fall morning, Rev. Al Sharpton and the National Action Network (NAN) led thousands through the streets of lower Manhattan to - [Education as Liberation](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/10/18/education-as-liberation-2/) - Chancellor Tonya Smith-Jackson Brings Vision and Vitality to RU–N R.L. Witter Newly appointed Rutgers University–Newark (RU–N) Chancellor Dr. Tonya Smith-Jackson brings to campus a wealth of experience, insight, and fresh ideas. A lifelong learner with a dynamic academic background, Smith-Jackson arrives ready to share her talents and turn vision into action. Her belief in education - [Seydou Keïta a Self-Taught Photographer](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/10/18/seydou-keita-was-a-self-taught-photographer/) - Seydou Keïta was a self-taught photographer from Bamako, Mali, who began by helping his carpenter father before opening his own studio in 1948. He approached portrait photography with the same careful composition as carpentry, aiming to make his clients look their best. Keïta always emphasized that posing people well distinguished his work. His knack for - [Improve Your Hip Mobility](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/10/16/improve-your-hip-mobility/) - In his early twenties, Ian Root was unstoppable — hustling through long days on construction sites and pounding the pavement as a dedicated runner. But one morning, what started as a dull ache in his hips grew into a stubborn pain that refused to fade. The job he once powered through felt like a daily - [The Joy Reid Show](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/10/15/the-joy-reid-show/) - Joy Reid is stepping into a fresh chapter of her career, one that blends her sharp political insight with the creative freedom she’s long craved. The longtime journalist and former MSNBC host has launched The Joy Reid Show on YouTube — a new platform where her voice, her ideas, and her perspective belong solely to - [Eric Roberson](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/10/12/eric-roberson/) - Eric Roberson is one of those rare artists who has managed to stay both timeless and ahead of his time. In an era where much of R&B has bent toward trends and algorithms, Roberson has remained rooted in authenticity. He’s a singer, songwriter, producer, and storyteller who builds his world one soulful brick at a - [Edmond’s Honor](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/10/12/18832/) - There’s a rising bourbon on the scene called Edmond’s Honor that feels like more than just a new bottle—it’s a story stitched into every sip. From its striking packaging to the wealth of notes and the vision behind it, this bourbon isn’t just trying to join the ultra-premium field. It wants to change what the - [Comet is More Than a Browser](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/10/09/comet-is-more-than-a-browser/) - In a digital landscape long dominated by Google Chrome, a new contender has entered the arena with a bold vision for the future of browsing. Perplexity AI, best known for its conversational search engine, has unveiled Comet, an AI-native browser that promises to fundamentally change how people interact with the web. Officially launched in July - [The Importance of Education in a Time Such as This](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/10/07/the-importance-of-education-in-a-time-such-as-this/) - September means back-to-school. In my day, school shopping meant new clothes, notebooks, a backpack, pencils, and a few other essentials. For some Americans today, it means shopping around to find a school that suits one’s ideology regarding race, religion, American history, and diversity, equity, and inclusion. Nelson Mandela once said, “Education is the most powerful - [African Americans and the National Anthem](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/10/24/african-americans-and-the-national-anthem/) - The American national anthem, “The Star-Spangled Banner,” has long been a symbol of patriotism and national unity. Yet for many African Americans, this song represents a complex and painful history. The ideals of freedom and equality proclaimed in the anthem have often stood in stark contrast to the lived experiences of Black Americans throughout U.S. - [Misty Copeland’s final Performance](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/10/23/misty-copelands-final-performance/) - The evening of October 22, 2025 at the American Ballet Theatre’s Fall Gala at the David H. Koch Theater marked more than a performance: it signaled the closing of one chapter of Misty Copeland’s career and the opening of another. After a five-year hiatus from the stage, Copeland returns to perform one final time with ABT—undeniably a moment - [Alexis Ffrench Pianist, Composer, Producer](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/10/22/alexis-ffrench-pianist-composer-producer/) - Born in 1970 in Surrey, England, Alexis Ffrench is a pianist, composer, producer and broadcaster whose music has been described as “classical-soul” for its melding of rigorous classical training with a modern, emotive sensibility. From an exceptionally early age he showed musical precocity: by the age of four he was improvising on his family table - [Flatbush Central Caribbean Marketplace](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/10/18/flatbush-central-caribbean-marketplace/) - Flatbush Central Caribbean Marketplace x Mangrove FC manifests as a vibrant locus of culture, commerce, and community convergence in Brooklyn, anchoring itself firmly in Caribbean identity while simultaneously reaching outward to engage broader audiences. At its core, it is not merely a market or a food hall, but a cultural ecosystem: a space where Caribbean - [The Root](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/10/18/the-root/) - The Root, one of the most influential digital platforms dedicated to Black news, culture, and thought, is coming home. For the first time in years, the trailblazing publication is returning to Black ownership — and its new chapter is being shaped by a woman who knows the power of purpose-driven media. Ashley Allison, a respected - [Nonprofit is Creating Jobs and Fighting Hunger](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/10/18/nonprofit-is-creating-jobs-and-fighting-hunger/) - Skills-based training is critical to the economy. By 2030, roughly one-third of the U.S. workforce will need to change jobs or upgrade their skills, according to a report by consulting firm McKinsey. But many workers don’t have access to the training they need to future-proof their careers, or overcome barriers from their past. In the Greater - [Known to the World as D’Angelo](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/10/18/known-to-the-world-as-dangelo/) - Michael Eugene Archer — known to the world as D’Angelo — passed away on October 14, 2025, at the age of 51 after a courageous and private battle with pancreatic cancer. His death is a striking loss — but his voice, his songs, his artistry remain luminous, and this essay will reflect on his music, - [Songwriter Skip Scarborough](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/10/16/songwriter-skip-scarborough/) - Skip Scarborough remains one of those writers whose voice you’ve heard countless times, even if his name isn’t always top of mind. Born Clarence Alexander “Skip” Scarborough on November 26, 1944, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, he eventually made his home in Los Angeles — where he would build a career as a quiet architect of - [The Crazy Horse Memorial](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/10/16/the-crazy-horse-memorial/) - Nestled in the rugged beauty of South Dakota’s Black Hills, the Crazy Horse Memorial is at once a testament to audacious artistry and simmering cultural dialogue. From the turn-off of Highway 16/385, four miles north of Custer, the site unfolds—an immense mountain carving still very much in progress, a vision born in 1948. What began - [Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/10/15/sarah-vaughan-international-jazz-vocal-competition/) - The Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition, affectionately known as The SASSY Awards, returns this fall to the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC), promising another electrifying showcase of vocal artistry. Now in its 14th year, the competition continues to honor the spirit of the legendary Newark native whose voice reshaped the sound of jazz. - [Great Power, Great Grace, Great Fear!](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/10/15/great-power-great-grace-great-fear/) - By Reverend J. Loren Russell Acts 4:32-33, 5:1-11 NKJV 32 Now the multitude of those who believed were of one heart and one soul; neither did anyone say that any of the things he possessed was his own, but they had all things in common. 33 And with great power the apostles gave witness to - [D’Angelo — the Reclusive Genius](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/10/14/dangelo-the-reclusive-genius/) - The news hit like a muted chord at the end of a long, soulful jam. D’Angelo — the reclusive genius who reshaped R&B with a smoldering mix of gospel roots, funk grit, and unfiltered sensuality — has died at 51 after a long battle with cancer. The announcement from his family described him as “the - [October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/10/12/october-is-breast-cancer-awareness-month-2/) - October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, but for Black women, the conversation goes far beyond a pink ribbon. It’s about survival, access, and equity. Breast cancer remains one of the most pressing health issues affecting Black women in America, and the statistics tell a sobering truth: we are 40 percent more likely to die from - [Purposefully Employed](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/09/28/purposefully-employed/) - Rev. J. Loren Russell I Corinthians 58-50:51 NKJV Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; nor does corruption inherit incorruption. Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed— in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at - [My Body Is Special](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/09/25/my-body-is-special/) - by LaKeesha Walrond By Dasia Ali The difficult topic of child abuse is explored with sensitivity and care in the picture book My Body Is Special by Rev. Dr. LaKeesha Walrond. Written for children ages six to seven, the book is designed as a shared reading experience between parent and child, giving families the words - [Brownsville Community Culinary Center](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/09/25/brownsville-community-culinary-center/) - The Brownsville Community Culinary Center emerged as a bold response to the challenges faced by one of Brooklyn’s most underserved neighborhoods. Conceived as both a training facility and a gathering space, the center aimed to tackle food insecurity, unemployment, and the lack of healthy food options that had long impacted the Brownsville community. With a - [Bob Marley the Legend](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/09/25/bob-marley-the-legend/) - The sun beat down on the hills of Kingston as Bob Marley leaned back, a smile tucked under his dreadlocks. He spoke with the calmness of a man who knew his purpose. “My life is only important if me can help plenty people. If me life is just for me, me don’t want it,” he - [Celia Cruz, the Queen of Salsa](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/10/12/celia-cruz-the-queen-of-salsa/) - The rhythms of Havana meet the soul of New York this October as Jazz at Lincoln Center pays tribute to the legendary Celia Cruz, the “Queen of Salsa,” on what would have been her 100th birthday. Cruz’s legacy continues to ignite generations with her powerful voice, electrifying performances, and unshakable spirit. This centennial celebration promises - [Tonika Lewis Johnson named a MacArthur Fellow](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/10/12/tonika-lewis-johnson-named-a-macarthur-fellow/) - Her name lit up arts pages, headlines, and community conversations this fall: Tonika Lewis Johnson, Chicago’s own photographic and social-justice artist, has been named a MacArthur Fellow in the 2025 class — one of the fabled “genius grant” recipients. The award, spanning five years and amounting to $800,000 with no strings attached, is not just - [Building a Stronger, by Investing in Young People](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/10/10/building-a-stronger-by-investing-in-young-people/) - Launched by JPMorganChase in 2010, The Fellowship Initiative (TFI) is a college and career success program that uses a holistic approach to increase the economic mobility of young people. By offering academic enrichment, skills building, mentoring, career readiness, and leadership development, TFI supports young people from all backgrounds – including, without limitation, Black and Latino - [Trumpeter and Composer Wynton Marsalis](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/10/07/trumpeter-and-composer-wynton-marsalis/) - Trumpeter and composer Wynton Marsalis spent his formative early years around seasoned Black artists who taught him about American culture from their perspectives. It started with his father, Ellis Marsalis, the late jazz pianist and educator, who introduced him to music by way of his funk band, pushed him to perfect his practice, and showed - [The Waiting Workforce](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/10/07/the-waiting-workforce/) - One in three Americans has some kind of arrest or conviction record. JPMorganChase is helping remove barriers to employment for people with criminal records. Together, we can help make second chances happen.The Waiting Workforce JPMorganChase is helping remove barriers to employment for people with criminal records. Together, we can help make second chances happen. Even - [Fahamu Pecou: Redefining the Frame of Black Masculinity](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/10/07/fahamu-pecou-redefining-the-frame-of-black-masculinity/) - Fahamu Pecou strides across the intersections of art, scholarship, and activism with the confidence of a man who knows the power of his voice—and his brush. His work is not confined to a single medium or audience; instead, it pulses through gallery walls, lecture halls, and community spaces, challenging the world’s perceptions of Black masculinity. - [We Were the Blueprint: What Happened to Black Music’s Soul?](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/10/07/we-were-the-blueprint-what-happened-to-black-musics-soul/) - By Monyea Crawford You ever notice how, especially when it comes to Black music… it feels like it’s over? Not the sound, not the spirit — but the substance. Ain’t no bands no more. Ain’t no real musicians. Just computers, dancers, and a whole lotta smoke. Somewhere along the line, we traded live grooves for - [Brick City Run Club](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/10/07/brick-city-run-club/) - Brick City Run Club is more than a running group—it’s a movement built from Newark’s resilient spirit, personal transformation, and the belief that community shapes people as much as measured miles do. Founded by two friends, Lee and Gerald, in the heart of Newark, New Jersey, this club began with Sunday morning runs through city - [Good News!](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/10/01/good-news/) - Attention Roll Call Members:It was gratifying to learn that our newest member—the youth ministry of Pilgrim Baptist Church in Newark, Delaware—successfully sold copies of The Positive Community magazine to members of the congregation. This development is truly encouraging. Notably, after church the publication sold out immediately, necessitating the youth to reorder additional copies to meet - [Education as Liberation](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/10/01/education-as-liberation/) - BY R.L. WITTER Chancellor Tonya Smith-Jackson Brings Vision and Vitality to RU–N Newly appointed Rutgers University–Newark (RU-N) Chancellor Tonya Smith-Jackson comes to RU-N with a wealth of experience, knowledge, and ideas. A wunderkind with an impressive educational background, Smith-Jackson is ready to share her talents and bring ideas and improvements to fruition. She comes by - [JPMorganChase Finances $1 Billion for Affordable Housing in NYC](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/10/01/jpmorganchase-finances-1-billion-for-affordable-housing-in-nyc/) - There are a few things every single New Yorker has an opinion on: Times Square. The fate of the $1 pizza slice. Housing in NYC. Regardless of your feelings on the cost and availability of housing in the city, there’s no denying the importance and scale of the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA), a - [Sylvia Rhone Announced Her Retirement](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/10/01/sylvia-rhone-announced-her-retirement/) - When Sylvia Rhone announced her retirement, it sent a ripple through the music industry. For decades, she has stood as one of the most influential executives in the business, redefining what it meant for a Black woman to lead at the highest level of corporate music culture. Known for her pioneering vision, impeccable ear, and - [Football Star, a Ballet Gala and a Bank ](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/09/30/football-star-a-ballet-gala-and-a-bank/) - When football player Victor Cruz agreed to salsa dance at a gala, he had no idea of the wide-reaching impact of his fancy footwork. Here’s how a dance led to programs that have helped children and promoted financial education for thousands. In late 2011, JPMorganChase, lead sponsor for the annual Ballet Hispanico gala, had a - [John Leguizamo's The Other Human](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/09/29/john-leguizamos-the-other-human/) - John Leguizamo has always been a force of nature on stage, using his body, voice, and razor-sharp wit to pull audiences into his orbit. With The Other Human, his newest theatrical exploration, he does not simply entertain—he challenges us to reexamine our assumptions about identity, empathy, and belonging. The play, like much of his work, - [Commended By Choice](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/10/07/commended-by-choice/) - Rev. J. Loren Russell 2 Corinthians 6:4-10 NKJV But in all things we commend ourselves as ministers of God: in much patience, in tribulations, in needs, in distresses, in stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labors, in sleeplessness, in fastings; by purity, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the Holy Spirit, by sincere love, - [A New Chapter for Newark](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/10/05/a-new-chapter-for-newark/) - Federal Judge Poised to End Decade of Police Oversight After Historic Reforms Newark stands at the brink of a historic moment. A federal judge has announced her intent to release the city’s police department from U.S. Justice Department oversight, marking the end of a decade-long reform effort that reshaped one of America’s most infamous law - [Documentary Seed](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/10/05/documentary-seed/) - In her debut feature documentary Seed, filmmaker Brittany Shyne embarks on a journey into the heart of the American South, where land, legacy, and lineage intersect in profound and sometimes painful ways. Through the lives of Black generational farmers, Shyne examines not only the fragility of inheritance but also the cultural, spiritual, and historical weight - [Art Night Out](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/10/05/art-night-out/) - Newark’s Cultural Heartbeat Lights Up the City On the evening of Friday, October 10, 2025, the streets of Newark will pulse with light, color, and sound as Art Night Out with The Art Walk, Love transforms the city into a living gallery. From 5 p.m. to midnight, more than 30 venues and hundreds of artists - [Topdog/Underdog by Suzan-Lori Parks](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/10/04/topdog-underdog-by-suzan-lori-parks/) - Winner of the Pulitzer Prize for Drama and the 2023 Tony Award for Best Revival of a Play, Topdog/Underdog by Suzan-Lori Parks is a landmark of contemporary theater. This searing, darkly funny, and profoundly moving work continues to resonate more than two decades after its debut, offering audiences a raw and unflinching look at family, survival, and - [Entrepreneurs Expand Access to Healthy Food in D.C.](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/10/04/entrepreneurs-expand-access-to-healthy-food-in-d-c/) - When D.C. entrepreneur Pinkey Reddick, a 33-year resident of Deanwood–a tight-knit community in Ward 7–noticed her community had limited access to full-service grocery stores and healthy food options, she wanted to do something about it. In 2016, Reddick opened Pinke’s E.A.T.S, a family-run catering and food delivery service, to provide healthy, fresh food options to - [Phones Down, Heads Up:](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/10/04/phones-down-heads-up/) - New Policies Aim to Reclaim Student AttentionBY CANDACE WALLER Across the country, school districts are revising their policies on cell phone usage to boost student engagement. For the 2025–26 academic year, New York City Mayor Eric Adams and Governor Kathy Hochul have instituted a ban on student cell phone use during school hours, according to - [The Famine in Darfur](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/10/04/the-famine-in-darfur/) - The famine sweeping through the Far East has become a tragedy measured not only in numbers but also in names. Aid workers describe villages where the only sound is the hollow echo of hunger, and where children have forgotten how to cry. In the capital, officials speak in restrained tones about “food insecurity,” but in - [Montclair Library to Honor Peter Bodge](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/10/04/montclair-library-to-honor-peter-bodge/) - Grand opening set for Oct. 12 with a free outdoor concert with a world-class jazz trio. Montclair is preparing to celebrate the life and legacy of Peter Bodge, a beloved educator, artist and musician who passed away on September 5. Known for his popular listening sessions at the Montclair Public Library, Bodge leaves behind more - [Saxophonist James Brandon Lewis](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/10/04/saxophonist-james-brandon-lewis/) - From Buffalo, New York to stages around the world, James Brandon Lewis has carved out a singular path with his tenor saxophone, marked by urgency, soulful depth, and a refusal to accept the status quo. Born August 13, 1983, Lewis came from a family with strong roots in the church—his father a pastor, his mother - [Brittney S. Price: Painting Stories of Justice, Identity, and Hope](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/10/04/brittney-s-price-painting-stories-of-justice-identity-and-hope/) - Brittney S. Price is a Los Angeles-based visual artist whose work spans painting, murals, and mixed media installations. Known for her bold use of color, layered symbolism, and deep cultural resonance, Price has exhibited in galleries across the country and left her mark on city walls through public art that speaks directly to community experiences. - [Vanessa Williams Symbol of Resilience, and Elegance](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/10/02/vanessa-williams-symbol-of-resilience-and-elegance/) - Vanessa Williams has always been more than a singer, actress, or beauty queen—she has been a symbol of resilience, elegance, and reinvention. Her journey has taken her from a historic triumph in the world of pageantry to a multi-hyphenate career in entertainment, all while redefining what it means to stand tall in the face of - [Primatologist Jane Goodall dies at age 91](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/10/02/primatologist-jane-goodall-dies-at-age-91/) - Jane Goodall’s name has become synonymous with courage, compassion, and a lifelong devotion to the natural world. In remembering her extraordinary journey, we are reminded not just of her groundbreaking discoveries among chimpanzees, but of her unshakable belief in the interconnectedness of all living things. Her life, spanning nearly a century, was more than a - [In The Potters Hand](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/09/21/in-the-potters-hand/) - Rev. J. Loren Russell Jeremiah 18:1-6 NKJV The word which came to Jeremiah from the Lord, saying: “Arise and go down to the potter’s house, and there I will cause you to hear My words.” Then I went down to the potter’s house, and there he was, making something at the wheel. And the vessel - [Abraham Lincoln Not a True Hero](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/09/21/abraham-lincoln-not-a-true-hero/) - Abraham Lincoln’s ideas about slavery, race, and the future of Black Americans were deeply tied to the concept of colonization. Colonization meant resettling freed African Americans outside the United States, most often in Liberia on Africa’s west coast or in places like Central America. This idea was not unique to Lincoln; it had been promoted by - [Taylor Rooks Launches Foundation](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/08/04/taylor-rooks-launches-foundation/) - Taylor Rooks is paying it forward through her new foundation. Emmy-winning sports journalist Taylor Rooks is expanding her impact beyond the media world with the launch of a foundation named in her honor. On July 11, Rooks announced the Taylor Rooks Foundation (TRF), dedicated to supporting underrepresented communities through funding, community engagement, and providing meaningful opportunities, according to Sports Illustrated. Backed by - [Essex County College Celebrates Athletic Legends at Inaugural Hall of Fame](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/08/01/essex-county-college-celebrates-athletic-legends-at-inaugural-hall-of-fame/) - A night of pride and powerful reflection lit up Essex County College (ECC) on May 9, as the college hosted its inaugural Wolverines Athletics Hall of Fame induction ceremony at the Cleo Hill Physical Education Building in Newark. The event honored local sports pioneers, Olympic medalists, and record-breaking teams who have made a lasting impact - [We Can’t Talk About Freedom With out Talking About Food](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/07/21/we-cant-talk-about-freedom-with-out-talking-about-food/) - BY THIANE SAMB, METRO PLUS HEALTH POPULATION HEALTH COMPLEX SERVICES MANAGER When we talk about freedom, we often refer to the right to vote, to speak our minds, and to build a better future for ourselves and our families. But what’s commonly left out of that conversation is one of the most basic forms of - [Al Foster, Master of the Jazz Drums, Is Dead at 82](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/07/05/al-foster-master-of-the-jazz-drums-is-dead-at-82/) - He was probably best known for his long tenure with Miles Davis, who praised his ability to “keep the groove going forever.” Al Foster, a drummer whose six-decade career saw him collaborate with jazz legends like Miles Davis, Sonny Rollins, and Joe Henderson, died Wednesday at his Manhattan apartment. He was 82. His daughter, Kierra - [Great American Emancipation Day Awards 2025](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/05/22/great-american-emancipation-day-awards-2025/) - On February 22, 2025, The Positive Community hosted its 6th Annual Great American Emancipation Day Awards Banquet. Over 450 friends and supporters gathered at the historic Robert Treat Hotel in downtown Newark, NJ, for a “function at the junction!” This growing tradition honors January 1, 1863 as one of the most important dates on the - [Black Judges and Black Girls](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/05/22/black-judges-and-black-girls/) - A Powerful Conversation of Legacy, Leadership, and Empowerment In a stirring celebration of Women’s History Month, the Neighborhood Technical Assistance Clinic (NTAC), under the visionary leadership of founder and CEO Rev. Dr. Valerie Oliver Durrah, partnered with the Honorable Justice Wavny Toussaint to present Black Judges and Black Girls in Conversation (BJBG) on March 23, - [Sy Smith Interview](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/04/28/sy-smith-interview/) - As a kid, to slide the record out of a ‘70s R&B LP with a pretty brown lady on the cover was such a specific joy. If her newly-released Until We Meet Again is any indication, Sy Smith felt that feeling too. The singer-songwriter herself is now the pretty lady on the cover and her - [Ryan Coogler’s ‘Sinners’ Review](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/04/21/ryan-cooglers-sinners-review/) - Ryan Coogler’s Sinners is a cinematic celebration — a wild, genre-blending fantasia that offers up an exuberant love song to life, love, and the power of storytelling. Set in Jim Crow Mississippi, the film is a swirling fusion of styles and themes, complete with dazzling performances, dancing vampires, and deep meditations on history and heritage. - [Seasons Change, but our Priorities Remain the Same](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/09/30/seasons-change-but-our-priorities-remain-the-same/) - Building record amounts of housing to make New York City more affordable This autumn, the leaves aren’t the only things that are falling. The Adams administration has brought down the cost of child care, cut taxes for working-class families, and lowered unemployment for New Yorkers. Last week, we kicked off our “Affordable Autumn’ initiative to highlight our work to save New Yorkers money and roll out new initiatives to make New York City more affordable — which starts - [The Name Assata Shakur](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/09/29/the-name-assata-shakur/) - The name Assata Shakur has resonated across decades as a symbol of resistance, exile, and unyielding conviction. Born JoAnne Deborah Byron on July 16, 1947, she lived a life that traversed activism, incarceration, escape, and political sanctuary. Her story is one that provokes deep tensions—with some calling her a freedom fighter and others condemning her - [Pastor Douglas Wilson a Polarizing Figure](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/09/29/pastor-douglas-wilson-a-polarizing-figure/) - Pastor Douglas Wilson is one of the most recognizable and controversial figures within the Communion of Reformed Evangelical Churches (CREC), the small but influential denomination he helped to shape. Known for his unapologetically traditionalist stance on theology, culture, and society, Wilson has become a lightning rod for both admiration and criticism. His ministry is rooted - [Akiko Tsuruga](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/09/29/akiko-tsuruga/) - In the dim light of a New York City jazz club, there’s a particular magic that happens when Akiko Tsuruga takes her seat behind the Hammond B-3 organ. The crowd quiets, the band leans in, and within seconds the room is enveloped by her soulful grooves, driving basslines, and lyrical phrasing. Akiko doesn’t just play - [Jamal Jackson’s Textile Art](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/09/29/jamal-jacksons-textile-art/) - Jamal Jackson’s textile art is a journey through color, memory, and cultural storytelling. His works are not merely fabric pieced together but rather tactile narratives that unfold across layers of thread and cloth. With every stitch, he redefines what textile art can express, drawing from both tradition and experimentation to produce something strikingly contemporary yet - [The Harlem Hellfighters](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/09/29/the-harlem-hellfighters/) - The Harlem Hellfighters stand as one of the most remarkable regiments in American history, embodying resilience, bravery, and cultural impact far beyond the battlefield. Officially designated the 369th Infantry Regiment of the United States Army, this unit was composed mainly of African American soldiers from Harlem, New York. Their story intertwines themes of racial discrimination, - [Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/09/26/grand-ethiopian-renaissance-dam/) - The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, known widely as the GERD, stands as one of the most ambitious infrastructure projects in Africa’s modern history. Rising along the Blue Nile in Ethiopia’s Benishangul-Gumuz region, the dam represents not only an engineering feat but also a symbol of national pride and aspiration. Since construction began in 2011, the - [One Battle After Another](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/09/25/one-battle-after-another/) - In the world of Black cinema, certain films arrive with an energy that feels both urgent and timeless. One Battle After Another is one of those rare projects—a film that doesn’t simply entertain, but stirs conversations long after the credits roll. Anchored by the powerhouse performances of Teyana Taylor and Regina Hall, the movie has - [The Positive Community's Jean Nash Wells](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2016/10/06/positive-communitys-jean-nash-wells/) - [Thrive NYC Mental Health Conference](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2016/10/06/thrive-nyc-mental-health-conference/) - [The Positive Community TV Live](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2016/07/16/the-positive-community-tv-live/) - [The Positive Community presents Khalil Gibran Muhammad](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2016/07/10/the-positive-community-presents-khalil-gibran-muhammad/) - [Anthony Anderson Joins The Positive Community & Wells Fargo](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2016/07/11/anthony-anderson-joins-the-positive-community-wells-fargo/) - [United Health Care Fashion Show](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2016/10/06/united-health-care-fashion-show/) - [Finding Your Point of View | Mark Clennon](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2021/07/22/finding-your-point-of-view-mark-clennon/) - New York-based Photographer, Mark Clennon dives into what it means to ask yourself the right questions to find your own unique point of view. TEDxHarlem Strivers' Row Mark Clennon is a New York-based photographer with a particular focus on editorial, commercial and documentary projects. Adeptly jumping between these forms of photography, which he’s been practicing - [Faith Over Fear: Spirit Led Leadership Through the Unknown | Eboné Carrington](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2021/07/20/faith-over-fear-spirit-led-leadership-through-the-unknown-ebone-carrington/) - Harlem Hospital’s CEO, Eboné Carrington shares how her leadership style evolved and became further defined during the COVID-19 pandemic. Eboné M. Carrington, MPA, FAB, is currently the Chief Executive Officer of NYC Health+Hospitals|Harlem. As the Chief Executive Officer, Ms. Carrington provides leadership to the Hospital’s inpatient, outpatient, emergency, and critical care units. With fiscal and - [Rev. DeForest B. Soares, JR speaks at the Newark Public Lecture Series](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2019/10/10/rev-deforest-b-soares-jr-speaks-at-the-newark-public-lecture-series/) - [Dr. Rudy Crew speaks at the Newark Library](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2019/02/15/dr-rudy-crew-speaks-at-the-newark-library/) - [Michellene Davis, Spirituality and the Future](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2018/07/20/michellene-davis-spirituality-and-the-future/) - [Rev. Dr. David Jefferson speech at the TPC and Newark School of Theology’s Public Lecture Series](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2018/05/16/rev-dr-david-jefferson-speech-at-the-newark-theology-lecture-series/) - [Positive Community Fish Fry Photos and Video](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2017/03/29/positive-community-fish-fry/) - [Best_Wordpress_Gallery id="46" gal_title="Fish Fry"] - [Lauren Henderson at Emmanuel Baptist Church 'Jazz Vespers'](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2017/01/05/lauren-henderson-at-emmanuel-baptist-church-jazz-vespers/) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZvW6OEMjYy0 Jazz and Latin Jazz vocalist and composer Lauren Henderson wowed the congregation at Emanuel Baptist Church on New Years Eve. - [Wells Fargo Millennial Women On The Move](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2016/10/06/wells-fargo-millennial-women-move/) - [Venus Williams Barbie’s Inspiring Women Series](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/08/15/venus-williams-barbies-inspiring-women-series/) - Barbie has always inspired young girls and women to be who they want to be. The latest doll honors a sports legend who has done the same. Venus Williams has received the latest doll in Barbie’s Inspiring Women Series. For the recognition, Mattel encouraged Williams to choose any outfit for her doll’s likeness. The selection - [Malcolm-Jamal Warner’s Mother Honors Son](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/08/11/malcolm-jamal-warners-mother-honors-son/) - Malcolm-Jamal Warner’s mother has broken her silence following his sudden and tragic death in Costa Rica, issuing a deeply moving statement that pays tribute to his life, his artistry, and the enduring legacy he leaves behind. “As his mother, there is so much that I can say. It would fill volumes,” said Pamela Warner, speaking - [DeVon Franklin And Maria Castillo's Star-Studded Wedding](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/08/11/devon-franklin-and-maria-castillos-star-studded-wedding/) - On Saturday, August 2, 2025, at the gorgeous Casa Lago Beverly Hills, producer and actor DeVon Franklin and fitness coach Maria Castillo tied the knot in a beautiful lakeside celebration in front of the Los Angeles skyline. The ceremony was officiated by Pastor Toure Roberts. It was planned and designed by Nicole Dohrman of Dreams - [H.E.R Interview](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/08/10/h-e-r-interview/) - Gabi Wilson almost didn’t become H.E.R. “There was pressure on me after graduating high school to attend college,” recalls the 24-year-old Bay Area native, who has been a performer since she was 10. “I was going to study something in the medical field because my mom is a nurse.” But just a year after graduating, - [A Cardiovascular Leader Bringing Advanced Care Close to Home](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/08/10/a-cardiovascular-leader-bringing-advanced-care-close-to-home/) - Committed to Heart Health Across New Jersey Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women. Risk factors—such as high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, poor diet, lack of exercise, and high cholesterol—are common and often go unaddressed. RWJBarnabas Health is dedicated to improving cardiovascular health throughout New Jersey by continually investing - [Review of Jamaica Kincaid’s “Putting Myself Together”](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/08/10/review-of-jamaica-kincaids-putting-myself-together/) - Spanning nearly fifty years of writing, Jamaica Kincaid’s latest book, Putting Myself Together: Writing 1974—, is a captivating and layered work. It is a collection that resists simple description, blending criticism, memoir, letters, and hybrid prose forms into something both personal and expansive. The pieces range widely in tone and subject matter, but together they - [Victoria Mboko prevails against Naomi Osaka ](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/08/08/18378/) - She's a rising star, a fighter — and now, a champion. Victoria Mboko did it again on Thursday night, rallying back through the pain of a wrist injury to defeat four-time Grand Slam winner Naomi Osaka 2-6, 6-4, 6-1 in the National Bank Open final, capping a fairy tale run that fans across Canada won't - [Building a Unique Ecosystem for Health Innovations | Sam Sia](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2021/07/26/building-a-unique-ecosystem-for-health-innovations-sam-sia/) - Sam Sia, Co-Founder of Harlem BioSpace explores turning revolutionary biotech ideas into products that solve real health problems. Sam is a faculty member of the biomedical engineering department at Columbia University. His lab focuses on using microfluidics to improve patient health. His lab’s work has been supported by the NIH, NSF, USAID/Gates Foundation/World Bank/Governments of - [Actions Speak Louder Than Words | Kimberly Gray](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2021/07/23/actions-speak-louder-than-words-kimberly-gray/) - Tech entrepreneur and CEO of Uvii, Kimberly Gray, explores how command-driven messages and video commenting can enhance the way we communicate. Kimberly Gray is a tech entrepreneur, CEO of Uvii, and the patent owner of a virtual collaboration system and method called Action Command Messaging (ACM). Before Uvii, Kimberly worked in film and tv production - [DeVon Franklin’s Breakthrough Performance](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/08/15/devon-franklins-breakthrough-performance/) - DeVon Franklin’s one-man show, Be True: My Journey from Breakdown to Breakthrough, is a compelling and emotionally production. Staged at Audible’s Minetta Lane Theatre in New York City, the show represents a powerful departure from Franklin’s usual image as a polished Hollywood producer, faith-based author, and motivational speaker. In this performance, Franklin peels back the layers of his public persona - [Elisabeth Withers – No Regrets](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/08/15/elisabeth-withers-no-regrets/) - Elisabeth Withers is no stranger to overcoming adversity; her unique story speaks for itself. Raised between two continents – Africa and America – she had to learn how to navigate multiple languages, cultures, and lifestyles from a young age. It was through these experiences that she developed her signature sound: a mix of African rhythms - [Borough of Manhattan Community College Honors Hazel Dukes](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/08/16/borough-of-manhattan-community-college-honors-hazel-dukes/) - Family, friends, and colleagues gathered on the campus on May 28, 2025, for a heartfelt reception honoring Dr. Hazel Dukes, hosted by the college and President Dr. Anthony E. Munroe. The event was filled with reflection, gratitude, and a profound sense of loss, as the BMCC community came together to celebrate the life and legacy - [National Black Association Of Black Bookstores Launches To Assist Black Bookstores](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/08/17/national-black-association-of-black-bookstores-launches-to-assist-black-bookstores/) - On a sweltering August afternoon, a new chapter in the world of Black bookselling quietly but powerfully began. On August 6, the National Association of Black Bookstores—known as NAB2—was officially launched. The announcement, though practical in nature, carried the weight of history, culture, and memory. For those who have long fought to keep Black bookstores - [A $45 Treatment Can Save a Starving Child. US Cuts Aid.](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/08/17/a-45-treatment-can-save-a-starving-child-us-cuts-aid/) - The women of Maiduguri walked miles through dusty streets, carrying frail, emaciated children in their arms. By 7 a.m., they were already waiting in long lines for the small red packets of therapeutic paste that could mean the difference between life and death. The children in their arms were hauntingly silent. Too weak to play - [Lupita and Junior Nyong’o, ‘Twelfth Night’ Is Child’s Play](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/08/18/lupita-and-junior-nyongo-twelfth-night-is-childs-play/) - About a year ago, Junior Nyong’o received a call from Saheem Ali, associate artistic director of the Public Theater and a family friend. Fresh out of drama school, Junior was offered the role of Sebastian in Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night, which would reopen the renovated Delacorte Theater in Central Park. He immediately said yes, but had - [King in the Wilderness](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/08/20/king-in-the-wilderness/) - We tend to think of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s legacy as comprised of his famous "I Have a Dream Speech" and his leadership during the bus boycotts, sit-ins, and marches against segregation in the South. But as this extraordinary documentary directed by Emmy winner Peter Kunhardt vividly shows, the last 18 months before his - [Is your OOO on Yet? Keep These Travel Budget Friendly Tips in Mind](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/08/20/is-your-ooo-on-yet-keep-these-travel-budget-friendly-tips-in-mind/) - Summer is here, and for many Americans, it’s vacation season.It’s also one of the most expensive times of the year to travel. With warm weather, school breaks, and lighter work schedules encouraging many to hit the road or book flights, prices for airfare, hotels, and popular destinations often peak — which can put a damper - [Jensen McRae](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/08/21/jensen-mcrae/) - On a breezy afternoon in Silver Lake, Jensen McRae sits on a park bench, her glasses catching the sunlight as she gestures with restless hands. She is telling a story she has told before, but one that never seems to lose its hold over her. It was her first therapy session, six years ago. She - [How to Pay From Someone You Don’t Know:](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/08/27/how-to-pay-from-someone-you-dont-know/) - Sponsored By JPMorganChase Credit cards, debit cards, cash, checks, wires or sending money to others using a P2P (person-to-person) payment app are examples of the many ways consumers can pay for everyday transactions. To help protect their money from scammers, it’s important for people to understand that how they pay matters, especially when buying something from - [Kingdom First!](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/08/25/kingdom-first/) - Rev. J. Loren Russell Matthew 6:25-33 “Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air, for - [‘Positive Obsession’ a Look at Octavia E. Butler](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/08/24/positive-obsession-a-look-at-octavia-e-butler/) - Octavia E. Butler occupies a singular place in the constellation of American letters. For many readers, she remains both elusive and commanding, a paradoxical figure who managed to be at once reserved and resoundingly influential. In a field where white male voices dominated, Butler stood tall — literally, at nearly six feet — and metaphorically, - [HCCI Celebrates Community Leadership and Our Shared Impact](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/08/24/hcci-celebrates-community-leadership-and-our-shared-impact/) - Harlem Congregation for Community Improvement HCCI proudly honors the work of our partner organizations—the New York Urban League and the Urban League of Essex County, NJ—and their outstanding leaders, Arva Rice and Vivian Cox Fraser. Both women have steered their organizations through significant challenges in the economy and service sector, demonstrating resilience, vision, and commitment. - [Lisa Cook, at the Fed](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/08/24/lisa-cook-who-broke-ground-at-the-fed/) - Lisa Cook’s journey to one of the most powerful positions in the world of finance has never been a quiet one. Long before she found herself under the glare of partisan attacks, she was already confronting the entrenched inequities of a field notorious for its lack of diversity. Her career, shaped by perseverance and marked - [André Leon Talley: Style Is Forever](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/08/24/andre-leon-talley-style-is-forever/) - “André Leon Talley: Style Is Forever”, a new exhibition at the SCAD Museum of Art in Savannah (August 15 through January 11) and the SCAD FASH Museum of Fashion + Film in Atlanta (October 15 through March 1), tells the remarkable story of a man who grew up in the segregated Old South and went - [No One is Safe.](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/08/22/no-one-is-safe/) - By AUSTIN FENNER After Congress passed President Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill into law, one of the main features of the new law is to turn the Immigration Customs and Enforcement Agency into a juggernaut of new standing army. ICE’s critics say this exponential growth in agent manpower is not just to target undocumented immigrants, - [Remembering… Charles N. Rangel The Lion of Lenox Avenue](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/08/22/remembering-charles-n-rangel-the-lion-of-lenox-avenue/) - I was heartbroken to hear of the passing of my dear friend and colleague, Charles Rangel. When I arrived in Washington in 1983, Charlie had already spent over a decade blazing a trail for Black lawmakers and speaking truth to power. As a founding member of the Congressional Black Caucus, he didn’t just open the - [Highest 2 Lowest](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/08/21/highest-2-lowest/) - It’s not unusual for iconic directors to reinvent themselves late in their careers. Martin Scorsese did it with the manic hedonism of The Wolf of Wall Street. Francis Ford Coppola, too, surprised audiences with his self-financed, visionary Megalopolis. Now Spike Lee has entered that same conversation, taking his filmography in an unexpected direction with Highest - [The Story of Althea Gibson: Why Her Legacy Still Deserves Praise](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/08/29/the-story-of-althea-gibson-why-her-legacy-still-deserves-praise/) - At this year’s U.S. Open, the echoes of history are louder than ever. The annual tournament has chosen to honor a woman whose courage forever altered the trajectory of tennis: Althea Gibson. The 2025 theme, “75 Years of Breaking Barriers,” isn’t just a slogan—it’s a commemoration of Gibson’s bold leap into a world that once told her - [Sy Smith Interview](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/09/02/sy-smith-interview-2/) - With a career that bridges the underground soul scene, jazz collaborations, and acclaimed solo projects, Sy Smith has carved out a lane all her own as one of music’s most versatile voices. Known as the “Queen of Underground Soul,” she’s equally at home fronting her own band, trading improvisations with a jazz ensemble, or layering - [Rent vs. Own in Today’s Economy](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/09/02/rent-vs-own-in-todays-economy/) - Sponsored by JPMorganChase Homeownership has been long associated with the American Dream, yet the economic climate of recent years has left some potential homebuyers on edge. Many potential homeowners have put their dream of buying a home on pause – or even abandoned it altogether. If you’re thinking of buying a home but aren’t - [Black Women Are Among the Hardest Hit By Trump Cuts to Federal Work Force](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/09/02/black-women-are-among-the-hardest-hit-by-trump-cuts-to-federal-work-force/) - Peggy Carr thought she had weathered every political storm Washington could throw her way. For more than three decades, she had served inside the U.S. Department of Education, steadily building a reputation as a nonpartisan steward of data, the kind of official who could be trusted regardless of which party held the White House. But - [Brooklyn’s West Indian American Day Parade](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/09/02/brooklyns-west-indian-american-day-parade/) - Caribbean flags rippled through the late-summer air—scarlet and black from Trinidad, green and gold from Jamaica, the rich blue and red of Haiti, and the deep hues of Grenada. The streets of Brooklyn’s Crown Heights pulsed with rhythm as steel drums, soca, and reggae thundered through giant speakers. What might normally be a thoroughfare of - [She Leads, We Rise](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/08/27/she-leads-we-rise/) - A Legacy of Impact Founded in 1910 and based in New York City, the National Urban League (NUL) and National President Marc Morial support 92 affiliates in 37 states and D.C., serving 300 communities. Its programs, research, and advocacy improve the lives of over two million people nationwide. Two of its most impactful affiliates are - [Vic Mensa Interviewed](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/08/29/vic-mensa-interviewed/) - Vic Mensa speaks with the gravity of someone who has lived several lifetimes before reaching his early thirties. There’s an intensity behind his words, but also a calm that feels newly earned. He describes his latest project not simply as an album, but as a reflection of a man who has shed layers of chaos - [Issa Rae Explains](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/08/29/issa-rae-explains/) - Issa Rae has built her reputation on sharp instincts and a knack for turning awkward truths into comedy gold. But away from the cameras, one of her boldest leaps nearly dismantled everything she had worked for. Long before Insecure turned her into a household name, a series of hasty choices left her teetering on the - [Kandi Burruss: Building Empires, Empowering Women, and Embracing Wellness](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/08/29/kandi-burruss-building-empires-empowering-women-and-embracing-wellness/) - When Kandi Burruss enters a room, her presence commands attention. With a career spanning music, television, business, and philanthropy, she embodies the modern definition of a multi-hyphenate. But behind her success lies a story of resilience, reinvention, and relentless authenticity. Born and raised in East Point, Georgia, Kandi grew up in a household - [Dystopia as Mirror](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/09/05/dystopia-as-mirror/) - Reading Power, Collapse, and Survival Across Ten Novels When Sinclair Lewis published It Can’t Happen Here in 1935, the United States was still staggering from the Depression, and the shadows of European fascism stretched across the Atlantic. Lewis’s warning—that authoritarianism could sprout on American soil—was brushed off by many as alarmist fiction. Yet nearly a - [The Great Bobby McFerrin](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/09/05/the-great-bobby-mcferrin/) - Bobby McFerrin walks into the rehearsal space quietly, almost unnoticed, before breaking into a gentle hum that immediately turns heads. It’s not surprising—his voice has always been his most powerful calling card, capable of transforming silence into music and stillness into electricity. The ten-time Grammy winner is best known for “Don’t Worry, Be Happy,” the - [Rooted and Growing: Vacation Bible School Then and Now](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/09/05/rooted-and-growing-vacation-bible-school-then-and-now/) - My enthusiasm for Bible study reaches back to childhood summers spent at Vacation Bible School. Those weeks were a seasonal marker for me—filled with patient teachers, other kids eager to learn scripture, colorful arts and crafts, and the simple joy of juice cups and duplex cookies. For countless Christians, experiences like VBS weren’t just fun - [Top Black Restaurants in NY and NJ](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/09/05/top-black-restaurants-in-ny-and-nj/) - The Black-owned restaurants of New York and New Jersey form a vibrant culinary network that celebrates heritage, innovation, and community. From Harlem’s legendary Sylvia’s and the no-frills seafood classic Famous Fish Market to Brooklyn gems like Simpson’s Restaurant & Bar and Joloff, these eateries embody the richness of African American, Caribbean, and West African traditions. - [Your Reputation Precedes You!](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/09/05/your-reputation-precedes-you/) - Rev. J. Loren Russell Psalm139:1-4 NKJV O Lord, You have searched me and known me. You know my sitting down and my rising up; You understand my thought afar off. You comprehend my path and my lying down, and are acquainted with all my ways. For there is not a word on my tongue, but - [The Fred Hampton Museum](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/09/05/the-fred-hampton-museum/) - The Fred Hampton Museum, located in Maywood, Illinois, stands as both a memorial and a living community hub. What was once the childhood home of Fred Hampton, the charismatic chairman of the Illinois chapter of the Black Panther Party, has now been transformed into a space dedicated to preserving his story and the broader history - [Revisiting The Wiz: A Brand New Day!*](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/09/02/revisiting-the-wiz-a-brand-new-day/) - Greetings friends, and welcome to The Positive Community’s (TPC) annual Summer Issue! In this edition, we are happy to share the stories of two very influential leaders, our friends New York Urban League president Arva Rice and Urban League of Essex County (NJ) president Vivian Cox-Frasier. Both oversee major regional offices of the National Urban - [Shinnecock Pow-Wow](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/09/02/shinnecock-pow-wow/) - The Shinnecock Powwow stands as one of the most anticipated cultural gatherings in the Northeast, returning once again in 2025 for its 79th annual celebration. Held over Labor Day weekend on the Shinnecock Reservation in Southampton, Long Island, the powwow has become both a local tradition and a nationally recognized cultural event. With deep roots - [United for Change](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/09/22/united-for-change/) - NJ Leaders Gather to Build Collective Power TRENTON, N.J. – United under the vision of Mayor Ras Baraka, more than 400 people filled the sanctuary of Greater Mount Zion in Trenton for a powerful discussion on how to build collective power and advance an agenda that will benefit Black communities across New Jersey. The event - [Mary Ellen Pleasant](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/09/11/mary-ellen-pleasant/) - Mary Ellen Pleasant was one of the most remarkable and influential figures in 19th-century America. Often referred to as the “Mother of Civil Rights in California,” she was a woman whose life blended mystery, activism, and entrepreneurship. Born at a time when African Americans faced extreme social, political, and economic oppression, Pleasant managed to defy - [The Schomburg: A Century of Black Brilliance](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/09/08/the-schomburg-a-century-of-black-brilliance/) - Reflections of Sonia Sanchez and Chester Higgins BY FERN GILLESPIE His ashes rest in the heart of Harlem. The final resting place of Harlem Renaissance Poet Laureate Langston Hughes is, fittingly, a book-shaped urn set beneath the terrazzo floor in the Langston Hughes Lobby of the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture. In tribute - [Harriet’s Garden, Newark NJ](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/09/08/harriets-garden-newark-nj/) - At the corner of 55 Blum Street, Harriet’s Garden opened its gates at noon for a two-hour celebration of history, creativity, and community connection. Guests gathered under the late morning sun, welcomed into a space that has blossomed into both a neighborhood sanctuary and a hub for education. The event was as much about honoring - [Wayne Shorter Archive](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/09/07/wayne-shorter-archive/) - On June 9, 2025, a moving truck quietly pulled out of the West Hills neighborhood of Los Angeles, carrying with it the soul of a legend. Packed inside were the personal archives of Wayne Shorter, the saxophonist and composer whose career reshaped the sound of modern jazz. For his widow, Carolina Shorter, watching the truck - [2025 U.S. Open theme art by Melissa Koby](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/09/06/2025-u-s-open-theme-art-by-melissa-koby/) - In an arena teeming with tradition, a single image now cuts through the crowd with layered power and grace. Crafted by the Jamaican-born, Tampa-based artist Melissa Koby, the 2025 U.S. Open theme art pays stirring homage to Althea Gibson—an icon who broke barriers 75 years ago. With this commission, Koby becomes the first Black artist - [The Soapbox Presents](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/09/07/the-soapbox-presents/) - Marija Abney’s founding of The Soapbox Presents in 2020 was an act of both resistance and renewal. Sparked by the murder of George Floyd, she recognized the need for a creative space where Black and brown voices could thrive, share, and heal through artistic expression. What began as a grassroots response to systemic violence has - [Planning for Your Small Business Future](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/09/07/planning-for-your-small-business-future/) - If you’re in the beginning stages of launching your small business or a just few years into ownership, you might not be thinking about exit plans. Preparing for an ownership transition, however, is a critical part of every entrepreneur’s journey. Not only is a transition plan important for your financial future, a successful transition plan - [Victory That Overcomes the World](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/09/07/victory-that-overcomes-the-world/) - By Reverend J. Loren Russell 1 John 5:1-6 “Whoever believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and everyone who loves Him who begot also loves him who is begotten of Him. 2 By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and keep His commandments. 3 - [13th Annual Ray Murphy Men’s Health Night](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/09/11/13th-annual-ray-murphy-mens-health-night/) - Newark Beth Israel Medical Center and Children's Hospital of New Jersey, an RWJBarnabas Health facility, hosted over 450 attendees from Newark and the greater Newark area at the Annual Ray Murphy Men's Health Night to date on September 4, 2025, at the Cedar Hill Country Club. “We are proud to see our Ray Murphy Men’s - [The Links, Incorporated Street Renaming Ceremony](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/09/11/the-links-incorporated-street-renaming-ceremony/) - WHAT: The City of Miami Gardens, in partnership with Councilman Reggie Leon, Councilwoman Linda Julien, Congresswoman Frederica Wilson, and Miami-Dade County Commissioner Oliver G. Gilbert, III, will host a historic street renaming ceremony in honor of The Links, Incorporated. The newly named “The Links, Incorporated Way” will pay tribute to the organization’s decades of leadership, - [Murals in Newark](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/09/11/murals-in-newark/) - Murals in Newark, New Jersey, are more than just colorful additions to the city’s buildings; they are vibrant narratives that tell the story of its people, culture, and history. Over the past two decades, Newark has developed a thriving public art scene, transforming once-blank walls into canvases of social commentary and community pride. The city’s - [Maryland Governor Wes Moore](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/09/11/maryland-governor-wes-moore/) - Maryland Governor Wes Moore recently kicked off his bid for a second term, launching his reelection campaign with a message centered on supporting the middle class, defending public safety gains like Baltimore’s falling homicide rates, and drawing sharp contrasts with President Trump’s policies . He also issued a major executive order aimed at accelerating affordable - [More Services For Mental Health](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/09/11/more-services-for-mental-health/) - Article by: RWJ Barnabas Health It’s a trend that began before COVID-19 but has become increasingly urgent in its aftermath: the rising demand for mental health care. Across the country, providers are seeing a dramatic increase in patients seeking help. National organizations like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have reported steep rises in - [Reaching Out to the Brightest New Technologists](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/09/25/reaching-out-to-the-brightest-new-technologists/) - If you’ve ever been to a tech event you know the promise of innovation and empowerment is palpable, yet the unfamiliar environment and sensory overload can be daunting. That’s especially true for those of us who navigate the world through a neurodivergent lens. This was certainly the case for Tori Kaufman, a Business Transformation Associate - [How New Jersey Homebuyers Can Save on a Down Payment](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/09/22/how-new-jersey-homebuyers-can-save-on-a-down-payment/) - While there is a lot of uncertainty around the housing market in 2025, affordability still remains a top challenge for homebuyers – especially first-time home buyers who, according to a 2025 Bankrate survey, often cite the upfront costs of homeownership as the biggest barrier to homeownership. And a 2023 study from LendingTree shows that while - [Montclair Jazz Festival 2025](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/09/14/montclair-jazz-festival-2025/) - The close of summer in New Jersey doesn’t mean the end of vibrant outdoor gatherings, and nowhere was that more evident than in Montclair yesterday. The town came alive with the sounds of saxophones, trumpets, and soulful voices during the highly anticipated Downtown Jamboree, the culminating event of the 2025 Montclair Jazz Festival. Thousands gathered - [Humility in the Kingdom](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/09/14/humility-in-the-kingdom/) - By Reverend J. Loren Russell Matthew 18:1-4 NKJV “At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, ‘Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?’ Then Jesus called a little child to Him, set him in the midst of them, and said, “Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as - [Five Key Lessons: Strengthening Pathways to Financial Health](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/09/12/five-key-lessons-strengthening-pathways-to-financial-health/) - Financial health is the cornerstone of strong communities—enabling people to purchase homes, start businesses, achieve their dreams, and contribute to thriving local economies. At JPMorganChase, we are proud to play our part supporting people on their financial journey—particularly for low- and moderate-income (LMI) individuals and communities who often face compounded challenges to building wealth. As - [Montclair’s Jazz Festival, Saturday, Sept. 13](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/09/12/montclairs-jazz-festival-saturday-sept-13/) - There are summer music festivals that cost hundreds to attend. Only Montclair can claim bragging rights to the region’s largest free jazz festival and one of the largest free jazz festivals in the country. This Saturday, the 2025 Montclair Jazz Festival, produced by Jazz House Kids, is happening in a big way, featuring some 200 - [Cognitive Decline with Age](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/09/15/cognitive-decline-with-age/) - Aging is a natural process, but for many older adults, it brings challenges that extend beyond physical changes. One of the most significant concerns is cognitive decline, a gradual reduction in memory, attention, and problem-solving abilities. While not every older person experiences severe cognitive issues, even mild decline can affect independence, confidence, and quality of - [Racism According to Professor Julius A. Doyle](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/09/15/racism-according-to-professor-julius-a-doyle/) - Julius A. Doyle has spent his career confronting one of America’s most enduring challenges: racism. As a university professor and researcher, Doyle refuses to see racism as just a matter of individual bias or bad behavior. Instead, he approaches it as a system—woven into the nation’s history, institutions, and daily life—that continues to shape opportunities - [Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Reveals He Had Prostate Cancer](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/09/19/kareem-abdul-jabbar-reveals-he-had-prostate-cancer/) - On the basketball court, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was untouchable. With his iconic skyhook and six NBA championships, he became a legend who towered not only in height but in stature. Yet off the court, long after the cheers of packed arenas had faded, Abdul-Jabbar faced a far more personal battle—one that would not be decided by - [The Columbus Massacre](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/09/17/the-columbus-massacre/) - When Christopher Columbus set foot on the islands of the Caribbean in 1492, he encountered thriving societies — the Taíno and other Arawakan peoples who had lived in the region for centuries. They were farmers, fishermen, and artisans with complex social structures and rich spiritual traditions. For Columbus, however, they were not fellow human beings - [Feeding You Lies](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/09/15/feeding-you-lies/) - When Vani Hari released Feeding You Lies, it sparked both curiosity and controversy. Known widely as the “Food Babe,” Hari has built a reputation as a fearless consumer advocate willing to question what really goes into our food. Her book continues that mission, diving deep into the ways the food industry, government regulators, and even - [Basketball Hub for Youth in Brooklyn](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/09/15/basketball-hub-for-youth-in-brooklyn/) - A new chapter for Brooklyn basketball officially began in early September with the unveiling of a sleek training complex in Greenpoint. The space, designed with both competition and community in mind, promises to elevate the game for athletes across the borough. The opening was more than just a ribbon-cutting—it was a celebration of culture, sport, - [GRAND OPENING OF CALVIN O. BUTTS III EDUCATIONAL & CULTURAL CENTER](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/09/19/grand-opening-of-calvin-o-butts-iii-educational-cultural-center/) - TO CAPSTONE ABYSSINIAN BAPTIST CHURCH’S HOMECOMING WEEKENDA time-honored tradition of reconnection returns this fall with a free community concert, Sunday worship, and the unveiling of a new hub for learning and culture. The historic Abyssinian Baptist Church will once again welcome congregants, neighbors, and friends for its annual Homecoming Weekend, taking place Friday, Sept. 12 - [Congressional Resolutions Honoring Lloyd A. Williams ](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/09/19/congressional-resolutions-honoring-lloyd-a-williams/) - Representative Adriano Espaillat & Senator Charles Schumer Introduce Congressional Resolutions Honoring the Life and Legacy of Harlem Icon Lloyd A. Williams Resolution Honors HARLEM WEEK Co-Founder's Extraordinary Contributions To Local Business, Culture, and InnovationWatch Video of Rep. Espaillat's U.S. House Floor Remarks Paying Tribute to Lloyd A. Williams. Representative Adriano Espaillat (NY-13) and U.S. Senator Charles Schumer introduced resolutions in the House and Senate - [Understanding Dementia](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/09/21/understanding-dementia/) - The Many Faces of a Difficult Diagnosis Dementia is often spoken of in hushed tones, a diagnosis wrapped in fear and misunderstanding. At its core, dementia describes a collection of brain disorders that slowly rob people of memory, reasoning, and independence. What makes it especially heartbreaking is how it affects not only the person diagnosed - [Sarah Vaughan Interview](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/09/21/sarah-vaughan-interview/) - One of the greatest singers in jazz history, ‘Sassy’ to her friends, ‘the divine Sarah’ to many, Sarah Lois Vaughan was born in Newark, New Jersey. She joined pianist Earl Hines band (1943–4) as vocalist and second pianist, after winning an amateur contest at New York’s Apollo Theater. When Hines’ male vocalist Billy Eckstine left - [Running Toward Recovery:](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2024/11/04/running-towardrecovery/) - Sy Smith's Unexpected Journey Through Breast Cancer By R.L. Witter Sy Smith—to see her is to understand the meaning of beauty and to hear her sing… JUST WOW! She’s a singer, musician, wife, and breast cancer survivor. Her bright, open demeanor allowed her to detail her very recent experience with the disease, but first, a - [Roberta Lea Too Much of a Woman](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/07/21/roberta-lea-too-much-of-a-woman/) - Roberta Lea is fed up with misogyny, which she channels into her new single, “Too Much of a Woman.” The idea for the song came to Lea while standing in line at the gate at the airport about to board a flight. “Too Much of a Woman” soon became a proclamation of standing unapologetically in - [Vanguards of Community Change Celebrated](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/07/21/vanguards-of-community-change-celebrated/) - Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) New Jersey brought together community members and changemakers for its 16th Annual Neighborhood Achievement Awards in April, turning MetLife Stadium into a celebration of community heroes. Hosted by News 12 NJ’s Nicholas Meidanis, the event honored individuals and organizations making real, on-the-ground impact in neighborhoods across the state. “This night - [A Historic First for New Jersey RWJBarnabas](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/08/01/a-historic-first-for-new-jersey-rwjbarnabas/) - RWJBarnabas Health and Rutgers Cancer Institute Unveil New Jersey’s First Freestanding Comprehensive Cancer Hospital RWJBarnabas Health and Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey—the state’s only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center—have unveiled New Jersey’s first and only freestanding, fully comprehensive cancer hospital. The Jack & Sheryl Morris Cancer Center in New Brunswick is one of - [PJ Morton Interview](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/08/01/pj-morton-interview/) - 5 time Grammy Award winner, PJ Morton sits down with Tirade World to unpack his latest project, ‘Cape Town to Cairo’. Recorded in 30 days across 5 countries in Africa, the singer, songwriter and pianist, explores identity, perseverance and evolution. Congrats brand new project, ‘Cape Town to Cairo’. You set yourself a 30-day challenge to - [Ears to Hear and Eyes to See!](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/08/03/ears-to-hear-and-eyes-to-see/) - Rev. J. Loren Russell Job 42:5-6 (NKJV) “I have heard of You by the hearing of the ear, but now my eye sees You. Therefore I abhor myself and repent in dust and ashes.” The Bible describes Job as a man who was blameless, upright, who feared God and shunned evil (1:1). He heard the - [Gregory Porter Interview](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/08/04/gregory-porter-interview-2/) - I said my whole life my father gave me nothing,” says jazz musician Gregory Porter, “but the very reason I fill the Royal Albert Hall, the very reason I do television shows and all this, is because of a gift from him.” That gift was his voice. A velvety blues-baritone, it melds optimism with grit, hinting - [Studio Museum in Harlem Sets an Opening Date](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/08/06/studio-museum-in-harlem-sets-an-opening-date/) - After closing for renovations in 2018, the Studio Museum in Harlem will reopen to the public on November 15, following a seven-year transformation and a $300 million capital campaign—nearly double its original goal. Located at 144 West 125th Street, the new 82,000-square-foot building features seven floors dedicated to galleries, studios, workshops, and educational spaces. The - [Eddie Palmieri, Dies at 88](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/08/07/eddie-palmieri-dies-at-88/) - Eddie Palmieri, the legendary pianist, composer, and bandleader whose electrifying contributions to Afro-Caribbean music helped define salsa and Latin jazz in New York City, died Wednesday at his home in Hackensack, N.J., at age 88. His daughter, Gabriela Palmieri, confirmed the death, citing an extended illness. Palmieri launched his career in 1961 with La Perfecta, - [New York Restaurant Hitmaker Expands His Empire](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/08/07/new-york-restaurant-hitmaker-expands-his-empire/) - New Yorkers pride themselves on being a tough crowd, but chef Kwame Onwuachi won them over with Tatiana by Kwame Onwuachi at Lincoln Center. Nearly three years after opening, the restaurant still draws hour-long waits without the hope of a reservation. It became a cultural phenomenon, a rare mix of hype and substance. Following up - [Old Bay Grilled Shrimp](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/07/21/old-bay-grilled-shrimp/) - [Kemi Badenoch Tory leader](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/07/21/kemi-badenoch-tory-leader/) - Kemi Badenoch has acknowledged she has room to improve as Conservative leader, affirming her commitment to getting better and embracing self-criticism. Her comments come in response to recent scrutiny of her performances at Prime Minister's Questions, with shadow chancellor Mel Stride suggesting she would improve over time. In a BBC interview, Badenoch stated, "You don't - [Tasha Cobbs Leonard’s upcoming album, Tasha](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/07/18/tasha-cobbs-leonards-upcoming-album-tasha/) - Tasha Cobbs Leonard’s upcoming album, Tasha, out July 25, weaves messages of faith, hope, and perseverance into a diverse mix of musical styles including hip-hop, R&B, and bluegrass. Known for her powerful live recordings, this project marks a major shift: it’s her first studio album without the sound of an audience. “What keeps me relevant - [Stacey Abrams](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/07/15/stacey-abrams/) - Stacey Abrams came into the national public eye during her historic run for governor of Georgia in 2018. Her candidacy marked a pivotal moment in American politics. Had she won, she would have become the first Black woman in U.S. history to be elected governor—a groundbreaking achievement with far-reaching implications. Her campaign was not only - [Black Community Health and the Black Church](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/07/15/black-community-health-and-the-black-church/) - The Black church has historically been a cornerstone of strength, hope, and leadership in African American communities. As a spiritual and social hub, it holds tremendous potential to influence health outcomes. Developing health initiatives within the Black church can be a powerful strategy to address health disparities and promote holistic wellness among congregants. The Role - [Garlic-Scallion Chicken Sandwiches](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/07/15/garlic-scallion-chicken-sandwiches/) - [Fauja Singh Marathon Runner is Dead](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/07/15/fauja-singh-marathon-runner-is-dead/) - In the span of just four remarkable days in 2011, Fauja Singh, a native of India residing in Greater London, stunned the world with a display of endurance and determination rarely witnessed in the world of athletics—particularly for someone claiming to be 100 years old at the time. His performances were nothing short of historic, - [Wellpoint New Jersey Brings Joy of Reading to Schools Across the State](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/07/15/wellpoint-new-jersey-brings-joy-of-reading-to-schools-across-the-state-2/) - School auditoriums and multi-purpose rooms across New Jersey were filled with joy and anticipation this past spring as Wellpoint New Jersey launched its highly anticipated Read Across New Jersey 2025 initiative. The campaign brought communities together to celebrate literacy and highlight the importance of reading in early childhood education. The Read Across New Jersey 2025 - [Silence is Not an Option](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/07/15/silence-is-not-an-option/) - Reverend J. Loren Russell SCRIPT: James 1:21-27 NKJV Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. 22 But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. 23 For if anyone is a hearer of the word and - [Living Legends: Beres Hammond On His Enduring Career](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/07/11/living-legends-beres-hammond-on-his-enduring-career/) - Beres Hammond has had a lengthy career in reggae, both as a member of Zap Pow and as a solo artist. The two-time GRAMMY nominee discussed his enduring popularity and what he hopes younger artists can learn from his story. Prior to performing his first song at Reggae Sumfest 2024, Jamaica’s largest music festival, legendary - [Manage Your Blood Sugar With Exercise](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/07/05/manage-your-blood-sugar-with-exercise/) - These days, more and more people are concerned about their blood sugar. Roughly 38 million Americans have diabetes, and over twice that number live with pre-diabetes. Many others have some form of insulin resistance, which can lead to fatigue, irritability, and dizziness. These issues become increasingly common with age. Fortunately, exercise is a powerful tool - [Gochujang Burger With Spicy Slaw ](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/07/05/18285/) - [Apollo Theater is Closing for a Year](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/07/05/apollo-theater-is-closing-for-a-year/) - The show’s on pause, but the legacy is getting a serious glow-up. Harlem’s iconic Apollo Theater officially closed its doors on July 1 for a $65 million, yearlong renovation—the most ambitious in its 91-year history. The lights on the famous marquee may be dimmed, but the vision for the future is anything but. Opened in 1914 and - [When We Choose Life – We Rise](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/07/05/when-we-choose-life-we-rise/) - Rev. Kimberly L. Williams President & CEO, Choose Healthy Life Deuteronomy 30:19, God presents us with a sacred charge: “I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live.” These words are not just ancient wisdom—they are a divine blueprint for our present - [Rissi Palmer Interview](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/07/04/rissi-palmer-interview/) - Sewickley, Pennsylvania-born country musician Rissi Palmer has always brought music with her wherever she went, to St. Louis, Nashville, and North Carolina, where she now lives. Since releasing her first album in 2007, Palmer has released a children’s album (Best Day Ever – 2015), an EP (The Back Porch Sessions – 2015), and another full-length album (REVIVAL - [The Studio Museum in Harlem](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/06/30/the-studio-museum-in-harlem/) - The Studio Museum in Harlem today announced further details about the landmark exhibitions, celebratory installations, and major artist commissions that will inaugurate its new building when it opens in the fall of this year, with more to be announced in the coming months.The Museum will open with a major presentation of the work of Tom Lloyd, - [Summer Grilling](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/06/30/summer-grilling/) - [‘Ironheart’ Review](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/06/30/ironheart-review/) - Marvel Studios continues its ever-expanding cinematic universe by attempting to organize its vast output of movies and TV shows into what it calls “phases.” These phases are less defined by narrative coherence or thematic development and more by a loose calendar schedule. As of now, we find ourselves submerged in Phase 5, which comprises six - [Chess Lover Introduces Game to Malawi](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/06/30/chess-lover-introduces-game-to-malawi/) - As a teenager in Malawi, while her peers spent their allowances on snacks, Susan Namangale pooled her small savings with friends to buy two chessboards for their school. “If my mother knew what I’d done with the little pocket money she gave me, I’d have been in trouble,” she recalled, smiling. “But that’s how much - [Maternal Mortality among Black Women in America](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/06/30/maternal-mortality-among-black-women-in-america/) - Maternal mortality remains one of the most devastating public health crises in the United States, and it disproportionately affects Black women. Despite advances in medicine and access to modern healthcare facilities, Black women in America are dying during pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum at alarming rates. According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and - [Goapele Inteview](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/06/30/goapele-inteview/) - Dubbed as the spiritual love child of Sade and D’Angelo by Rolling Stone, Goapele has a voice that is unmistakable. With a highly anticipated album set to give us eargasms galore, Goapele talks Break Of Dawn, Natural Hair & Mommyhood with WiseCurls. Enjoy! Break Of Dawn. What was the concept behind the album and what - [Gina Duncan Gets It Done](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/06/27/gina-duncan-gets-it-done/) - In the past two years, the Brooklyn Academy of Music has offered some of its coolest programming ever: “Eldorado Ballroom” by Solange Knowles, a music series curated by Hanif Abdurraqib, and a staging of Lorraine Hansberry’s final work. Gina Duncan, the organization’s first Black president, has continued to support much of that curation. Duncan had - [Karyn White Interview](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/06/27/karyn-white-interview/) - In 1986, soul fans around the world were introduced to a dazzling new female voice, delivering a funky tune about “The Facts of Love.” Within two years’ time, Karyn White’s name was a mainstay atop both the R&B and Pop charts, with songs ranging from the declarative self-empowerment ballad, “Superwoman,” to the seductive dance floor - [Three Summer Recipes](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/06/27/three-summer-recipes/) - These days, summers are hardly indistinguishable from the rest of the year — busy, over-scheduled, gone in a snap — with the exception of more sunshine and excellent produce. And there is, as always, the matter of what to eat three times a day (double that if you have kids). - [Technology and the Black Community](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/06/27/technology-and-the-black-community/) - Technology has become one of the most powerful forces shaping modern life. From how we communicate to how we work, learn, and build communities, digital tools are central to daily living. For the Black community, technology presents both tremendous opportunities and persistent challenges that reflect broader social inequalities. Historically, the Black community has been on - [Brandee Younger Has Alice Coltrane’s Harp](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/06/16/brandee-younger-has-alice-coltranes-harp/) - Brandee Younger has recently noticed a shift in her audience. Once accustomed to seeing middle-aged jazz fans—what she jokingly calls the “Portland, 40s man” demographic—she’s now greeted by enthusiastic young women at her shows. It’s a welcome change for the harpist and composer, who grew up as “this little Black girl playing harp” with few - [Sly Stone, dies at 82](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/06/13/sly-stone-dies-at-82/) - Sly Stone, the groundbreaking and genre-defying frontman of Sly and the Family Stone, died at 82 at his home in Granada Hills, Los Angeles. His death followed a long struggle with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and other health issues. Known for blending R&B, gospel, funk, and psychedelic rock, Stone’s music defied categories and helped - [Coco Gauff Wins French Open 2025](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/06/13/coco-gauff-wins-french-open-2025/) - When it happens twice, it’s not an accident. Nearly two years after her breakthrough win at the 2023 U.S. Open, Coco Gauff mounted a dramatic comeback to defeat world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka at the French Open, winning her second Grand Slam title 6-7(5), 6-2, 6-4. After two hours and 38 minutes of intense, gritty, - [Where Faith Leads, Healing Follows](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/06/27/where-faith-leads-healing-follows/) - BISHOP LEAH D. DAUGHTRY Co-Chair, National Black Clergy Health Leadership Council, Choose Healthy Life When I was a young girl growing up in the House of the Lord Church in Brooklyn, I watched my father, Bishop Herbert Daughtry, lead with a conviction that faith must be active—that it must engage the world not just in - [Walter Scott of The Whispers Dies at 81](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/06/27/walter-scott-of-the-whispers-dies-at-81/) - Walter Scott, who with his twin brother Wallace “Scotty” founded the legendary R&B group The Whispers, has died at the age of 81, after a six-month bout with cancer, his family confirmed. He passed away surrounded by his family in the Northridge neighborhood of Los Angeles. The Whispers extensive catalog includes “And the Beat Goes - [Food, Culture, and Health](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/06/23/food-culture-and-health/) - Food is deeply rooted in culture, and for Black communities, meals often reflect a rich legacy of tradition, history, and family. However, when trying to lose weight and improve overall health, it’s important to adopt eating habits that honor this cultural connection while promoting wellness. The key lies in choosing nutrient-rich foods that support metabolism, - [How Tech Created Loneliness](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/06/23/how-tech-created-loneliness/) - Over the summer, Harvard researcher Laura Marciano interviewed 500 teenagers to study the link between technology and loneliness. Despite being on summer break and active on social media, over half of the teens reported not speaking to anyone—online or in person—in the hour before answering the survey. This repeated pattern revealed how screen time doesn’t - [Gregory Porter Interview](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/06/23/gregory-porter-interview/) - Interviewing Gregory Porter is like jazz. He skips and flits from answer to anecdote – less like conversation, more an improvisation. But the mellow, soulful baritone in which he delivers his words means the double Grammy-winner keeps things beating along comfortably, at once both calm and cool. “Pizza,” smiles Porter, from beneath his signature peaked - [Atiba Edwards](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/06/23/atiba-edwards/) - :Brooklyn Children’s Museum’s Chief Celebrates the Joy of Youthful Imagination Growing up in Brooklyn, Atiba Edwards frequently visited the Brooklyn Children’s Museum (BCM) to see his favorite exhibition—a sleek, 25-foot Burmese python named Fantasia. “It was bright yellow with white spots, and the museum staff would take it out and let it slither around. It - [A Legacy of Healing](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/06/23/a-legacy-of-healing/) - Debra Fraser-Howze’s Unwavering Fight for Health Equity Debra Fraser-Howze’s extraordinary life is a testament to resilience, leadership, and the power of faith.After suffering a debilitating stroke last summer, her miraculous recovery stands as a symbol of the unwavering spirit that has defined her more than four-decade-long fight for health equity. Through her triumph over adversity, - [Foday Musa Suso, dies at 75](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/06/23/foday-musa-suso-dies-at-75/) - Foday Musa Suso, a griot, kora master, and visionary composer who bridged West African traditions with global music through collaborations with artists like Herbie Hancock and Philip Glass, died on May 25 in Gambia at age 75. His mentee, percussionist Stefan Monssen, confirmed the death, noting Suso had been in poor health following a stroke. - [Dr. Opal Lee: Grandmother of Juneteenth](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/06/16/dr-opal-lee-grandmother-of-juneteenth/) - The Vision Continues By Candace Waller The recognition of Juneteenth as a federal holiday is largely due to the tireless efforts of Dr. Opal Lee—a petite yet powerful woman who made it her mission to ensure the day received national acknowledgment. Here is her story: Walking for Freedom In 2016, at the age of 89, - [Can A.I. Help Write History?](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/06/16/can-a-i-help-write-history/) - During my 25 years as a magazine editor, I’ve relished helping writers shape their stories. So I watched with some humility as one of my longtime collaborators, Steven Johnson — a tech journalist and historian — received story guidance not from me, but from an artificial intelligence in a Google cafeteria in Manhattan. Johnson, known - [Tunis Campbell 1812-1891](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/06/16/tunis-campbell-1812-1891/) - Tunis Campbell was the highest-ranking and most influential African American politician in nineteenth-century Georgia. Born on April 1, 1812, in Middlebrook, New Jersey, he was the eighth of ten children of free Black parents. From ages five to eighteen he attended an otherwise all-white Episcopal school in Babylon, New York, where he trained for missionary - [A Manifesto for Positive Change](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/06/15/a-manifesto-for-positive-change/) - About 20 years ago, I watched an interesting discussion on C-SPAN. It was an interview with a prominent historian of European descent about his latest book. The focus of the research study was the Civil War and the Reconstruction period. I don’t quite remember the name of the writer, but I will never forget his - [Diabetes and the Black Community](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/06/13/diabetes-and-the-black-community/) - Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects millions of Americans, but its impact is not evenly distributed. Among the hardest-hit groups is the Black community, which faces disproportionately high rates of both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. This disparity is not merely biological but deeply rooted in a complex web of social, economic, historical, - [Vanessa Williams in Mind](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/06/13/vanessa-williams-in-mind/) - The term “multi-hyphenate” must have been created with Vanessa Williams in mind. Over the years, there have been very few performers who’ve oscillated between film, television, and theater as effortlessly as she has. And she began her career by making history. In 1984, she became the first Black woman to be crowned Miss America. Four - [Harlem Rocket Launches Harlem’s First African American-Owned Maritime Tour](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/06/13/harlem-rocket-launches-harlems-first-african-american-owned-maritime-tour/) - Honoring Hazel N. Dukes and Revitalizing Harlem’s Waterfront A bold new chapter in Harlem’s cultural and economic history sets sail with the debut of the Harlem Rocket, the neighborhood’s first-ever African American-owned sightseeing tour boat. Anchored at West 125th Street’s Harlem Pier, the Harlem Rocket offers 40-minute high-speed tours along the Hudson River, highlighting Harlem’s - [Misty Copeland Retires](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/06/13/misty-copeland-retires/) - Ten years ago, Misty Copeland became the first Black female principal dancer at American Ballet Theater at the age of 32 — a relatively late stage in a ballet career. But once she got the opportunity, she took off running, making her mark not just through her performances but as a symbol of progress in - [Easter at Antioch](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/06/09/easter-at-antioch/) - The Power of the Resurrection Can you correct the grammar in this texts? On Easter morning, Pastor Robert M. Waterman delivered an uplifting message emphasizing the resurrection as a symbol of hope and victory. Drawing from Matthew 28, he proclaimed, “He is not here; He has risen,” urging the congregation, community, and elected officials to - [Sacha Jenkins, Filmmaker, Dies at 53](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/06/09/sacha-jenkins-filmmaker-dies-at-53/) - Sacha Jenkins, a bold journalist and documentary filmmaker known for chronicling Black American culture from an insider’s perspective, died on May 23 at his home in Manhattan. He was 53. His wife, journalist and filmmaker Raquel Cepeda-Jenkins, confirmed the cause was complications of multiple system atrophy, a neurodegenerative disorder. Throughout his career, Jenkins fearlessly explored - [Grace, Grit, and the Silence in Between](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/06/09/grace-grit-and-the-silence-in-between/) - Maxwell There’s this part of me that’s still trying to figure out why any of this happened the way it did. At the time everything was unfolding—early fame, the shows, the awards—I was pinching myself constantly. I had pinch marks everywhere. What started as an idea when I was 16 was somehow in full motion - [Black Women and Hair Care Products](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/06/09/black-women-and-hair-care-products/) - For generations, Black women have used hair care products not just as tools of beauty but as instruments of social survival. From straightening creams to synthetic weaves, the Black hair care industry has ballooned into a multi-billion-dollar business. However, beneath the surface of slick advertisements and promises of silky hair lies a more troubling reality: - [Which savings strategy works for you?](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/06/09/which-savings-strategy-works-for-you/) - Sponsored by JPMorganChase Getting in the habit of saving money is important, as it helps lead to creating a financial cushion to cover future expenses. Saving is not easy, especially when everyday products are at an all-time high given recent years' rising inflation and simply suggesting cutting back on small indulgences can be irritating. Thankfully, - [Answer the Call: Help Us Create a Future Free of Alzheimer’s](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/06/09/answer-the-call-help-us-create-a-future-free-of-alzheimers/) - Alzheimer’s disease has quietly crept into too many of our homes, stealing memories, dimming once- brilliant minds, and placing heavy burdens on families. Currently, over 7 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s, and by 2050, this number is projected to rise to nearly 13 million—unless preventive therapies are developed. If you’ve seen someone you love - [Branden Jacobs-Jenkins ‘Purpose’](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/06/06/branden-jacobs-jenkins-purpose/) - Purpose, Branden Jacobs-Jenkins’s Tony-nominated and Pulitzer Prize–winning play, is set in the home of a Black upper-class Chicago family of civil rights leaders. While the play hints at real-life inspirations like the Rev. Jesse Jackson’s family, it quickly moves in a distinct direction, exploring themes of sacrifice, succession, asexuality, and spirituality with originality and wit. - [9 Tips to Practice Good Credit Hygiene](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/06/06/9-tips-to-practice-good-credit-hygiene/) - Sponsored by JPMorgan Chase Good credit can help unlock the door to a brighter future. That’s not just a metaphor – your credit score is one of the first pieces of information lenders review before approving you for a mortgage, business loan or other purchase requiring finance. A strong credit history could help position you - [Diabetes in the Black Community](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/06/06/diabetes-in-the-black-community/) - Diabetes is a chronic disease that occurs when the body either doesn't produce enough insulin or can't effectively use the insulin it does produce. In the Black community, diabetes—particularly Type 2—has become a growing public health crisis, with rates significantly higher than in many other racial or ethnic groups. One of the most alarming effects - [Q&A with Mayor Ras Baraka](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/06/06/qa-with-mayor-ras-baraka/) - The Positive Community reached out to Newark Mayor Ras Baraka to ask about his candidacy, qualifications, the current political climate, and how his leadership as Governor would affect New Jersey residents. What do you believe are New Jersey’s most pressing issues, and what can/will you do to address them and make improvements?New Jersey is facing - [William F. Tate IV Named Rutgers University President](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/06/06/william-f-tate-iv-named-rutgers-university-president/) - In a landmark move set to shape the future of higher education in New Jersey and beyond, Rutgers University has named William F. Tate IV as its 22nd president. A distinguished social scientist and current president of the Louisiana State University (LSU) system, Tate brings with him a legacy of academic leadership, innovation, and transformative - [Cécile McLorin Salvant Interview](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/06/06/cecile-mclorin-salvant-interview/) - Since the passing of vocal icons Carmen McRae, Nina Simone, Sarah Vaughan and Ella Fitzgerald, fans have wondered, will we ever see this level of talent again? A rightful question. Yet, as a vocal instructor and judge for the Thelonious Monk and Sarah Vaughan competitions, I’ve learned to have complete faith in the future of - [14-Year-Old Football Star a High School Millionaire?](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/06/06/14-year-old-football-star-a-high-school-millionaire/) - When Kaden Coleman-Bennett turned 10, youth football coaches began offering his mother, Brittany Coleman, envelopes stuffed with cash to get him on their teams. She declined every time, wary of breaking rules and tarnishing her son's future. But now, with Kaden ranked among the best eighth-grade football players in the country, there’s a legal route - [Google has a New Way to Use Search](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/05/31/google-has-a-new-way-to-use-search/) - Last week, I asked Google to help me plan my daughter’s birthday party by finding a park in Oakland, Calif., with picnic tables. Google generated a list of parks, but after scouting two of them, I found there were no tables. When I told Google, it acknowledged the mistake and gave me another list — - [Understanding the Challenge of High Blood Pressure](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/05/31/understanding-the-challenge-of-high-blood-pressure/) - High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a significant health concern in the Black community, with African Americans experiencing the highest rates of the condition in the United States. Research shows that Black adults tend to develop high blood pressure earlier in life and with greater severity compared to other racial groups. This elevated - [MET’s newly redesigned Michael C. Rockefeller Wing](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/05/31/mets-newly-redesigned-michael-c-rockefeller-wing/) - If you’re craving the thrill of great art and expansive thinking, the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s newly redesigned Michael C. Rockefeller Wing is a must-see. Reopening after a multi-year renovation, it houses a breathtaking array of works from Africa, the Americas, and Oceania — art that spans millennia, continents, and civilizations. Gone are the crowded - [Intergenerational Opera That Is Also a Family Affair](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/05/31/intergenerational-opera-that-is-also-a-family-affair/) - During the Covid pandemic, homes became central characters in our lives. For composer Ricky Ian Gordon and librettists Lynn Nottage and Ruby Aiyo Gerber, that experience inspired This House, a new opera premiering at the Opera Theater of St. Louis and running through June 29. This marks a reunion for Gordon and Nottage, who previously - [Sheku Kanneh-Mason Interview](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/05/31/sheku-kanneh-mason-interview/) - Just released on Decca Classics, Sheku Kanneh-Mason’s Shostakovich & Britten brings together three works intimately tied to the towering legacy of Mstislav Rostropovich: Shostakovich’s Second Cello Concerto and his early Sonata in D minor from 1934, as well as the Cello Sonata Britten composed in 1961 – one of a remarkable harvest of pieces inspired by his - [Newark Beth Israel Medical Center Hosts 11th Annual Women’s Health Day](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/05/31/newark-beth-israel-medical-center-hosts-11th-annual-womens-health-day/) - Over 600 women attended the expert panel discussion on women’s health and wellness moderated by Atiya Jaha-Rashidi, MHA, RN, Chief Equity Officer and Vice President of Community Relations at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center and Children’s Hospital of New Jersey. The panel of clinical experts from Newark Beth Israel Medical Center included Mahtab Ayatollahi, MSW, - [Harnessing Emerging Technologies to Power Your Business](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/05/30/harnessing-emerging-technologies-to-power-your-business/) - Sponsored by JPMorgan Chase Nearly every area of our lives has been transformed by artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies. For small business owners, AI is no longer a buzzword — it’s becoming a cornerstone of business strategy.AI tools drive innovation, efficiency and growth, making them essential for staying competitive in an increasingly digital and - [Statement on the Passing of Congressman Charles B. Rangel](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/05/27/statement-on-the-passing-of-congressman-charles-b-rangel/) - With deep sorrow and profound respect, the family of The Honorable Charles B. Rangel announces his passing on May 26, 2025, at the age of 94.A towering figure in American politics and a champion for justice, equity, and opportunity, Congressman Rangel dedicated over four decades of his life to public service. Representing what is now - [Nina Simone Interview](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/05/25/nina-simone-interview/) - Nina Simone, born Eunice Kathleen Waymon on February 21, 1933, in Tryon, North Carolina, was a groundbreaking singer, pianist, and civil rights activist whose music transcended genres. A classically trained pianist with dreams of becoming the first Black female concert pianist, Simone’s career took a different path after being denied admission to the Curtis Institute - [How We Undermine Positive Black Music in the Digital Age](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/05/25/how-we-undermine-positive-black-music-in-the-digital-age/) - By Raymond Hagans In contemporary conversations around the quality and content of popular music, especially within the Black community, a troubling trend often emerges—nostalgia-driven critiques that overlook current artists making meaningful contributions. Far too frequently, individuals lament the perceived degradation of musical values, clinging to pre-1980s standards as the only benchmark for “positive” Black music. - [Feed the Body, Fuel the Soul](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/05/25/feed-the-body-fuel-the-soul/) - 15 Foods That Promote Health and Support Weight Loss In the bustling streets of Newark and Brooklyn, where soul food traditions meet wellness conversations, a shift is happening at the kitchen table. As health disparities continue to impact Black communities, a new movement is reclaiming the plate—one ingredient at a time. Healthy eating isn't about - [To Play Betty Boop, Jasmine Amy Rogers](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/05/25/to-play-betty-boop-jasmine-amy-rogers/) - When Jasmine Amy Rogers learned she’d been nominated for a Chita Rivera Award for outstanding dancer in a Broadway show, she laughed—part disbelief, part impostor syndrome. “The dancing is always something that I was so fearful of,” she admitted. Her nerves showed during her audition for Boop! The Musical, where she stars as Betty Boop. - [A. Phillip Randolph Statue at Newark Penn Station](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/05/25/a-phillip-randolph-statue-at-newark-penn-station-2/) - A seven-foot bronze statue of A. Philip Randolph welcomes travelers to Newark Penn Station. Installed on April 15, 2024—what would have been Randolph’s 135th birthday—the statue pays tribute to the civil rights and labor leader and honors his enduring legacy in championing workers’ rights and racial equality. Artist Sterling Brown constructed the magnificent work of - [Malcolm X at 100: The Legacy of a Revolutionary Voice](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/05/25/malcolm-x-at-100-the-legacy-of-a-revolutionary-voice/) - A Century Since the Fire Began On May 19, 1925, Malcolm Little was born in Omaha, Nebraska. A century later, the man we came to know as Malcolm X remains one of the most compelling and transformative figures in American history. His journey from a troubled youth to an international human rights advocate is a - [Here's How You Can Get Ready for Tax Season this Year](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/05/22/heres-how-you-can-get-ready-for-tax-season-this-year/) - Filing taxes is an exercise almost all Americans go through in the first part of each year, but those tax filings can differ based on a number of factors, including income level, location, and employment status. Some tax tips are universal to all filers, while other advice may be specific to those who operate small - [Unsung Patriots: The Enduring Legacy of Black Military Veterans](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/05/19/unsung-patriots-the-enduring-legacy-of-black-military-veterans/) - From the earliest moments of American history, Black men and women have stood on the frontlines of every battle, not only for a nation’s freedom, but for their own. Their stories are woven into the very fabric of American identity, yet their sacrifices have often gone unacknowledged. In tracing the journey of Black military veterans—from - [Sebastião Salgado, Is Dead at 81](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/05/02/sebastiao-salgado-is-dead-at-81/) - Sebastião Salgado, the renowned Brazilian photographer known for his powerful black-and-white images depicting both the beauty and suffering of the world, died on Friday in Paris at age 81. His death was announced by Instituto Terra, the environmental nonprofit he co-founded with his wife in Brazil. According to his family, Salgado had developed leukemia after - [A Candid Conversation Between Newark Native Sons](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/04/11/a-candid-conversation-between-newark-native-sons/) - At its inaugural event, the A’Dorian Murray-Thomas Civic Association hosted a live-streamed, candid conversation between two native sons of Newark. Once rival mayoral candidates, Newark, NJ Mayor Ras J. Baraka and KIPP Schools CEO Shavar Jeffries faced off in the 2014 mayoral contest. Nearly a decade later, the two leaders sat down for their first-ever - [Samara Joy Interview](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/04/03/samara-joy-interview/) - To see Samara Joy perform live is to experience the artist transcend into another realm. It is a gift she has shared from many stages over the years, captivating audiences with her incomparable vocal technique, warm and precise. Supported by a band just as dedicated to sharing their gifts at the highest level, the group - [Interview with Madison Calley](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/03/31/interview-with-madison-calley/) - A DC native, Madison caught the attention of the world through her viral, harp video renditions of R&B and Pop classics, drawing attention from musical greats across genres. On her rise, Calley has performed on both the Grammy and Latin Grammy stages, and has collaborated with artists like Usher and Ariana Grande, in addition to - [Phylicia Rashad's Purpose](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/03/31/phylicia-rashad-purpose/) - Phylicia Rashad discovered her calling at age 11 while leaving a student music festival in Houston in 1959. As the festival’s mistress of ceremonies, she had won the role through a contest among Black elementary schools, which remained segregated despite the Brown v. Board of Education ruling. Wearing a yellow pinafore dress and a flower - [Who is Jazzmeia Horn](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/03/27/who-is-jazzmeia-horn/) - “I didn’t choose my name. It chose me. My grandmother, who passed away when I was 13, told my mother to give me that name before I was even a person. When my mother and father conceived me, she told them that they were going to have a musical child and her name is going - [Holding Court!](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/03/23/holding-court/) - By: Reverend J. Loren Russell Judges 4:4-5 "Now Deborah, a prophet, the wife of Lappidoth, was leading Israel at that time. She held court under the Palm of Deborah between Ramah and Bethel in the hill country of Ephraim, and the Israelites went up to her to have their disputes decided." She has been a - [James Earl Jones Memorial](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/04/11/at-james-earl-jones-memorial/) - Denzel Washington called him his “northern star.” Whoopi Goldberg said seeing him onstage was “heaven.” On Monday afternoon, some of the biggest names in entertainment gathered in Times Square to honor the life and legacy of James Earl Jones, who passed away last year at the age of 93. He was celebrated for his commanding - [Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/04/11/chimamanda-ngozi-adichie/) - Nigerian writer Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie's first three novels won prizes and critical acclaim. Two were optioned for movies, and one, Americanah, sold more than a million copies in the U.S. alone. But then, the words stopped. "I went through what people like to call writer's block, which is an expression I do not like because - [Yellowman Interview](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/05/22/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. As an albino, a trait once reviled by many in Jamaica (albinos were referred to as “dundus,” which means “ghost person”), Yellowman faced constant discrimination and aggression. To combat the negativity he faced daily, he - [Whitney White Is Everywhere](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/04/18/whitney-white-is-everywhere/) - This spring, Whitney White directed the ensemble drama Liberation Off Broadway, then quickly moved to Broadway with the two-hander The Last Five Years. Just days after that show opened, she was already at work rehearsing Macbeth in Stride at the Brooklyn Academy of Music, where she plays a version of Lady Macbeth. During one number, - [Pressley, Warren Re-Introduce Bill to Confront Racism as a Public Health Crisis](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/04/14/pressley-warren-re-introduce-bill-to-confront-racism-as-a-public-health-crisis/) - Trump and Republicans continuing their coordinated attack on diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives and RFK, Jr. dismantling the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), including closing the Office of Minority Health, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07) and Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) are re-introducing the Anti-Racism in Public Health Act of 2025, legislation that would declare racism a public health crisis and - [The 37th Annual Sing in Praise of King](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/04/14/the-37th-annual-sing-in-praise-of-king-2/) - The 37th Annual Sing in Praise of King brought communities together in a joyous celebration of the life and legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. For nearly four decades, this cherished event has stood as a symbol of unity, reflection, and hope. Each year, it offers a space for people of all backgrounds - [Interview with Yaa Gyasi](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/04/14/interview-with-yaa-gyasi/) - In my first year of college I auditioned for our school’s spoken word poetry collective. There was this tradition that when new people were accepted in the group, they’d ‘roll’ them out of bed by banging on their door in the middle of the night for an induction ceremony. It was both ridiculous and magical. - [Avery Sunshine Interview](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/04/14/avery-sunshine-interview/) - Who is AVERY Sunshine? "I am a self-proclaimed therapist! I want to start the conversation that will lead to individual healing which will in turn affect our collective healing. Let’s get people talking about their experiences so that we can learn from them, grow from them and more importantly, move on from them. " AVERY*Sunshine - [AACEO Modern Historians Breakfast](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/04/14/aaceo-modern-historians-breakfast/) - AACEO held its 2025 Modern Historians breakfast event at Medgar Evers College. A who’s who of elected officials were honored including Public Advocate Jumanne Williams, Brooklyn District Attorney Erick Gonzalez, Bronx District Attorney Darcel Clark, Judge Robin Shears, and Former Congressman Edolphus Towns. Other notable ABC attendees were New York City Mayor Eric Adams, New - [Ten Tips to Keep Your Business Cybersafe](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/04/14/ten-tips-to-keep-your-business-cybersafe/) - Sponsored by JPMorganChase A cybersecurity breach can present significant threats to your business. No matter the size of your organization, it’s important to take cybersecurity seriously. Your data is your company’s most important asset, and you need to keep your digital operations safe. Most businesses also rely on external partners and vendors, which can introduce - [Nicole Henry Interview](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/04/11/nicole-henry-interview/) - Time to Love Again, which was released in 2021, features new interpretations of classic songs like “Feeling Good,” “Midnight at the Oasis,” “Wild Is the Wind” and “Love and Affection.” Although the focus of the Birdland gig will be on the new material, Henry also has a tremendous back catalog she could pull from. She - [I Am Art: Artist + Educator Blu Murphy](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/04/21/i-am-art-artist-educator-blu-murphy/) - With the bold affirmation “I am art,” educator and artist Blu Murphy transforms her classroom at Perry Street Preparatory Public Charter School into a space of empowerment and creativity. For the past four years, Murphy has inspired students to see themselves as masterpieces, blending art with education in ways that ignite self-worth and identity. Murphy - [Interview with Tyla](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/04/21/interview-with-tyla/) - Tyla is a South African singer, songwriter, and rising global pop sensation best known for her breakout hit "Water," which became a viral phenomenon and marked a major moment for African music on the international stage. Born and raised in Johannesburg, Tyla developed a passion for music and performance at a young age, drawing inspiration - [Black Girls Sew](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/04/21/black-girls-sew/) - Black Girls Sew is more than just a creative initiative — it’s a movement dedicated to empowering young Black girls through the art of sewing, fashion design, and entrepreneurship. Founded by Hekima Hapa and co-led by Tameka McFarlane, the organization provides a space where girls can not only learn practical skills but also explore self-expression, - [Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/04/18/alexandria-ocasio-cortez/) - Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is trying to find her party's path back into power. The New York Democrat is a more seasoned figure than when she burst onto the national scene during the first Trump administration. Elected by surprise in 2018, Ocasio-Cortez was a progressive insurgent, a democratic socialist, a frequent critic of her own party, and - [Syndee Winters Interview](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/04/18/syndee-winters-interview/) - Syndee Winters is here to bless the world with her smooth and sultry voice, creating meaningful music that resonates with the soul. The R&B singer and Broadway actress is excited as ever to announce her most recent project, the R&B duo Butterfly Black. In conjunction with GRAMMY award-winning bassist/producer Ben Williams, Winters has released “Lifetime,” a - [A Harlem Youth Center Still Thrives](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/04/18/a-harlem-youth-center-still-thrives/) - A few years ago, Brotherhood Sister Sol (BroSis), a youth development group in West Harlem, opened a striking $22 million headquarters that drew design enthusiasts from all over New York. Its jagged glass facade, resembling an upraised hand, stood out boldly among the surrounding tenements. In 2022, I called it an “architectural showpiece” but questioned - [Artist Kehinde Wiley Paintings of African Leaders](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/04/18/artist-kehinde-wiley-paintings-of-african-leaders/) - American artist Kehinde Wiley unveiled a series of large-format portraits of African leaders in Morocco on Tuesday, building on his now-famous 2018 portrait of former U.S. President Barack Obama sitting casually amid a wild cascade of leaves and flowers. His exhibition, entitled “A Maze of Power,” opened at the Mohammed VI Museum of Modern and - [Steps to Weight Loss](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/05/22/steps-to-weight-loss/) - Losing weight is a common health goal for many individuals seeking to improve their physical well-being, self-esteem, or reduce the risk of chronic illness. While there is no one-size-fits-all solution, effective and sustainable weight loss requires a combination of dietary changes, physical activity, mindset shifts, and consistency. Understanding the fundamentals behind weight management helps separate - [AACCNJ Economic Summit: Accountability, Opportunity, & Equity](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/05/22/aaccnj-economic-summit-accountability-opportunity-equity/) - "Accountability, Opportunity & Equity" was the theme for the 2025 African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey (AACCNJ) State of Black New Jersey Economic Summit. The annual summit serves as a platform for open dialogue with state representatives from various agencies, legislators, faith and community organizations, the private sector, and Main Street business owners. - [Samara Joy Interview](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/05/19/samara-joy-interview-2/) - Samara Joy is 25 and didn't really immerse herself in jazz until she was in college, when she was studying music at the State University of New York's Purchase College. She won the Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition, which helped launch her career. She comes from a family of gospel singers. Her grandparents co-founded - [The Netflix Series Forever](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/05/22/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 Akil, the show centers on the teenage romance between Keisha Clark and Justin Edwards, two Black high school seniors in Los Angeles. By modernizing the story’s themes and placing them in a culturally rich Black - [15 Steps to a Healthy Life](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/05/19/15-steps-to-a-healthy-life/) - Living a healthy life starts with two fundamental habits: regular exercise and mindful eating. Together, they form the foundation for physical well-being, mental clarity, and long-term vitality. Exercise strengthens the body, boosts mood, and improves heart health, while balanced nutrition fuels your body with the essential vitamins, minerals, and energy it needs to thrive. By - [The Red Summer of 1919: A Pivotal Chapter in American Racial History](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/05/19/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 the aftermath of World War I, this era witnessed a series of race riots and lynchings across more than three dozen cities and towns in the United States. The term “Red Summer” was coined by - [Accountability and Reciprocity](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/05/19/accountability-and-reciprocity/) - November 4, 2025, is a significant date in the history of New Jersey. On this date, registered voters will be asked to select their legislative representatives, as well as the next governor. Constitutionally, New Jersey’s chief executive is one of the most powerful governors in the United States. In addition to overseeing the departments, agencies, - [Target National Selective Buying Campaign Continues](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/05/19/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 with us not just in words, but in deeds. Show your commitment by investing in our communities, supporting our businesses, and partnering with Black-owned media companies that have long carried the mantle of truth, justice, - [In Review: The African American Cultural Narrative](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/05/19/in-review-the-african-american-cultural-narrative/) - Ours is an extraordinary history of trial, tribulation, and triumph that we must never, ever forget! This is the very story we must tell our children and future generations.—Adrian A. Council Sr. “The African American Cultural Narrative,” penned by Adrian A. Council Sr., recounts the experience and journey of African Americans in this country from - [Maximizing Your Bank Branch Experience](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/04/09/maximizing-your-bank-branch-experience/) - In a world of online tools that let you make banking transactions with the touch of a button, the idea of visiting a branch might seem unnecessary. However, if you haven’t visited your local branch recently, you might be surprised by what it has to offer. Your branch is much more than a place to - [Banning Cell Phone Use in Public Schools?](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/04/09/banning-cell-phone-use-in-public-schools/) - A Step Toward Focus and Engagemen The pervasive presence of cell phones in schools has become a hotly debated topic among educators, parents, and policymakers. Many states, cities, and school districts are taking a bold step by considering legislation to ban cell phone use in public schools. Such proposals may spark controversy. It’s not only - [Spotlight on a Maverick Brooklyn Gallerist and her Artists](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/04/06/spotlight-on-a-maverick-brooklyn-gallerist-and-her-artists/) - Article Courtesy of Tanya Weddemire Gallerist Tanya Weddemire and the artists she represents—including famed Haitian-American Guy Stanley Philoche, who’s known for his provocative pop art and commitment to the artist community through his charity and mentorship—are making waves. Tanya’s promotion of Black artists is at the forefront of her business and has paid dividends. We - [Randall's Island Park Trail](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/05/05/randalls-island-park-trail/) - Randall's Island Park Trails offer a series of interconnected paved loops on an island in the New York City borough of Manhattan. The park offers a quiet setting, especially enjoyed by runners, with views of the skyline and access to plentiful amenities, like restrooms and water fountains. Numerous recreational facilities are also available in the - [Interview: Sevana](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/05/05/interview-sevana/) - One of Jamaica’s brightest young stars, Sevana, has been making waves from the island to international markets lately. First, there was the release of her new single, Keep Going (Chosen), an inspiring self-empowering reggae R&B anthem that was well-received and even sparked discussions around deeper meanings within her wordplay. Shortly after, she performed in Beyonce’s - [Dr. Mark Dean, the 2024 Black Engineer of the Year](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/05/05/dr-mark-dean-the-2024-black-engineer-of-the-year/) - Dr. Mark Dean, the 2024 Black Engineer of the Year, stands as a trailblazer in the field of computer science, with a career marked by revolutionary contributions to personal computing. His insights into the past, present, and future of technology offer a unique lens into the evolving digital landscape. Dr. Dean reflects on the early - [Your iPhone is a Target for Thieves](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/05/02/your-iphone-is-a-target-for-thieves/) - If you’re lucky, getting your iPhone stolen results only in a temporary headache. But that’s not the case for everyone. Some people have had to deal with serious financial fallout, identity theft and the loss of years’ worth of personal data. Michael Mathews, who’s suing Apple over access to his data, alleges that the theft - [The Art and Wisdom of Jack Whitten](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/05/02/the-art-and-wisdom-of-jack-whitten/) - ‘American Apartheid’ was Jack Whitten’s description of his painful origins. He came from Bessemer, a thoroughly segregated steel community outside Birmingham, Alabama. As a child, he enjoyed reading. As an African-American child, he was barred from entering the public library. To compress a life-story worth a novel: by 1959, at age 20, Whitten was in - [A. Phillip Randolph Statue at Newark Penn Station](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/05/02/a-phillip-randolph-statue-at-newark-penn-station/) - A seven-foot bronze statue of A. Philip Randolph welcomes travelers to Newark Penn Station. Installed on April 15, 2024, on what would have been Randolph’s 135th birthday, the statue pays tribute to the civil rights and labor leader and honors his enduring legacy in championing workers’ rights and racial equality. Artist Sterling Brown constructed the - [Madison McFerrin Shares her Creative Process](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/05/02/madison-mcferrin-shares-her-creative-process/) - "I’ll try writing a song after the next time I make scones." Throughout her fruitful independent career, spanning three EPs and multiple collaborations, Madison has earned accolades from The New York Times, NPR, The FADER, and Pitchfork, who named her a Rising Artist in 2018. Her genre-bending work has led to Questlove dubbing her early - [The Hudson River Greenway](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/05/02/the-hudson-river-greenway/) - In 1991 the Hudson River Valley Greenway was created in part to establish a network of multi-use trails along both sides of the Hudson River. Today the Greenway is working to create a system of trails from the northern borders Saratoga and Washington counties to Manhattan. The Hudson River Greenway Trail System consists of two main components: - [The Black Tailors Who’ve Kept Dandyism Alive for Decades](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/04/28/the-black-tailors-whove-kept-dandyism-alive-for-decades/) - From the barbershop-lined blocks of Birmingham to the storied storefronts on Chicago’s West Side, Black-owned tailor shops have long been custodians of cultural memory. These ateliers—many family-run for decades—are more than places to hem trousers; they are institutions of tradition, skill, and community. Black tailoring has dressed generations for Sunday service, first jobs, protest marches, - [30 Handy Ways to Use AI](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/04/28/30-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 the things Kate and I have been using AI for in our work and personal lives; maybe it will give you some ideas you haven’t thought of. Most of the suggestions below can be done - [Meet Candice Tavares](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/04/28/meet-candice-tavares/) - Candice Tavares is a self-taught wood artist from the suburbs of Philadelphia, PA. She received her B.S. in Chemical Engineering from the University of Virginia and her Doctorate of Pharmacy from Howard University. None of her formal education has any connection to woodworking or fine art, but her experiences as a Black woman working in - [‘Sinners’ is Leading the Movies out of the Streaming Desert](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/04/28/sinners-is-leading-the-movies-out-of-the-streaming-desert/) - “Sinners” is a movie that, when it was over, had me wanting to run out of the theater so I could sprint through a wall. It’s that exhilarating. It hits you in the gut in the way that only the best movies can — not just emotionally, but physically, too. “I want people walking out - [J’Nai Bridges Interview](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/04/25/jnai-bridges-interview/) - J’Nai Bridges is among the world’s leading mezzo-sopranos performing today. She has been heralded and praised by critics at The New York Times and Los Angeles Times, to name only a few. J’Nai is a principal cast member of the 2022 Grammy Award-winning recording of Philip Glass’s Akhnaten produced by The Metropolitan Opera. In this - [Social Change Fund United Announces Los Angeles Initiative](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/04/25/social-change-fund-united-announces-los-angeles-initiative/) - The initiative, co-founded by Carmelo Anthony, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Paul, has announced a collaborative effort with Stackwell and the National Basketball Players Association Foundation (NBPA Foundation) For the first time, the Southern California Financial Union (SCFU) has joined forces with a fintech platform, marking a significant milestone in its ongoing mission to support local - [China Has an Army of Robots](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/04/25/china-has-an-army-of-robots/) - China’s secret weapon in the global trade war is its rapid adoption of factory automation, driven by artificial intelligence. This wave of industrial transformation is lowering production costs and boosting product quality, positioning China to better weather trade tensions and tariffs from the U.S., the European Union, and developing nations like Brazil and India. The - [MET Roof Reopening](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/04/25/met-roof-reopening/) - On a crisp morning atop the Metropolitan Museum of Art, artist Jennie C. Jones previewed Ensemble, her sculptural suite for the museum’s annual Roof Garden commission. The geometric sculptures—sleek, angular, and stretched with piano-string-like wires—appeared both visual and sonic in nature, quietly shimmering in the sunlight. Each of the three main sculptures featured taut strings - [Senator Cory Booker to Visit El Salvador](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/04/21/senator-cory-booker-to-visit-el-salvador/) - Senator Cory Booker is planning a visit to El Salvador, according to a source familiar with his travel plans. The trip comes as Democratic lawmakers continue to pressure the Trump administration to comply with a Supreme Court order demanding the return of Kilmar Ábrego García, a Maryland resident who was wrongfully deported. Ábrego García, a - [Audra McDonald’s ‘Gypsy’ Showstopper](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/05/16/audra-mcdonalds-gypsy-showstopper/) - Eight times a week at the Majestic Theater, Audra McDonald delivers the emotional peak of Gypsy in a mere 4½ minutes—a searing rendition of “Rose’s Turn” that compresses the full arc of tragedy into one unforgettable performance. Aristotle’s elements of tragedy—pity, terror, self-delusion, and catharsis—are all packed into this single number, which explodes out of - [Fit in 15: The Spirit of Fitness](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/05/16/fit-in-15-the-spirit-of-fitness/) - There is a spirit that moves us to do things. It can prompt us to call someone, or to turn left instead of right. It can also urge us to make changes in order to live well. There is a desire within us to create healthy habits and make incremental improvements to our body, mind, - [Celebrating Literacy, Leadership, and Legacy](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/05/16/celebrating-literacy-leadership-and-legacy-2/) - At Roseville Community Charter School, royalty isn’t inherited—it’s earned through leadership, compassion, wisdom, and service. On Friday, March 21, the school celebrated its fourth annual “Queens Who Read—Women’s History Month Literacy Event,” welcoming an extraordinary circle of women to inspire the next generation of readers and thinkers. The event brought together a diverse group of - [Cory Booker’s 25-Hour Stand](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/05/16/cory-bookers25-hour-stand/) - In a remarkable show of endurance, conviction, and optimism, Senator Cory Booker recently delivered a 25-hour speech on the Senate floor that captivated the nation. Known for his fiery oratory and deep-rooted belief in American idealism, Booker’s marathon address was more than a protest or political maneuver—it was a manifestation of the values that have - [Mayor Ted R. Green hosts Lunch and Learn Event with students of The Deron School](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/05/16/mayor-ted-r-green-hosts-lunch-and-learn-event-with-students-of-the-deron-school/) - When East Orange resident Machi Cobb wrote a letter to Mayor Ted R. Green last year, little did he know he would be christened "Mayor for the Day" with a special lunch meeting for his cabinet (er, classmates)! Machi definitely took his new role to heart! To complete a civics assignment last November, Machi, a - [Wellpoint New Jersey Brings Joy of Reading to Schools Across the State](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/05/16/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 Read Across New Jersey 2025 initiative. This program features a series of read-along events where children not only enjoy listening to different stories but also receive free books to enhance their personal libraries. The initiative - [Sharpe James, former Newark Mayor and State Senator, Dies at 89](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/05/12/sharpe-james-former-newark-mayor-and-state-senator-dies-at-89/) - Sharpe James, a colorful, passionate, and controversial New Jersey politician who championed the city of Newark, where he served as mayor for twenty years, died today after a series of illnesses. He was 89. Early Life and Education Sharpe James was born on February 20, 1936, in Jacksonville, Florida, and moved to Newark, New Jersey, - [Dr. Richard K. Bernstein Diabetes Pioneer 1935-2025](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/05/12/dr-richard-k-bernstein-diabetes-pioneer/) - Dr. Richard K. Bernstein, born in 1934, was a trailblazing figure in the world of diabetes management. Diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at the age of 12 in 1946, he was given the standard treatment of the time: a high-carbohydrate diet balanced with insulin. This traditional approach kept him alive, but he began to suffer - [Daredevil photographer Isaac Wright](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/05/12/daredevil-photographer-isaac-wright/) - There was something about sneaking to the summits of skyscrapers and bridges, feeling the wind rush past and the world drop away below, that gave Isaac Wright a euphoric sense of freedom. He began taking photographs from those heights, attempting to capture the dizzying sensation through his lens, and in doing so, found a deep, - [Mayor Baraka Announces City in Talks to Bring Whoopi Goldberg-Led Studio to Newark](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/05/12/mayor-baraka-announces-city-in-talks-to-bring-whoopi-goldberg-led-studio-to-newark/) - Mayor Ras J. Baraka announced today that the City of Newark is in active discussions with The MBS Group, the world’s largest studio services and production infrastructure company, and its high-profile partner Whoopi Inc., led by legendary entertainer and producer Whoopi Goldberg, to establish a major studio presence in the City of Newark. This ambitious - [Al B. Sure! Amplifies the Call for Health Equity](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/05/12/al-b-sure-amplifies-the-call-for-health-equity/) - Music icon and health advocate Al B. Sure! is using his legendary voice for a mission beyond music. The Grammy-nominated R&B star has stepped into the national spotlight not for a tour or new album, but for something even more vital—championing health equity in organ transplantation. As Executive Chairman of the Health Equity in Transplantation - [Interview with Yasmin Williams](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/05/12/interview-with-yasmin-williams/) - Yasmin Williams, a 24-year-old guitarist from northern Virginia, redefines fingerstyle guitar with her innovative, multi-limbed playing that blends kalimba, tap shoes, and guitar in a style all her own, rooted in influences from West African griots to video games. Her sophomore album Urban Driftwood is an instrumental yet deeply narrative reflection on 2020, weaving personal - [Hudson River Greenway: Battery Park to Riverside Park](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/05/09/hudson-river-greenway-battery-park-to-riverside-park/) - Experience this 5.3-mile point-to-point trail near New York City, New York. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 1 h 35 min to complete. This is a very popular area for road biking, running, and walking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful - [Kandace Springs](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/05/09/kandace-springs/) - With a distinctive voice and powerful songs, Kandace Springs makes an impression that lingers. Springs was born in Nashville, and, as her father was session singer Scat Springs, she grew up listening to jazz and soul singers. Her musical journey began at age 10 when she started piano lessons. By 2014, she’d released a self-titled - [A Unique Touch Gregory Saint Amand](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/05/09/a-unique-touch-gregory-saint-amand/) - Gregory Saint Amand also known as (GOGO) is a contemporary and figurative, American, and Haitian artist. He was born in New York but spent a good amount of his early formative years growing up in Haiti. His perspective about what speaks to the human consciousness and understanding, the visual lexicons that influence our communication and - [Pope Leo XIV](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/05/09/pope-leo-xiv/) - Robert Francis Prevost, a 69-year-old American cardinal, was elected as the new pope on Thursday, becoming the first pontiff from the United States. Taking the name Pope Leo XIV, he addressed the public from St. Peter’s Basilica, calling for peace and remembrance for the suffering. He now leads the world’s 1.4 billion Roman Catholics, succeeding - [Ibrahim Traoré a New Progressive Hero?](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/05/09/ibrahim-traore-a-new-progressive-hero/) - Africa has long yearned for a progressive hero in the mold of Nkrumah, Sankara, or Mandela. This yearning may explain why many young Africans have quickly embraced Captain Ibrahim Traoré of Burkina Faso as such a figure. Their enthusiasm is largely driven by a surge of social media content, mostly produced by Russian propaganda outfits, - [Celebrating Literacy, Leadership, and Legacy](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/05/05/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, compassion, wisdom, and service. On Friday, March 21st, the school celebrated its 4th annual “Queens Who Read—Women’s History Month Literacy Event,” welcoming an extraordinary circle of women to inspire the next generation of readers and - [Amy Sherald the Artist](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/05/05/amy-sherald-the-artist/) - Amy Sherald begins each day with a ritual: searching the night sky for the moon. “It helps me keep things in perspective,” she says, a way to remember she is just one part of a vast universe. This grounding practice mirrors the ethos of her portraiture—rooted in presence, reflection, and connection to something larger. Dressed - [Kandace Springs Interview](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/04/07/kandace-springs-interview/) - YOUR LAST RELEASE WAS FOUR YEARS AGO. WHY SUCH A GAP BETWEEN RECORDINGS? I did release one record in between, but it wasn’t publicized; I just kind of let it out there. It’s kind of hidden, called My Name Is Sheba, which is something I did with my father. Basically the gap is just due to “life”. - [Super Bowl Champion Honored in His Hometown](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/04/07/super-bowl-champion-honored-in-his-hometown/) - Mayor Ted R. Green anMayor Ted R. Green and the East Orange City Council proudly presented Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Jahan Dotson with the Key to the City on Monday, March 10, 2025, in recognition of his outstanding achievements as a 2025 Super Bowl champion and community leader. “I am extremely proud to present this - [Public Safety and Policing Symposium at Kean University](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/04/06/public-safety-and-policing-symposium-at-kean-university/) - A symposium series around policing and public safety kicked off at Kean University on March 1, 2025. Designed to foster meaningful community conversation on public safety, health, and community; the event aimed toward advancing evidence-informed policy solutions to today's public safety challenges. National Urban League President and CEO Marc H. Morial, delivered the keynote address. - [Trump Tariffs Hit Small African Economies](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/04/06/trump-tariffs-hit-small-african-economies/) - The Trump administration recently imposed its harshest new tariff on Lesotho, a small, landlocked country in southern Africa. Known for producing denim used in American jeans, Lesotho now faces a 50 percent tariff — a major blow to one of the world’s poorest nations. Several other African countries were also hit hard. Madagascar, where three-quarters - [Bronze on Ice](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/04/06/bronze-on-ice/) - Intrepid figure skater and Fordham High School for the Arts student Zayda Rojas is featured in the vibrant world of competitive figure skating in the new Disney+ streaming event, Harlem Ice. The multi-part docuseries highlights Zayda and her African American–Latino figure skating team in Harlem. This is especially meaningful, as few talented, bronze-skinned figure skaters - [The Power of Exercise](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/04/06/the-power-of-exercise/) - Kahlil Carmichael MAPCC, MDIV, CPT is the pastor of Live Well Church, in Somerset, New Jersey.He is a fitness specialist at The Fitness Doctor, a fitness and wellness consulting company; and theauthor of 50 Tips for a Better You. He is a contributor to Guideposts magazine. His first publication,Living Longer Living Better, is available now. - [Thank You, Hazel Dukes!](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/04/04/thank-you-hazel-dukes/) - Honoring Dr. Hazel N. Dukes: A Life of Service and Legacy This special edition of The Positive Community (TPC) is dedicated to the life and legacy of Dr. Hazel N. Dukes, President of the NAACP New York State Conference—a fearless leader and our dear friend. Her presence will be deeply missed. Everyone loved Hazel Dukes. - [Women's Rights Advocates Warn UN to Confront Backlash Against Progress](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/04/04/womens-rights-advocates-warn-un-to-confront-backlash-against-progress/) - Female activists raised their voices at the United Nations on International Women’s Day, warning of a global rollback on hard-won rights. Sima Bahous, executive director of U.N. Women, emphasized that while gender equality faces increasing obstacles, the movement’s determination remains unshakable. Bahous urged women to push back against the backlash, stressing that equality should be - [Josephine Philips, founder of Sojo](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/04/03/josephine-philips-founder-of-sojo/) - The past few years have been exciting for women in tech, with female-founded businesses making waves. However, only 2% of venture capital funding goes to female entrepreneurs. One success story is Josephine Philips, founder of Sojo, a tech-driven sustainable fashion service. At just 23, she has raised $2.4 million and partnered with major brands like - [Othello](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/04/04/othello/) - Opening night: March 23, 2025 Venue: Broadway’s Barrymore Theatre Written by: William Shakespeare Directed by: Kenny Leon Cast: Denzel Washington, Jake Gyllenhaal, Molly Osborne, Andrew Burnap, Anthony Michael Lopez, Daniel Pearce, Kimber Elayne Sprawl, Neal Bledsoe, Julee Cerda, Ezra Knight, Gene Gillette, Rob Heaps, and William Connell, Ty Fanning, Ben Graney, Daniel Reece, Christina Sajous, - [The House That Jack Built](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/04/04/the-house-that-jack-built/) - Broadcast Pioneer Hal Jackson in Pictures It’s been said “a picture is worth a thousand words.” That sentiment rang true at the opening of the photo retrospective, “The House That Jack Built: Hal Jackson, the Godfather of Black Radio.” The exhibit, a treasure trove of over 40 iconic photos, chronicles key moments in the illustrious - [Hazel Dukes and the NAACP](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/04/04/hazel-dukes-and-the-naacp/) - Hazel Dukes was arrested in April 2008, along with other protestors, after blocking the entrance to the Holland Tunnel in an act of civil disobedience. The demonstration was in response to the verdict in the Sean Bell police brutality case. Bell, who was unarmed, was shot and killed by New York City police on the - [5 Tips to Become a Homeowner in 2025](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/11/03/5-tips-to-become-a-homeowner-in-2023/) - Homeownership is the largest financial undertaking for most Americans and a key to building generational wealth. It can provide a base of security, as building home equity provides you with more financial options in the future. For instance, home equity can be used to pay off debt, increase savings, start a business or invest for - [Thinking about starting a business? Here are 5 things to consider](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/09/29/thinking-about-starting-a-business-here-are-5-things-to-consider/) - More people are choosing to become entrepreneurs and chart a path of their own. In fact, one million more new business applications were filed in 2021 than in 2020 -the highest total on record- according to the U.S Census Bureau. If you are ready to dive into small business ownership, having a plan, understanding your - [NJ Winter Issue 2025](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/02/26/covers/) - Archive for The Positive Community Magazine below: Harlem Summer Issue 2023 June/July Issue 2023 May Issue 2023 Spring Issue 2023 March NY Issue 2023 March NJ Issue 2023 Winter Issue 2023 December Issue 2022 November Issue 2022 October NJ Issue 2022 October NY Issue 2022 Fall NY Issue 2022 Fall NJ Issue 2022 Summer Issue - [Harnessing the Power of Community to Heal](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/03/31/harnessing-the-power-of-community-to-heal/) - By: Sakina Jordan, Behavioral Health/MetroPlusHealth During rush hour at Penn Station, a man was on the ground foaming at the mouth. People hurried past, but I stopped. To just walk by would betray my beliefs about community and human decency. My eight-year-old son witnessed the man's distress, the crowd's apathy, and my intervention. He saw - [The Okwelians: Unlocking New Economic Paths for Cameroon](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/03/31/the-okwelians-unlocking-new-economic-paths-for-cameroon/) - On the agenda: The Okwelians, an idea laboratory focused on empowering youth and the private sector to transform the economy, the challenge of local cocoa value addition for a more competitive industry, and the rise of digitalized livestock farming, an innovation hindered by lack of funding. The Okwelians: An Idea Laboratory for the Future of - [The Hottest AI Models, What they Do, and How to Use Them](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/03/31/the-hottest-ai-models-what-they-do-and-how-to-use-them/) - AI models are being cranked out at a dizzying pace, by everyone from Big Tech companies like Google to startups like OpenAI and Anthropic. Keeping track of the latest ones can be overwhelming. Adding to the confusion is that AI models are often promoted based on industry benchmarks. But these technical metrics often reveal little - [Target Takes a Hit: $12.4 Billion Wiped Out](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/03/10/target-takes-a-hit-12-4-billion-wiped-out/) - Target Corporation’s stock plummeted by approximately $27.27 per share by the end of February, erasing about $12.4 billion in market value. The drop came on February 28, the designated economic blackout day, and coincided with mounting backlash over the retailer’s decision to abandon its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) commitments.The National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) - [Commemorating 60th Anniversary of Bloody Sunday](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/03/05/commemorating-60th-anniversary-of-bloody-sunday/) - On Sunday, March 9, 2025, New Yorkers will gather to march across the Brooklyn Bridge in solidarity with activists in Selma, Alabama, who will be commemorating the 60th anniversary of “Bloody Sunday.” The march, which will take place at 1:30 PM, is led by renowned civil rights lawyer Norman Siegel and civil rights activist Harriet - [How a Jazz Club Became a Hub for Racial Healing](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/03/04/how-a-jazz-club-became-a-hub-for-racial-healing/) - Through Healing Sounds of Newark events, student and community participants come together for positive vibes and connection. At Clement’s Place, a jazz club on the Rutgers-Newark campus, the Healing Sounds of Newark initiative is fostering racial healing through the arts. Through poetry, music, interpretative dance, and performance, students and community members come together to share - [Synthetic Hair Marketed to Black Women contains Carcinogens and Lead, Report Finds](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/03/04/synthetic-hair-marketed-to-black-women-contains-carcinogens-and-lead-report-finds/) - A Consumer Reports study found cancer-causing ingredients in 10 synthetic hair products commonly used in braids, extensions, and other hairstyles popular with Black women. Brands such as Magic Fingers, Sensationnel, and Shake-N-Go were among those containing harmful chemicals. The study also revealed that nine of the 10 synthetic hair packs tested contained lead, with one - [Exhibition Brings Story of ancient Egypt's King Tut to Life](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/03/28/exhibition-brings-story-of-ancient-egypts-king-tut-to-life/) - Ancient Egypt’s boy king, Tutankhamun, and his golden tomb have fascinated the world since their discovery by British archaeologist Howard Carter over a century ago. Now, visitors can step into this history through a new digital exhibition at London’s Excel Centre. The discovery of Tutankhamun’s undisturbed 3,000-year-old tomb marked a groundbreaking moment in archaeology, revealing - [Mickalene Thomas Makes Art](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/03/28/mickalene-thomas-makes-art/) - Mickalene Thomas’ artwork places Black women at the forefront, depicting them in moments of leisure—reclining on couches, sometimes nude, and surrounded by rhinestones and vibrant patterns. Her goal is to challenge traditional notions of beauty by celebrating Black women as the central figures. “My art radically shifts notions of beauty by claiming space,” Thomas explains. - [How To Reduce Screen Time On Phone](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/03/28/how-to-reduce-screen-time-on-phone/) - Did you know that an average person spends around 11 hours looking at a screen? Shockingly, this number skyrocketed to 19 hours during the pandemic! Nevertheless, the ongoing issue of spending too much time looking at screens is in full force, and it’s time to do something about it. While it’s usually your eyes that feel most of that - [Target Sees a Decline in Stocks](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/03/28/target-sees-a-decline-in-stocks/) - Target, once a favorite shopping destination for groceries, home décor, and essentials, is facing significant backlash after scaling back its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. The retailer’s decision has sparked boycotts and protests, leading to a decline in consumer sentiment and stock performance. As calls for boycotts and four-day “fasts” gain traction, the financial - [Financial Considerations for Multigenerational Households](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/03/27/financial-considerations-for-multigenerational-households/) - For many families, and in many cultures, multigenerational living is a cherished aspect of home life, improving a family’s overall wellbeing. Research indicates there can be financial benefits to multigenerational living, and when executed intentionally, having multiple family members under the same roof can help improve health outcomes, reduce loneliness, and bolster educational outcomes for - [The Center for Black Literature’s National Black Writers Conference Biennial Symposium](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/03/26/the-center-for-black-literatures-national-black-writers-conference-biennial-symposium/) - The Center for Black Literature’s National Black Writers Conference Biennial Symposium (NBWC2025) proudly returns with a focus on celebrating Black Young Adult (YA) and Middle Grade (MG) literature. This year’s symposium will honor the unparalleled contributions of literary titans Tony Medina and Rita Williams-Garcia. The event will take place from Thursday, March 27, 2025, through - [George Foreman, Boxing Champion, Dies at 76](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/03/23/george-foreman-boxing-champion-dies-at-76/) - The George Foreman Lean Mean Fat Reducing Grilling Machine was the kitchen appliance America didn’t know it needed. Introduced in the mid-1990s, it arrived at a time when food culture was shifting—Food Network had just launched, Martha Stewart was redefining home entertaining, and low-fat diets were trending. Salsa had even outsold ketchup for the first - [Ferlanda Fox Nixon NRBP President and CEO](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/03/21/ferlanda-fox-nixon-nrbp-president-and-ceo/) - BY CANDACE WALLER After an extensive search that included contacting hundreds of executives at chambers of commerce, economic development organizations, and other public and private sector leaders, Ferlanda Fox Nixon has been named the new president and CEO of Newark Regional Business Partnership (NRBP). Nixon succeeds Chip Hallock, who retired after 25 years. “It is - [Black and Hispanic Women are Affected more by State Bands on Abortion](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/03/21/black-and-hispanic-women-are-affected-more-by-state-bands-on-abortion/) - A new study analyzing birth data from 2023 found that state abortion bans significantly impacted certain groups of women, particularly Hispanic and Black women, those without college degrees, and those living far from clinics. The study, conducted by the National Bureau of Economic Research, measured how birth rates changed after the Supreme Court overturned Roe - [The Black Imagination at the Oculus](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/03/21/the-black-imagination-at-the-oculus/) - The Institute of Black Imagination (I.B.I.), located in the Oculus at the World Trade Center, transforms a retail space into a cultural hub. Space 001, typically a site for commerce, now provides public access to thousands of books, periodicals, and records related to Black culture while also serving as a platform for innovative Black designers. - [An Interview with Cécile McLorin Salvant](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/03/21/an-interview-with-cecile-mclorin-salvant/) - Cécile McLorin Salvant is a fearless vocalist, composer, and visual artist who has quickly become one of jazz’s most respected voices. The multiple Grammy winner and MacArthur Fellow showcases her passion for storytelling and peerless artistic vision. One of the hallmarks of your career has been variety. How would you describe your musical style? I typically - [Spring Issue 2025](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/04/01/spring-issue-2025/) - [Spring Issue Version 02](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/04/02/spring-issue-version-02/) - [Hazel Dukes Documentary](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/04/01/hazel-dukes-documentary/) - [Billy Hart, whose Discography Spans over 600 Albums](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/03/02/billy-hart-whose-discography-spans-over-600-albums/) - At 84, drummer Billy Hart, whose discography spans over 600 albums, continues to shape jazz with his long-running quartet. Onstage with the Cookers in January, Hart’s dynamic playing energized the band, his intensity and infectious energy palpable. His new album, "Just," showcases his ability to stay contemporary, playing alongside younger musicians like saxophonist Mark Turner, - [Angie Stone Dies in Car Crash](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/03/02/angie-stone-dies-in-car-crash/) - Angie Stone, a trailblazing force in neo-soul, tragically passed away in a car crash last night. Her death marks the end of a storied career that spanned decades, touching countless fans with her rich, agile voice and deeply rooted connection to soul music's history. Stone was no overnight success; by the time her 2001 album - [Tyler Mitchell Ghost Images | Gagosian](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/03/11/tyler-mitchell-ghost-images-gagosian/) - Gagosian presents Ghost Images, an exhibition by Tyler Mitchell and the gallery’s debut presentation of his work in New York. Mitchell, celebrated for his striking and thought-provoking exploration of Black identity, returns with a deeply personal collection that investigates themes of memory, history, and the enduring presence of the past. Rooted in the landscapes of - [Kamala Harris Considering Run for California Governor](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/03/08/kamala-harris-considering-run-for-california-governor/) - Former Vice President Kamala Harris is seriously considering running for governor of California and has set a deadline to decide by the end of summer. At a pre-Oscars party, she confirmed her timeline when asked about her potential candidacy, and in recent weeks, she has discussed the possibility with allies and advisers. Harris’ deliberations mark - [Celebrating Mildred C. Crump](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/03/07/celebrating-mildred-c-crump/) - A Legacy of Love! The recent passing of our dear friend and leader, The Hon. Mildred C. Crump just broke our hearts at The Positive Community. Mildred (affectionately) was the first Black councilwoman and the first woman to serve as Municipal Council President in the City of Newark. We can only Imagine the challenges she - [Congo’s Vast Army Is Struggling](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/03/06/congos-vast-army-is-struggling/) - The Democratic Republic of Congo’s army is struggling to counter a powerful militia, M23, that has seized major cities, airports, and vast territories in the east. The Congolese military, plagued by underfunding, factionalism, and corruption, has been unable to mount an effective defense. Successive presidents have deliberately kept the army weak, fearing a potential coup, - [Roy Ayers, dies at 84](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/03/06/roy-ayers-dies-at-84/) - Roy Ayers, the vibraphonist, composer, and jazz-funk pioneer behind Everybody Loves the Sunshine, has died at the age of 84. He passed away on Tuesday in New York City after a long illness, according to a statement on his Facebook page. Born in Los Angeles on September 10, 1940, Ayers grew up in a musical - [Texas Company’s Blue Ghost Lands on Lunar Surface](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/03/04/texas-companys-blue-ghost-lands-on-lunar-surface/) - A robotic spacecraft built by Firefly Aerospace successfully landed on the moon early Sunday morning. The Blue Ghost lander touched down at 3:34 a.m. Eastern time on a lava plain known as Mare Crisium, marking a significant achievement for the Texas-based company. Shortly after landing, the spacecraft transmitted its first photograph of the lunar surface, - [M23 Rebels Push Further East](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/03/20/m23-rebels-push-further-east/) - Last month, the Tutsi-led M23, backed by Rwanda, seized Goma, the main city in mineral-rich eastern DR Congo. The Congolese government accuses Rwanda of fueling conflict to exploit the region’s resources, a charge Rwanda denies. The M23 previously captured Goma in 2012, but taking Bukavu, the capital of South Kivu province, would mark a significant - [East Orange Hosts Fathers Make a Difference Conference](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/03/17/east-orange-hosts-fathers-make-a-difference-conference/) - The City of East Orange kicked off Black History Month with an impactful Fathers Make A Difference Conference, a collaborative initiative of empowerment, enlightenment, and engagement designed to strengthen fathers, families, and their communities. Held at East Orange Campus High School on Saturday, February 1, 2025, this event was jointly sponsored by Mayor Ted R. - [Debt Nearly Buried Them](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/03/17/debt-nearly-buried-them/) - Decades ago, lawyer John Glover stood in a bank lobby, struggling with financial ruin and self-worth. Foreclosure loomed, and in desperation, he considered floating a check he couldn’t cover. His mind then turned to a more drastic solution—his accidental-death life insurance policy. The $5,000 payout seemed like an answer to his crisis. He even thought - [The Story of My First Love](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/03/17/the-story-of-my-first-love/) - By Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie My father was a professor, and we lived on the University of Nigeria campus in a house full of books; bougainvillea plants lined our driveway in splashes of purple. This was the small, gated world of my childhood: I went to the university primary school, the university children’s library, the university - [A Guide to Black Women’s Health](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/03/17/a-guide-to-black-womens-health/) - In her new book, Melody T. McCloud seeks to change the trajectory of Black women’s healthcare outcomes and offers a resource on how to do it In her new book, Black Women’s Wellness: Your “I’ve Got This!” Guide to Health, Sex, and Phenomenal Living (Sounds True, 2023), alum Melody T. McCloud provides a comprehensive resource - [Congo Says it Will Join Peace Talks](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/03/17/congo-says-it-will-join-peace-talks/) - The Democratic Republic of Congo will send a delegation to Angola on Tuesday for talks aimed at resolving the escalating conflict against Rwandan-backed rebels in the east, the presidency announced on Sunday. Angola had previously stated that direct peace talks between Congo and the M23 rebels would commence in the capital, Luanda, on March 18. - [Frontotemporal Dementia](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/03/14/frontotemporal-dementia/) - Frontotemporal degeneration is one of the most common forms of neurodegenerative dementia. It refers to a group of disorders that primarily affect the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain, which are responsible for language, personality, and behavior. A major hallmark of frontotemporal degeneration is significant changes in personality and behavior. People with this condition - [Black Boycotts 2025](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/03/14/black-boycotts-2025/) - In response to corporations scaling back their diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, Black activists, clergy, and consumers are turning to economic resistance through boycotts. Major companies like Target, Disney, and Wells Fargo have quietly retreated from their DEI commitments made after 2020’s racial reckoning, prompting frustration and demands for accountability. The question remains: Can - [The Global Black Women’s Chamber of Commerce](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/03/14/the-global-black-womens-chamber-of-commerce/) - The Global Black Women’s Chamber of Commerce (GBWCC) stands as the only chamber focusing solely on Black women business owners worldwide. It was the first in person State of Black Women Summit. Founded in February 2020 during the COVID pandemic when many women were pivoting to find new revenue streams, Ambassador Suzan Johnson Cook gathered - [Nikole Hannah-Jones Hosts Black Read-In When Schools Wouldn’t](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/03/14/nikole-hannah-jones-hosts-black-read-in-when-schools-wouldnt/) - Nikole Hannah-Jones, a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and Howard University professor, is hosting a Black read-in event in Waterloo, Iowa, after the local school district canceled its annual participation. Waterloo, home to Iowa’s largest percentage of Black students, has traditionally taken part in the statewide reading event highlighting Black books, authors, and themes. Hannah-Jones, who considers - [Junior Bridgeman, dies at 71](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/03/12/junior-bridgeman-dies-at-71/) - Junior Bridgeman, a basketball standout who led Louisville to a Final Four, starred for the NBA’s Milwaukee Bucks, and then launched an even more successful career as a businessman with stakes in restaurants, publishing, and the Bucks franchise, died Tuesday. He was 71. Bridgeman was a popular figure in Louisville after his playing days, and - [‘Bloody Sunday’ 60th Anniversary marked in Selma with Remembrances, Concerns](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/03/10/bloody-sunday-60th-anniversary-marked-in-selma-with-remembrances-concerns/) - Charles Mauldin was near the front of a line of voting rights marchers walking in pairs across the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama, on March 7, 1965. It was a day that would become infamous in American history as "Bloody Sunday," a turning point in the fight for civil rights. The marchers, young and - [‘The Annihilation of Fish’ ](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/02/23/the-annihilation-of-fish/) - Obediah Johnson — portrayed by the magnificent James Earl Jones in The Annihilation of Fish — carries a presence as deep and resonant as his voice, known to many from Star Wars and The Lion King. Yet, it’s in lesser-known works like Annihilation, Charles Burnett’s deeply humane film, that Jones's voice becomes even more profound. - [Global Black Women's Chamber of Commerce Summit](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/02/20/global-black-womens-chamber-of-commerce-summit/) - The Global Black Women’s Chamber of Commerce (GBWCC) stands as the only chamber focusing solely on Black women business owners worldwide. It was the first in person State of Black Women Summit. Founded in February 2020 during the COVID pandemic when many women were pivoting to find new revenue streams, Ambassador Suzan Johnson Cook gathered - [Third Annual Pre-Watch Night Prayer Walk](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/02/20/third-annual-pre-watch-night-prayer-walk/) - On Monday December 30, 2022 the City of Newark and The Positive Community hosted America’s 3rd annual Pre-Watch Night Candlelight Prayer Walk. The Walk was done in recognition of the 161th anniversary (1863-2023) of the Great Emancipation; the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation by President Abraham Lincoln on January 1, 1863. On that day, freedom - [Who is Next? Taylor Rooks!](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/02/19/who-is-next-taylor-rooks/) - The streaming giant has a verbal agreement with Taylor Rooks to be the lead host of its NBA pregame, halftime and postgame shows, sources briefed on discussions regarding the streamer’s hirings said. Rooks currently works on Amazon Prime’s “Thursday Night Football” coverage as a features reporter and has impressed Amazon executives with her work. She - [Neo-Nazis targeted a majority-Black town](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/03/02/neo-nazis-targeted-a-majority-black-town/) - Residents of Lincoln Heights, Ohio, have taken up arms to guard their streets after neo-Nazis targeted their town. Men in masks and body armor patrol the roads, questioning those who approach, following incidents of racist demonstrations and Ku Klux Klan pamphleteering. Frustrated with the police response, locals say they’re left with no choice but to - [Perfect SAT Score](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/03/02/perfect-sat-score/) - During his four years at West Orange High School, Sahli Negassi balanced two sports, led two clubs, and excelled in multiple AP classes. This year, he reached a rare milestone — earning a perfect SAT score, a feat achieved by fewer than 1,000 students nationwide annually. Negassi, 17, learned of his perfect score last summer, - [Hazel N. Dukes, Dies at 92](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/03/02/hazel-n-dukes-dies-at-92/) - Hazel N. Dukes, a pioneering civil rights leader and longtime president of New York State’s N.A.A.C.P., died at 92 in her Harlem home. She led the state conference from 1977 until her death and served as national president from 1990 to 1992. Dukes also founded Hazel N. Dukes & Associates, a consulting firm focused on - [Group making the Art World more Welcoming for Black Women](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/02/27/group-making-the-art-world-more-welcoming-for-black-women/) - Black Girls In Art Spaces (BGIAS) has rapidly grown from a Dallas meetup to over 30 chapters worldwide in just two years, offering Black women a space to explore the arts and support Black artists. Founder Kaci Merriwether-Hawkins started the group after moving to Dallas in 2022, seeking connection and a shared art experience. “It - [The Black Church Has an Issue](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/02/26/the-black-church-has-an-issue/) - Black churches, including Mother Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Philadelphia, are struggling to attract younger members, a trend that could have lasting implications for social cohesion and Black political power. The decline of these congregations has been gradual but significant, with Mother Bethel’s membership dropping from 4,000 during the Great Migration to around 700 - [Roberta Flack, Virtuoso Singer-Pianist, Dies at 88](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/02/25/roberta-flack-virtuoso-singer-pianist-dies-at-88/) - Roberta Flack, the magnetic singer and pianist known for her soulful blend of jazz, folk, and pop, passed away at 88 in Manhattan due to cardiac arrest. Diagnosed with ALS in 2022, Flack had been unable to perform in her final years. Her rise to fame came in 1972 when Clint Eastwood featured her rendition - [Harlem Ice Skaters Need Home Ice](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/02/24/harlem-ice-skaters-need-home-ice/) - Figure Skating in Harlem, a nonprofit dedicated to teaching young women of color skills on and off the ice, is aiming for a major milestone — a rink of its own. Despite being featured in a five-part documentary, the organization still struggles with limited access to ice time, which it calls its “most significant pain - [No Outrage for the Congo](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/02/22/no-outrage-for-the-congo/) - The world is witnessing a new era of conflict, with global attention fixated on crises in Gaza and Ukraine, where international interventions, sanctions, and aid have been swift. Yet, the ongoing war in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) remains an afterthought. Despite decades of violence and millions of deaths, Congo's suffering is often met - [Kenny Leon Homecoming to Barrymore Theatre Ahead of Othello](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/02/22/kenny-leon-homecoming-to-barrymore-theatre-ahead-of-othello/) - As the marquee for Othello was raised at Broadway's Ethel Barrymore Theatre, director Kenny Leon was present to mark the occasion. For Leon, this production feels like a homecoming—Othello marks his third play at the Barrymore, following his acclaimed revival of Our Town. Yet, this project runs deeper. In 2014, Leon directed Denzel Washington in - [10 Black Women Inventors](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/03/04/10-black-women-inventors/) - [Angie Stone "No More Rain"](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/03/02/angie-stone-no-more-rain/) - [The Atlantic Slave Trade: What Schools Never Told You](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/03/02/the-atlantic-slave-trade-what-schools-never-told-you/) - [Hazel Dukes Video 2025](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/03/02/hazel-dukes-video-2025/) - [DEI Benefits many Groups, not just Black and Brown Communities](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/02/11/dei-benefits-many-groups-not-just-black-and-brown-communities/) - Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs were created to support communities that have historically faced barriers to equal opportunities in the workplace and struggled with a sense of belonging in majority-white corporate environments. These initiatives aim to foster a more inclusive professional landscape by addressing disparities in hiring, leadership representation, and workplace culture. Experts note - [Rissi Palmer a Trailblazing Country Music Artist](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/02/10/rissi-palmer-a-trailblazing-country-music-artist/) - Rissi Palmer is a trailblazing country music artist known for her soulful voice, heartfelt songwriting, and commitment to increasing diversity within the genre. Born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and raised in St. Louis, Missouri, Palmer was exposed to a variety of musical influences, including country, R&B, and gospel. Despite country music being a historically white-dominated genre, - [20 Events and Activities for Black History Month](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/02/04/28-events-and-activities-for-black-history-month/) - Here’s a list of 28 events and activities for Black History Month in New York (NY) and New Jersey (NJ), starting on February 6. These events include cultural celebrations, educational programs, art exhibits, and more. Be sure to check local event listings for updates, as details may change. February 13, 2025: A Taste of Africa - [Kiah Duggins, Civil Rights Attorney Killed in D.C. Plane Crash](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/02/01/kiah-duggins-civil-rights-attorney-killed-in-d-c-plane-crash/) - The tragic crash of an American Airlines flight into a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter on Wednesday, Jan. 29, claimed the lives of all 64 people on board. Among them was 30-year-old civil rights attorney and former Miss Kansas contestant, Kiah Duggins. Her sudden passing has left a deep void in the lives of those - [A Definitive Position!](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/02/12/a-definitive-position/) - Rev. J. Loren Russell Daniel 3:8-12, 17-18 NKJV Therefore, at that time certain Chaldeans came forward and accused the Jews. They spoke and said to King Nebuchadnezzar, “O king, live forever! You, O king, have made a decree that everyone who hears the sound of the horn, flute, harp, lyre, and psaltery, in symphony with - [BLACK HISTORY MONTH, DEI, AND THE WAY IT IS](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/02/20/black-history-month-dei-and-the-way-it-is/) - It’s February 2025 in America. For me, February is the month where the grey, cold, winter days are made brighter and warmer by the love we show one another. We have Black Love Day on the 13th and St.Valentine’s Day on the 14th, but to me, February 1st is the real showstopper because it’s the - [How to Educate Your Kids About Creating Long-Lasting Healthy Money Habits](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/02/20/how-to-educate-your-kids-about-creating-long-lasting-healthy-money-habits/) - As you solidify your New Year’s resolutions, it’s a great time to start having a conversation with your kids -- whether they’re in elementary school, high school, or college — about smart ways to navigate finances. Starting the conversation earlier on will help to create healthy money habits as they grow, ultimately benefiting their financial - [Brooklyn Arts Group Gets Its Own Home](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/01/13/brooklyn-arts-group-gets-its-own-home/) - Toya Lillard is not a real estate agent, but she has certainly mastered the art of giving a tour. As the executive director of 651 Arts, a Brooklyn-based organization dedicated to African diasporic performance, she has been proudly showcasing the organization’s new headquarters. Located across the street from the Brooklyn Academy of Music and the - [10 Great Instagram Pages](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/01/08/10-great-instagram-pages/) - Instagram is a thriving hub for creativity, passion, and self-expression, and the personalities behind these pages exemplify just that. In the world of: FASHION, Mwanamke Jordan (MJ), found at @whatsupwith_mj, combines storytelling with style, offering a vibrant take on beauty and fashion for women over 50. Her journey to join the Sephora Squad 2025 speaks - [Black Movies To Watch During Black History Month](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/02/11/black-movies-to-watch-during-black-history-month/) - Black History Month is about celebrating, educating, and championing Black culture. Black History Month is about celebrating, educating, and championing Black culture. Black filmmakers have played a crucial part in this landscape. Through film, these moviemakers have done their part, allowing us to view events and stories through their lens–and perspective. Here are nine movies by - [A Short History of Jazz](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/02/11/a-short-history-of-jazz/) - Jazz is one of the most influential and innovative musical genres in history, originating in the late 19th and early 20th centuries in the United States. Rooted in African American culture, jazz was shaped by spirituals, blues, and ragtime, which blended African rhythmic traditions with European harmonic structures. The genre first emerged in New Orleans, - [A Private Experience: a short story by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/02/05/a-private-experience-a-short-story-by-chimamanda-ngozi-adichie-2/) - Two women caught up in a violent street riot take shelter in an abandoned shop. A short story by the Orange Prize-winning author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie Chika climbs in through the store window first and then holds the shutter as the woman climbs in after her. The store looks as if it was deserted long - [The History of Black People in Country Music](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/02/04/the-history-of-black-people-in-country-music/) - The history of Black people in country music is deeply woven into the fabric of the genre, though their contributions have often been overlooked. Country music emerged from a mix of musical traditions, including African American blues, spirituals, and folk songs. One of the most significant contributions from Black musicians was the banjo, an instrument - [5 Books to Start 2025 off Right](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/01/14/5-books-to-start-2025-off-right/) - This curated collection of books offers insights and guidance on personal growth, spirituality, and holistic well-being. From James Clear’s actionable strategies for habit formation in Atomic Habits to Paulo Coelho’s inspirational journey of self-discovery in The Alchemist, these works encourage readers to pursue their best selves. Louise Hay’s You Can Heal Your Life explores the - [Rev. Dr. Darrell Armstrong A True Servant Leader](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/01/09/rev-dr-darrell-armstrong-a-true-servant-leader/) - BY CANDACE WALLER Rev. Dr. Darrell Armstrong, senior pastor of Shiloh Baptist Church in Trenton, NJ, has found two new ways to serve children. He is deeply committed to advocating for issues of justice, equity, diversity, inclusion, and access. Historic new positions further extend his lifelong passion for service, and based on his early educational - [Remembering Arabia Mountain Trailblazer Tyrone Burkette](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/01/08/remembering-arabia-mountain-trailblazer-tyrone-burkette/) - The popular Arabia Mountain ranger and trail guide was a renaissance man who was also a pastor, educator, college president and model train enthusiast. The Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area has lost yet another one of its beloved long-term rangers and supporters. On December 28, Ranger Tyrone Burkette of Stonecrest, a fixture at the Davidson-Arabia Mountain - [East Orange: A City of Opportunity and Growth](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/01/03/east-orange-a-city-of-opportunity-and-growth/) - When you think of East Orange, what comes to your mind? For those of us who live, work, and raise families here, we know our city is a vibrant, diverse community rich in history and full of promise. Today, we are proud to add another accolade to that legacy: East Orange was recently recognized as - [Friendship Baptist Church Welcomes C. Vernon Mason as Minister in Residence](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/02/04/friendship-baptist-church-welcomes-c-vernon-mason-as-minister-in-residence/) - The Friendship Baptist Church, located at 144 W 131st Street in Harlem and pastored by Rev. Dr. James A. Kilgore, welcomed a new member, Rev. Dr. C. Vernon Mason, Sr., to its congregation. Dr. Mason, who will serve as the church’s Minister in Residence, preached his first sermon at the church on Sunday, November 10th - [Take a Minute. Make a Plan.](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/01/29/take-a-minute-make-a-plan/) - Diageo North America; Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD); the National Football League(NFL); and Uber Technologies, Inc. form a unique partnership In sports, a one-minute time out to talk strategy can change everything. With this powerful insight, we created a campaign to inspire people to take one minute to plan ahead, celebrate responsibly, and never drive - [Art Exhibit Honors Black Womanhood](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/01/26/art-exhibit-honors-black-womanhood/) - Tanya Weddemire Gallery is ushering in 2025 with its first exhibition of the year, I Got a Story to Tell, a poignant tribute to Black womanhood in honor of Black History Month. This thought-provoking exhibit will run from February 1 to March 8, offering a powerful platform to celebrate the voices and artistry of Black - [Stay Safe from Scams](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/01/21/stay-safe-from-holiday-scams/) - Falling victim to scams that can steal your cheer. Falling for a scam can lead to losing money and putting your account and personal information at risk, which can be both time consuming and costly. Here are some common seasonal scams and tips to help protect yourself: Missed packages or problems with delivery: Expecting a - [A Year of Reflection and Looking Ahead](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/01/20/a-year-of-reflection-and-looking-ahead-2/) - As 2024 draws to a close, I find myself reflecting on the incredible journey The Positive Community has taken over the past quarter-century. It’s hard to believe that in just a few short months, we will be celebrating our 25th anniversary — a remarkable milestone that fills me with gratitude and excitement. When we first - [The Baptist Ministers Conference of Greater NY & Vicinity Set to Celebrate the 57th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration to Honor Legacy of Justice and Equality](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/01/16/the-baptist-ministers-conference-of-greater-ny-vicinity-set-to-celebrate-the-57th-annual-dr-martin-luther-king-jr-day-celebration-to-honor-legacy-of-justice-and-equality/) - Rev. Dr. James A. Kilgore, President of the Baptist Ministers Conference of Greater NY & Vicinity, announced today the 57th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration, a commemorative event honoring the enduring legacy of the civil rights leader and champion of justice and equality. Billed as the biggest event that the Conference hosts - [15 events commemorating Martin Luther King Jr. Day in 2025](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/01/13/15-events-commemorating-martin-luther-king-jr-day-in-2025/) - Here are 15 events in New York City and New Jersey commemorating Martin Luther King Jr. Day in 2025: Martin Luther King Jr. Day, observed annually on the third Monday of January, honors the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a civil rights leader who championed racial equality, nonviolence, and social justice - [10 Great Instagram Pages 2.0](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/01/13/10-great-instagram-pages-2-0/) - From the world of food to the realm of dance, public relations, and sports, these talented individuals are redefining excellence in their respective fields. Celebrity Chef Wenford Simpson, a proud Jamaican, is an international brand ambassador bringing the taste of the Caribbean to global audiences. Known for his culinary artistry and vibrant personality, Chef Simpson - [The 37th Annual Sing in Praise of King](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/01/30/the-37th-annual-sing-in-praise-of-king/) - The 37th Annual Sing in Praise of King brought together communities in a joyous celebration of the extraordinary legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. This longstanding tradition continues to uplift and inspire, using the power of music to honor Dr. King’s unwavering dedication to justice, equality, and unity. This year’s event featured a - [10 Books Exploring the History, Culture, and Impact of Black Music](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/01/30/10-books-exploring-the-history-culture-and-impact-of-black-music/) - The history of Black music in America is deeply intertwined with the struggles, triumphs, and cultural identity of African Americans. It began with the arrival of enslaved Africans, who brought with them rich musical traditions rooted in rhythm, call-and-response, and spiritual expression. These traditions laid the foundation for spirituals, work songs, and field hollers that - [Mannequin Diaries](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/01/29/mannequin-diaries/) - Mannequin Diaries Pushing the Boundaries of Contemporary Theater By Jean Nash Wells Brian Wiggins, an emerging playwright hailing from East Orange, New Jersey, has captivated audiences with Mannequin Diaries, his first play to be staged. A vivid exploration of identity, perception, and the human experience, the play—set in the realm of fantasy—reflects Wiggins’ personal insights - [10 Great Instagram Pages 3.0](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/01/22/10-great-instagram-pages-3-0/) - Spotlight on Talent: 10 Visionary Artists The creative world is alive with talent, and these 10 exceptional artists are making a profound impact in their respective fields. From the soulful sounds of music to groundbreaking performances in acting and modeling, their work inspires and captivates audiences worldwide. 1. Kandace SpringsKnown for her velvety voice and - [Inaugural Coretta Scott King Classic](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/01/21/inaugural-coretta-scott-king-classic/) - Lauren Betts delivered a dominant performance with 24 points, nine rebounds, and a school-record nine blocks to lead No. 1 UCLA to a 72-57 victory over No. 25 Baylor in the inaugural Coretta Scott King Classic. The Bruins (18-0) built an early double-digit lead, and while Baylor (16-4) fought back to within five points at - [BAM MLK event brings inspiration](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/01/21/bam-mlk-event-brings-inspiration/) - Hundreds gathered at the Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM) for a powerful event filled with performances, reflection, and inspiration. Among the speakers was Carlotta Walls LaNier, a member of the Little Rock Nine, who shared her story of courage and perseverance. "All things begin on a dream. Maybe you have a dream, or your parents - [The Apollo Theater Receives Kennedy Center Honors](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/01/21/the-apollo-theater-receives-kennedy-center-honors/) - By Jean Nash Wells The Apollo Theater in Harlem, New York has long been recognized as one of the most iconic cultural landmarks in the United States. Known for its legendary history of hosting some of the greatest performers in music, comedy, and dance, the Apollo holds a special place in the hearts of many. - [Latest Issue](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/02/04/latest-issue/) - Archive for The Positive Community Magazine below: Harlem Summer Issue 2023 June/July Issue 2023 May Issue 2023 Spring Issue 2023 March NY Issue 2023 March NJ Issue 2023 Winter Issue 2023 December Issue 2022 November Issue 2022 October NJ Issue 2022 October NY Issue 2022 Fall NY Issue 2022 Fall NJ Issue 2022 Summer Issue - [HCCI Past, Present, and Future](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2024/12/25/hcci-past-present-and-future/) - Harlem Congregations for Community Improvement (HCCI) and its affiliates continuously demonstrate a holistic approach to community development, generating more than $500 million in operating revenues over its 38-year history. Through advocacy and direct implementation of an array of affordable housing options serving very low-, low-, and moderate-income households in the Harlem community and beyond, HCCI - [Honoring Dionne Warwick: Street Naming in East Orange, NJ](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2024/11/21/honoring-dionne-warwick-street-naming-in-east-orange-nj/) - Many notable figures in the world of arts, music, and culture claim East Orange, New Jersey as their hometown. One of its most celebrated, Dionne Warwick—the legendary singer and humanitarian—has now been honored with a street named after her in the heart of the city. This fitting tribute recognizes Warwick’s exceptional contributions to the world - [Ford Foundation Gives $10 Million to Studio Museum in Harlem](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2024/10/29/ford-foundation-gives-10-million-to-studio-museum-in-harlem/) - The grant will support the museum’s director and chief curator, a position held for the last 20 years by Thelma Golden. The Ford Foundation has awarded the Studio Museum in Harlem a grant of $10 million to endow its director and chief curator, a position held for the last 20 years by Thelma Golden. Ford’s - [Mayor Ras Baraka and Queen Latifah Host Largest Harris-Walz Rally in NJ](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2024/10/23/mayor-ras-baraka-and-queen-latifah-host-largest-harris-walz-rally-in-nj/) - In a powerful display of unity, thousands of energized supporters packed the Essex County College Gymnasium on Saturday for the largest Harris-Walz rally in New Jersey to date. The event, co-hosted by Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka and Grammy-winning icon Queen Latifah, brought the community together in an electrifying push to inspire voter turnout - [Liz Cheney speech endorses Kamala Harris in 2024](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2024/10/04/liz-cheney-speech-endorses-kamala-harris-in-2024/) - Former Republican Rep. Liz Cheney, a past GOP leader from Wyoming who was shunned from her party over her criticism of former President Donald Trump, campaigned with Vice President Kamala Harris in Wisconsin on Thursday. Cheney appeared with Harris at an event in Ripon, an eastern Wisconsin town known as the birthplace of the Republican - [Julia Baxter Bates: Proving the Scientific Case for Public School Desegregation](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2024/10/03/julia-baxter-bates-proving-the-scientific-case-for-public-school-desegregation/) - An unsung hero of the civil rights movement, the Rutgers alumna fought racism from within the system—and won All Julia Baxter Bates wanted was to receive a college education and become a teacher. In 1930s America, however, this basic dream presented a challenge: Bates was black. Admitted to college only due to a clerical error - [Newark’s First-Ever Poet Laureate (How To Apply)](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/01/13/newarks-first-ever-poet-laureate-how-to-apply/) - Newark is introducing a new “poet laureate” post and is seeking nominees for its inaugural appointment. This exciting initiative aims to celebrate poetry and elevate the city’s literary culture. According to city officials, the poet laureate will promote the literary arts, encourage local writers and poets, create dialogue within the community, and highlight poetry in - [A Year of Reflection and Looking Ahead](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2025/01/02/a-year-of-reflection-and-looking-ahead/) - By Jean Nash Wells As 2024 draws to a close, I find myself reflecting on the incredible journey The Positive Community has taken over the past quarter-century. It’s hard to believe that in just a few short months, we will be celebrating our 25th anniversary — a remarkable milestone that fills me with gratitude and - [Rest In Power: Notable Black Folks Who We’ve Lost In 2024](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2024/12/30/17149/) - James Earl Jones James Earl Jones (January 17, 1931 – September 9, 2024) was an American actor. A pioneer for black actors in the entertainment industry, he is known for his extensive and acclaimed roles on stage and screen. Jones is one of the few performers to achieve the EGOT (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony). He was inducted into the American Theater Hall - [NJPAC Kwanzaa celebration 2024](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2024/12/25/njpac-kwanzaa-celebration-2024/) - [Guillaume Diop's first black star dancer at Paris Opera](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2024/12/25/guillaume-diops-first-black-star-dancer-at-paris-opera/) - The 23-year-old has made history after being appointed Paris Opera's first black Étoile (star) dancer. Guillaume Diop, the 23-year-old ballet dancer, says he is "still a little bit on cloud nine," following his promotion by the Paris Opera to its Étoile category. The move is the first time a black person has received the ballet's coveted top rank. - [Partners in Progress Awards Gala](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2024/12/18/partners-in-progress-awards-gala/) - Newark Beth Israel Medical Center and Children’s Hospital of New Jersey, and RWJBarnabas Health facility, hosted their 19th Annual Celebrating Newark: Partners in Progress awards gala at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center. The October 9, 2024. event celebrated the innovative community outreach initiatives the hospital has embarked upon and sustained over the years. In - [On Business, the Future, and Positive Change!](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2024/12/13/on-business-the-future-and-positive-change/) - Greetings! As we enter into another holiday season, thank you to everyone who has stood with The Positive Community (TPC) throughout our 25 years of loving service to the people of God. We are deeply grateful to our readers, advertisers, and bulk subscribers—Roll Call member churches and community institutions (page 7). Thank you for your - [Nikki Giovanni dies at 81](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2024/12/13/nikki-giovanni-dies-at-81/) - Acclaimed poet and literary force Nikki Giovanni, who was at the forefront of the Black Arts Movement, and known across the world for her defiant yet endearing prose about race, gender, sex and love, has died. Giovanni, 81, died on Monday with her lifelong partner, Virginia "Ginney" Fowler, by her side, according to a statement - [Alicia Graf Mack to be the Next Leader of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2024/12/05/alicia-graf-mack-to-be-the-next-leader-of-alvin-ailey-american-dance-theater/) - Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater has chosen Alicia Graf Mack to be its next artistic director, it announced on Thursday. A former member of the company, Mack, 45, currently the director of the dance division at Juilliard, will take on her new role in July. javascript:window["$iceContent"] “I have been inspired by the Ailey organization since - [Mildred Crump, dies at 86](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2024/12/05/mildred-crump-dies-at-86/) - Crump was the first Black woman to serve on the Newark City Council and first woman Council President Trailblazer Mildred C. Crump, 86, died this morning. She was a popular and beloved Newark leader and activist known for her compassion who became the first Black woman to serve on the City Council. During her nearly - [Bacchanal Junction](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2024/11/20/bacchanal-junction/) - Father & Son Open Upscale Caribbean Eatery By Candance Waller Father and son duo Parris and Tristan Jordan realized their dream six months ago when they opened Bacchanal Junction Restaurant and Bar, a Caribbean eatery bordering the towns of East Orange and Bloomfield. The well appointed restaurant offers an upscale atmosphere with affordable prices. “The - [How to Have a Healthier Thanksgiving](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2024/11/13/how-to-have-a-healthier-thanksgiving/) - As we go into the kitchen to prepare another Thanksgiving dinner, food may be more on our minds than the amount of calories in it. Take a look at the calorie count in some of our favorite dishes, get ideas on how to cut them down, learn how long it would take to walk them - [Judith Jamison, Alvin Ailey Artistic Director Emerita Has Died](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2024/11/12/judith-jamison-alvin-ailey-artistic-director-emerita-has-died/) - Judith Jamison, a consummate dancer, choreographer, and artistic director, has died. The acclaimed Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater Artistic Director (AADT) Emerita, 81, passed away following a brief illness, according to Christopher Zunner, a spokesperson for the dance company. “We remember and are grateful for her artistry, humanity, and incredible light, which inspired us all,” - [The Small Business Pro POWER Breakfast on Mastering Business Growth - November 8th](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2024/11/06/the-small-business-pro-power-breakfast-on-mastering-business-growth-november-8th/) - The Featured Guest Speaker during the POWER BREAKFAST at the Park Avenue Club at the November 8th POWER BREAKFAST is Andrew Frazier “The Masterpreneur™” and founder of Small Business Pro University. He is an expert business coach, consultant, & trainer having worked 1-on-1 with 1,000+ business owners and taught tens of thousands of people about - [Quincy Jones, Giant of American Music, Dies at 91](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2024/11/04/quincy-jones-giant-of-american-music-dies-at-91/) - As a producer, he made the best-selling album of all time, Michael Jackson’s “Thriller.” He was also a prolific arranger and composer of film music. Quincy Jones, one of the most powerful forces in American popular music for more than half a century, died on Sunday in California. He was 91. His death was confirmed - [NEW YORK CITY’S FRIENDSHIP BAPTIST CHURCH WELCOMES CIVIL RIGHTS, SOCIAL JUSTICE, AND FAITH LEADER C. VERNON MASON AS A NEW MEMBER AND GUEST PREACHER](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2024/11/02/new-york-citys-friendship-baptist-church-welcomes-civil-rights-social-justice-and-faith-leader-c-vernon-mason-as-a-new-member-and-guest-preacher/) - The Friendship Baptist Church, located at 144 W 131st Street in Harlem and pastored by Rev. Dr. James A. Kilgore, is honored to welcome new member, Rev. Dr. C. Vernon Mason, Sr., to its congregation. Dr. Mason, who will serve as the church’s Minister in Residence, will preach his first sermon at the church on - [October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2024/10/05/october-is-breast-cancer-awareness-month/) - October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. It’s a time for reflection on trends in breast cancer research, prevention, and treatment. According to the National Cancer Institute, approximately 310,720 women in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer in 2024. Furthermore, about 42,250 will die of the disease. Breast cancer is the most common type of non-skin cancer in - [Ray Murphy Men’s Health Night - Newark Beth Israel Medical Center](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2024/10/07/ray-murphy-mens-health-night-newark-beth-israel-medical-center/) - Discussion • Monday Night Football & Tailgate - NY Giants vs. Pittsburgh Steelers Date: Monday, October 28, 2024 | 4:30 pm - 11:00 pm Location: Cedar Hill Country Club - 100 Walnut St., Livingston, NJ 07039 Special Guest Moderator:George Martin - Captain, 1986 NY Giants Super Bowl XXI Champion Registration required. Funded through the generosity of The - [ Art Dealers Association of America, and benefitting Henry Street Settlement](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2024/10/25/art-dealers-association-of-america-and-benefitting-henry-street-settlement/) - Organized annually by the Art Dealers Association of America, and benefitting Henry Street Settlement, one of New York’s leading social service, arts, and health care organizations, The Art Show brings together the country’s top galleries to showcase incisively curated exhibitions of both historical and contemporary works. The fair's intimately scaled presentations foster new relationships, active conversations with - [“Annual Family Fall Harvest & Trunk or Treat”](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2024/10/25/annual-family-fall-harvest-trunk-or-treat/) - “Annual Family Fall Harvest & Trunk or Treat” Roseville Community Charter School Roseville Community Charter School Roseville Community Charter School hosted its annual “Family Fall Harvest & Trunk or Treat” event on October 18th to the delight of over 200 of our scholars and their families, as well as other members of the community! RCCS - [Newark Restaurant Week Is Back For 2024](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2024/10/23/newark-restaurant-week-is-back-for-2024/) - Foodies in New Jersey's largest city will get a chance to sink their teeth into special menus and offers during Newark Restaurant Week. Foodies in New Jersey’s largest city will get a chance to sink their teeth into some pre-fixe menus and special offers when the popular Newark Restaurant Week returns for 2024. The fourth - [LeBron and Bronny James make history as the NBA's first father-son duo](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2024/10/23/lebron-and-bronny-james-make-history-as-the-nbas-first-father-son-duo/) - Late in the second quarter of the Los Angeles Lakers’ season opener, LeBron and Bronny James stepped onto the basketball court and into the history books as the first father-son duo to play together in an NBA game, let alone on the same team. It was a moment many years in the making. The elder James, - [Labor movement mourns the passing of William “Bill” Lucy](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2024/10/10/labor-movement-mourns-the-passing-of-william-bill-lucy/) - Bill Lucy helped organize the 1968 Memphis sanitation strike. He was the author of the famous “I Am a Man” phrase laborers carried on placards as they demanded recognition of their often-dangerous work. In 1972, Lucy co-founded the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists (CBTU) and served as the social justice-oriented organization’s first president. Lucy also co-founded the - [Cissy Houston Dies at 91](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2024/10/07/cissy-houston-dies-at-91/) - Gospel Star Guided Daughter Whitney’s Rise Hailing from a musical family, she won Grammys, sang backup to Elvis Presley and Aretha Franklin and helped shepherd Whitney Houston to superstardom. Cissy Houston, a two-time Grammy-winning soul and gospel artist who sang with Aretha Franklin, Elvis Presley and other stars and knew triumph and heartbreak as the - [RWJ Barnabas Health and Saint James Health Celebrate National Health Center Week, Open new Health Center at Newark's East Side High School](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2024/10/07/rwj-barnabas-health-and-saint-james-health-celebrate-national-health-center-week-open-new-health-center-at-newarks-east-side-high-school/) - L-R: Hasani Council, President, Newark School Board; Helena Vinhas, Newark School Board member; Ketlen Baptiste-Alsbrook, Director, Newark Dept. of Health and Community Wellness; Roger Leon, Newark Schools Superintendent; Douglas Bell, Member, Saint James Health Board; Balpreet Grewal-Virk, SVP, Community Health, RWJBarnabas Health; Ras Baraka, Mayor, City of Newark; Eliana Pintor Marin, NJ Assembly Budget Chair; - ["We've Come This Far By Faith" The African American Cultural Narrative](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2024/11/04/weve-come-this-far-by-faith-the-african-american-cultural-narrative/) - [Oct/Nov Issue 2024](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2024/11/02/oct-nov-issue-2024/) - [Financial Life After College Learning the Basics of Retirement Planning](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2024/08/28/financial-life-after-college-learning-the-basics-of-retirement-planning/) - You did it! You’re about to graduate. As you close this chapter and begin a new one, it’s important to think about your goals for the future, both short and long-term, and create a roadmap to help you work towards them. Retirement might not feel like a top priority as you’re just kicking off your - [Harlem Week at 50 and Beyond](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2024/08/27/harlem-week-at-50-and-beyond/) - HARLEM WEEK debuted in the summer of 1974. It was conceived as a one-time only, one-day event (HARLEM DAY) organized by then Manhattan Borough President and Uptown Chamber of Commerce (now known as the Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce) Board Chairman Hon. Percy Sutton. The one-day event was produced by Blackfrica Promotions, a Harlem-based arts - [Baptist Ministers and The Positive Community](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2024/06/12/baptist-ministers-and-the-positive-community/) - 25 Years of Positive Change! Founded in 1898, the Baptist Ministers’ Conference of Greater New York and Vicinity (BMCGNY&V) is NYC’s oldest and largest clergy organization. Recently, The Positive Community’s publisher, Adrian A. Council Sr., was invited to address the group’s leadership. The new administration led by President Rev. Dr. James A. Kilgore had asked - [Queens Who Read](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2024/05/16/queens-who-read/) - Roseville Community Charter School Celebrates Women’s History Month In celebration of International Women’s Day and in alignment with their literacy initiatives, Roseville Community Charter School (RCCS) hosted its third annual “Queens Who Read” Literacy Event on Friday, March 8th.The sister event to their annual “Kings Who Read”- Dr. MLK Jr. Literacy Event held every January, - [Strength of a Woman Festival and Summit](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2024/05/15/strength-of-a-woman-festival-and-summit/) - Over the weekend, GRAMMY and Emmy Award-winning and Oscar-nominated artist, actress, producer, and entrepreneur Mary J. Blige, PEPSI®, Live Nation Urban and MVD Inc. wrapped an unforgettable takeover across New York City, from May 10th to May 12th, for the third annual Strength of a Woman Festival and Summit. The lively weekend consisted of three days devoted to - [Trust and Obey… and God will do the Rest!](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2024/05/08/trust-and-obey-and-god-will-do-the-rest/) - “Hmmmm, hmmmm, hmmmm!” That was the chant of the massive congregation gathered at The Riverside Church for the sermon last Resurrection Morning. This is a “communal embodiment practice” introduced by the church’s newest senior minister, Rev. Adriene Thorne. With years of experience in the ministerial pulpit and on the performance stage, Rev. Thorne brings a - [Community Education Forum w/Alfred Bundy: David Tomkins, Alexandra da Costa Santos & Renita Mangru](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2024/05/08/community-education-forum-w-alfred-bundy-david-tomkins-alexandra-da-costa-santos-renita-mangru/) - In this episode of Essex County College's Community Education Forum, host Alfred Bundy speaks with guests David Tomkins (ECC Athletic Director), Alexandra Felipe da Costa Santos In this episode of Essex County College's Community Education Forum, host Alfred Bundy speaks with guests David Tomkins (ECC Athletic Director), Alexandra Felipe da Costa Santos (President of the - [Patti Labelle Headlines Inaugural Newark Symphony Hall Gala](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2024/04/24/patti-labelle-headlines-inaugural-newark-symphony-hall-gala/) - Newark Symphony Hall (NSH) celebrated the legacy of Jazz legend and Newark icon, Sarah Vaughan, with the inaugural Sarah A. Vaughan Garde Gala on Thursday, April 18, 2024. The gala, commemorating her 100th birthday, honored Vaughan’s unparalleled contributions to the genre. Hosted by Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Estelle and featuring DJ Aktive, the black-tie event included an intimate concert headlined by - [New Jersey Mayor Ted Green Talks Politics and Business](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2024/10/01/new-jersey-mayor-ted-green-talks-politics-and-business/) - For East Orange Mayor Theodore (Ted) Green, making a promise and delivering on it is the critical component that makes a good businessman and an even better politician. - [John Amos, Emmy-nominated 'Good Times' and 'Roots' actor, dies at 84](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2024/10/02/john-amos-emmy-nominated-good-times-and-roots-actor-dies-at-84/) - John Amos, the actor best known for playing family patriarch James Evans Sr. on the sitcom "Good Times," has died, his publicist told ABC News in a statement. He was 84. The actor died on Aug. 21 in Los Angeles of natural causes, according to publicist Belinda Foster. "It is with heartfelt sadness that I - [Remembering Frankie Beverly: A Ministry of Good Music](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2024/10/01/remembering-frankie-beverly-a-ministry-of-good-music/) - Like so many others, I was saddened to learn of the passing of music icon Frankie Beverly—front man and bandleader for the R&B/funk group Maze. I just took for granted he would always be here. For decades his music presence was ubiquitous. Singing and dancing to Frankie Beverly and Maze songs “Before I Let Go” - [‘The Wild Robot’](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2024/09/30/the-wild-robot/) - Chris Sanders’s movie about a robotic assistant and the gosling she raises is defined by dazzling visuals and frank ideas about the circle of life. Have you ever thought about the many ways animals show emotion? Consider an inquisitive snout wriggling in the air, tails coiled protectively around cubs and ears perky or drooping depending - [Essex County College's Community Education Forum](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2024/09/11/essex-county-colleges-community-education-forum-2/) - Check out the latest Essex County College Community Education Forum TV episode, a special show taped at the College’s new West Essex campus in West Caldwell. The interviews were taped in the West Essex campus Library. The show features ECC’s Dr. Elvy Vieira - Dean of Community, Continuing Education, Workforce Development & West Essex Campus - who discusses the programs available - [Frankie Beverly has died at age 77](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2024/09/11/frankie-beverly-has-died-at-age-77/) - Frankie Beverly has died at age 77. The legendary R&B hitmaker passed away on Tuesday, according to his family’s announcement on the official Instagram account of Frankie Beverly and Maze. “Grieving the loss of a loved one is a deeply personal and emotional experience. During this time, as we are navigating feelings of sorrow, reflection, and remembrance - [Actor and beloved baritone James Earl Jones dies at 93](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2024/09/10/actor-and-beloved-baritone-james-earl-jones-dies-at-93/) - Legendary actor James Earl Jones, best known for his innumerable movie roles and the booming voice of the character of Darth Vader in the "Star Wars" franchise, has died, his representative confirmed to ABC News. He was 93 years old. Jones died on Monday morning at his home in Dutchess County, New York, surrounded by - [TNT’s Annual Fall Back Party for a Cause](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2024/09/10/tnts-annual-fall-back-party-delights-guests-with-food-art-and-music-for-a-cause/) - This past Saturday, September 7, 2024, celebrity DJ djTAO (also known as Terance Takyi) celebrated another successful year with the highly anticipated TNT’s Fallback Party at an undisclosed location, near Montclair University, in New Jersey. The event was hosted by himself and wife Twyla Takyi. Guests enjoyed a lively evening featuring delicious cuisine, art, and - [HARLEM WEEK 50 AND BEYOND](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2024/09/04/harlem-week-50and-beyond/) - By Ronald E. Scott HARLEM WEEK debuted in the summer of 1974. It was conceived as a one-time only, one-day event (HARLEM DAY) organized by then Manhattan Borough President and Uptown Chamber of Commerce (now known as the Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce) Board Chairman Hon. Percy Sutton. The one-day event was produced by Blackfrica - [Summer Issue 2024](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2024/09/29/summer-issue-2024/) - [Fall Issue 2024](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2024/08/23/fall-issue-2024/) - Archive for The Positive Community Magazine below: Harlem Summer Issue 2023 June/July Issue 2023 May Issue 2023 Spring Issue 2023 March NY Issue 2023 March NJ Issue 2023 Winter Issue 2023 December Issue 2022 November Issue 2022 October NJ Issue 2022 October NY Issue 2022 Fall NY Issue 2022 Fall NJ Issue 2022 Summer Issue - [Do Or Die](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2024/09/13/do-or-die/) - [GOSPEL EXPLOSION 4](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2024/09/27/16746/) - GOSPEL EXPLOSION #4 will be a powerful event featuring Gospel artists, Donnie McClurkin , Jekalynn Carr, JJ Hairston, Le’Andria Johnson, Zacardi Cortez, Blanca, Micah E Clark, and The Bronx Mass Choir.Pastor Dr. Essien of the Deeper Life Bible Church will deliver a powerful Word of encouragement, and WBLS'Liz Black will be hosting this wonderful evening, - [N.J.’s African American Chamber named national chamber of year at Black Business Conference](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2024/09/04/n-j-s-african-american-chamber-named-national-chamber-of-year-at-black-business-conference-2/) - The African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey's John Harmon at the 124th National Black Business Conference. - Photos courtesy African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey The African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey was recently recognized as the National Black Chamber of Commerce of the Year at the 124th National Black Business Conference. The national event, held - [Return of “The MAAFA”](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2024/09/05/return-of-the-maafa/) - St. Paul Community Baptist Church (SPCBC) is gearing up for the return of “The MAAFA,” an annual experience remembering the suffering endured by Africans brought to America through the Middle Passage. The MAAFA (Mah-Ah-Fah) is the Swahili term for “disaster, terrible occurrence or great tragedy.” Over the course of the 8-day MAAFA Commemoration (Sep 14th - [Harlem Care! Prostate Cancer Awareness Walk](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2024/09/03/harlem-care-prostate-cancer-awareness-walk/) - [AARP NY, State Senator Cordell Cleare Urge Governor to Sign Legislation to Help Older NYers Pay Energy Bills](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2024/08/30/aarp-ny-state-senator-cordell-cleare-urge-governor-to-sign-legislation-to-help-older-nyers-pay-energy-bills/) - AARP New York and Senator Cordell Cleare today urged Governor Kathy Hochul to sign legislation that would lower utility for costs of thousands of older New Yorkers already enrolled in the state’s discount prescription drug program. The measure (S.8760-A/A.9369-A) which unanimously passed the Senate and Assembly, would auto-enroll eligible recipients of state Elderly Pharmaceutical Insurance - [Baseball great Willie Mays dies at 93](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2024/06/19/baseball-great-willie-mays-dies-at-93/) - Baseball legend Willie Mays, widely considered one of the best players in the sport's history, has died, according to the San Francisco Giants. "It is with great sadness that we announce that San Francisco Giants Legend and Hall of Famer Willie Mays passed away peacefully this afternoon at the age of 93," the team posted - [Darrell K. Terry Sr.](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2024/06/05/darrell-k-terry-sr/) - At Home in Newark and at The Beth By R.L. Witter President and Chief Executive Officer of Newark Beth Israel Medical Center (The Beth) and Children’s Hospital of New Jersey Darrell K. Terry is nothing if not humble. Rather than brag about what he has done and can do, he’s quick to tell you what - [SBProU POWER Conference - July 26th 2024](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2024/05/22/sbprou-power-conference-july-26th-2024/) - [N.J.’s African American Chamber named national chamber of year at Black Business Conference](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2024/08/28/n-j-s-african-american-chamber-named-national-chamber-of-year-at-black-business-conference/) - The African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey was recently recognized as the National Black Chamber of Commerce of the Year at the 124th National Black Business Conference. The national event, held in Atlanta, was sponsored by the National 8(a) Association, a nonprofit whose mission is to provide education and guidance for all aspiring, current and graduate 8(a) businesses. CEO John - [Philadelphia pastor elected to lead historic Black church in New York City](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2024/06/27/philadelphia-pastor-elected-to-lead-historic-black-church-in-new-york-city/) - New York’s historic Abyssinian Baptist Church has elected its new senior pastor, likely bringing an end to a national search to replace the late Rev. Calvin O. Butts, who had served the church for a half-century before his death in 2022. The Rev. Kevin R. Johnson, the founder of the independent Dare to Imagine Church in Philadelphia, - [SHE Wins! Aspiring Law Student Scholarship Award 2024](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2024/06/26/she-wins-aspiring-law-student-scholarship-award-2024/) - Earlier this month, SHE Wins Inc. Founder and CEO A’Dorian Murray-Thomas announced the winner of the SHE Wins - Sherman Atlas Sylvester & Stamelman LLP inaugural “Aspiring Law Student” Award Scholarship. Jillian Lewis, a Summa Cum Laude Class of 2024 graduate of Rutgers University - Newark SPAA program, was this year’s winner. Jillian’s resume - [Newark Symphony Hall Presents: The Black Creative Economy Summit](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2024/06/24/newark-symphony-hall-presents-the-black-creative-economy-summit/) - 2024 SUMMIT OVERVIEW Newark Symphony Hall’s flagship event is back for another year of impact. The Black Creative Economy (BCE) is an experiential vehicle that drives the conversation of equity and offers growth and investment opportunities for multi-discipline artists while celebrating the economic impact of New Jersey’s Black and Brown creatives. As the largest Black - [Unlock the Door to Your Dream Home: Join Us at the NCJAR Housing Fair and Expo](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2024/06/17/unlock-the-door-to-your-dream-home-join-us-at-the-ncjar-housing-fair-and-expo/) - Are you ready to take a step closer to owning your dream home? Mark your calendars for June 29th from 9 AM to 2 PM and head to the Metropolitan Baptist Church, 149 Springfield Ave, Newark, NJ 07103. The North Central Jersey Association of Realtors® (NCJAR) is partnering with Rev. Dr. David Jefferson, Sr., and - [WBGO is 45](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2024/06/12/wbgo-is-45/) - Jazz lovers packed the newly renovated, beautifully appointed Terrace Ballroom at Newark Symphony Hall on April 12 for a grand celebration of the 45th birthday of WBGO 88.5. What would a WBGO celebration be without live music? No need to ask the question. Tyreek McDole and his quintet wowed the crowd. McDole is the winner - [June 15th DVCN Event](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2024/06/10/june-15th-dvcn-event/) - Join Us LIVE In-Person or Via Zoom Check out this short video to learn more about the DV Connector Network... - [Donald Payne: A Friend Indeed](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2024/06/05/donald-payne-a-friend-indeed/) - There is no question that Essex County and Newark lost a great leader with the unfortunate passing of U.S. Representative Donald M. Payne, Jr. The Payne family had a legacy of public service, started by his father Donald Sr. and his uncle William, which Donald Jr. continued with his election to the Newark City Council, - [BERKELEY COLLEGE NEWARK NETWORKING BREAKFAST](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2024/05/23/berkeley-college-newark-networking-breakfast/) - HIGHLIGHTS NEW INITIATIVES AND COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS Business partners, community leaders, and alumni focused on collaboration and education during Berkeley College’s second annual Newark Networking Breakfast on Thursday, May 2, 2024. Keynote speakers included Yolanda Floyd, EdD, Principal, Gateway Academy Charter High School, BRICK Education Network, and Maya Curry, Vice President, Communications and Programming, Newark Regional Business Partnership. “Today, - [Kean and Howard Universities ForgeHistoric Dual Degree Agreement](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2024/05/22/kean-and-howard-universities-forgehistoric-dual-degree-agreement/) - Kean University students now have a faster path to earning a doctoral degree in pharmacy under a new dual degree agreement with Howard University that is designed to encourage more students from underrepresented groups to enter the healthcare field. Initiated during Black History Month, this dynamic partnership provides qualified Kean students with the opportunity to - [Healthy Fathers Building the Beloved Community](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2024/06/08/healthy-fathers-building-the-beloved-community/) - [Aisha Glover Helps Audible Make an Impact in Cities Around the World](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2024/01/26/aisha-glover-helps-audible-make-an-impact-in-cities-around-the-world/) - Aisha Glover joined Audible as VP, Urban Innovation in 2020, when Audible’s Founder Don Katz asked her to help lead our Global Center for Urban Development (GCUD). At the time, she’d been serving as president and CEO for the Newark Alliance and Invest Newark, working with Mayor Ras J. Baraka to oversee community-focused economic development initiatives for the city. Before that, Glover had led nationally recognized organizations focused on job creation, industrial development, and environmental justice and education. - [Max Roach: The Drum Also Waltzes at the Newark Museum of Art](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2024/01/19/max-roach-the-drum-also-waltzes-at-the-newark-museum-of-art/) - NJPAC celebrated Max Roach’s centennial with a screening of the new documentary Max Roach: The Drum Also Waltzes at the Newark Museum of Art. Afterwards, a panel discussion was held include Max’s son Raoul Roach, daughter Dara Roach and the film’s director-producers Sam Pollard and Ben Shapiro. - [BAM hosts 38th Annual Brooklyn tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2024/01/18/bam-hosts-38th-annual-brooklyn-tribute-to-dr-martin-luther-king-jr/) - On January 15, the Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM) proudly hosted the 38th Annual Brooklyn Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., a deeply cherished event honoring the legacy of the civil rights leader. The gathering took place in the Howard Gilman Opera House and was accessible worldwide through a live-streamed broadcast. - [Reginald Dwayne Betts Interview: Redefining Redemption by Finding Poetry in Prison](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2024/01/16/reginald-dwayne-betts-interview-redefining-redemption-by-finding-poetry-in-prison/) - Reginald Dwayne Betts recalls being tried as an adult and sent to prison for carjacking when he was 16 and how that eventually led him to becoming a writer. Topics explored are Prison Reform, The Power of a Poem, Family and what it means to be a felon in America. Reginald Dwayne Betts is an - [Mayor Adams, Chancellor Banks Announce $30 Million in Federal Funding to Create NYC's First-Ever Magnet High Schools](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2024/01/13/mayor-adams-chancellor-banks-announce-30-million-in-federal-funding-to-create-nycs-first-ever-magnet-high-schools/) - New York City Mayor Eric Adams and New York City Department of Education (DOE) Chancellor David C. Banks today announced that the city has won two U.S Department of Education Magnet Schools Assistance Program grants totaling nearly $30 million, which will fund the creation of the city’s first three magnet high schools. Magnet schools support the development of special curricula aligned to a specific theme that, in turn, help attract a more diverse groups of students. The grants will be administered over five years and go to six existing schools in the public school system throughout the Bronx and Manhattan. - [Newark Boys Chorus School](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2024/04/03/newark-boys-chorus-school/) - The Positive Community’s annual Great American Emancipation Day Awards Banquet, celebrates excellence, service, freedom and the genius of Black music in America! Our 5th year theme is inspired by the Maze featuring Frankie Beverly’s soul classic, “We Are One.” How wonderful to gather and fellowship under a banner of spiritual unity, cultural unity and love! - [Essex County Commissioner A’Dorian Murray-Thomas Incredibly Accomplished and Just Getting Started](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2024/04/16/essex-county-commissioner-adorian-murray-thomas-incredibly-accomplished-and-just-getting-started/) - Simply catching up with A’dorian Murray-Thomas feels like a grand accomplishment. The newly-elected county commissioner is also CEO of the non-profit She Wins, Inc. Between her duties for the county, mentoring young girls, and taking local Newark students to Seton Hall basketball games, Murray-Thomas’ days, nights, and weekends fill up quickly with commitments she prides - [Rev. Dr. Valerie Oliver-Durrah & Brooke Durrah](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2024/04/16/rev-dr-valerie-oliver-durrah-brooke-durrah/) - Mother & Daughter Building a Legacy of Black Excellence in Brooklyn Known throughout Brooklyn as “The Prophet of Nonprofits,” Rev. Dr. Valerie Oliver-Durrah is the powerhouse who creates collaborations between corporations and communities. For more than 30 years, Dr. Durrah, the founder, CEO, and president of Neighborhood Technical Assistance Clinic (NTAC), located in her Bedford - [This Mom Is Fighting Hunger by Starting a Company That Reduces Food Waste](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2024/01/30/this-mom-is-fighting-hunger-by-starting-a-company-that-reduces-food-waste/) - Atlanta mom Jasmine Crowe-Houston launched Goodr, a company that keeps food out of landfills while addressing food insecurity. Here, her story and tips for other hopeful entrepreneurs. Raised by a father who was in the military and a mom who had a corporate job, Jasmine Crowe-Houston saw her parents face various challenges in their own - [AACCNJ Town Hall Meeting](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2024/02/05/aaccnj-town-hall-meeting/) - [The Truth about “The Star-Spangled Banner”](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2024/01/31/the-truth-about-the-star-spangled-banner/) - It was September of 1814. The British had sacked Washington and torched the White House. The conflict became known as the War of 1812, even though it was in its third year. The British had also taken prisoners, including a popular doctor from Prince George’s County in Maryland. A friend of the doctor sailed on - [Community Education Forum with Alfred Bundy and guests Melba Moore, Samirah Scantling & Talia Young](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2024/02/06/community-education-forum-with-alfred-bundy-and-guests-melba-moore-samirah-scantling-talia-young/) - In this episode of Essex County College's Community Education Forum, host Alfred Bundy speaks with guests Melba Moore (Tony Award winner and 4 time Grammy nominee), Samirah Scantling (President of ECC's Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society Chapter) and Talia Young (Publisher & CEO of Newark Symphony Hall). Alfred Bundy hosts the Essex County College Community - [Rev. Al Sharpton](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2024/02/28/rev-al-sharton/) - The media referred to him as a “controversial figure,” “race baiter,” “charlatan,” and more since the 1980s. When he began organizing protests and protesters around New York City, they had a field day mocking and criticizing his weight; wardrobe; and long, wavy hair. They questioned his motives and attempted to paint him as a man - [Saving Our Communities: Positive Music Matters](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2024/04/03/saving-our-communities-positive-music-matters/) - Dear Mr. Council,I wanted to express my heartfelt gratitude to you and The Positive Community for your invaluable contribution to filling the media gap by highlighting the commendable achievements of Black churches, businesses, institutions, and individuals. Also, your platform’s recognition of our community leaders during the Great American Emancipation DayAwards is deeply appreciated. Moreover, I - [Community Education Forum w/Alfred Bundy: Ruth Ware, Dr. Leigh Bello & student athlete Zoey Tapsoba](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2024/04/03/community-education-forum-w-alfred-bundy-ruth-ware-dr-leigh-bello-student-athlete-zoey-tapsoba/) - In this episode of Essex County College's Community Education Forum, host Alfred Bundy speaks with guests Professor Ruth Ware (of the ECC Library to discuss book banning and upcoming renovations), Dr. Leigh Bello (to talk about the upcoming ECC Gala) and Zoey Tapsoba from the ECC Women's Soccer Team. Alfred Bundy hosts the Essex County - [Newark Congressman Donald Payne Jr. dead, weeks after suffering heart attack](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2024/04/24/newark-congressman-donald-payne-jr-dead-weeks-after-suffering-heart-attack/) - Rep. Donald Payne Jr., who followed his father into politics and represented Newark in Congress for more than a decade, died Wednesday — nearly three weeks after suffering a heart attack that had left him in a coma. He was 65. Payne, a Democrat, had represented the Garden State’s 10th Congressional District, which includes the - [BERKELEY COLLEGE CELEBRATES ‘REMARKABLE RESILIENCE AND PERSEVERANCE’](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2024/05/23/berkeley-college-celebrates-remarkable-resilience-and-perseveranceof-more-than-1000-graduatesduring-2024-commencement-ceremony-at-prudential-center/) - Photo Caption: Berkeley College celebrates the perseverance and achievements of more than 1,000 graduates during a Commencement ceremony on Thursday, May 9, 2024, at Prudential Center in Newark, NJ. Share the News: @BerkeleyCollege #BerkeleyGrad2024 Berkeley College celebrated the perseverance and achievements of more than 1,000 graduates during a Commencement ceremony on Thursday, May 9, 2024, at - [MARCH ISSUES NY/NJ](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2024/04/03/march-issues-ny-nj/) - [March Issue NY 2024](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2024/03/25/16448/) - Archive for The Positive Community Magazine below: Harlem Summer Issue 2023 June/July Issue 2023 May Issue 2023 Spring Issue 2023 March NY Issue 2023 March NJ Issue 2023 Winter Issue 2023 December Issue 2022 November Issue 2022 October NJ Issue 2022 October NY Issue 2022 Fall NY Issue 2022 Fall NJ Issue 2022 Summer Issue - [March Issue NJ](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2024/03/25/march-issue-nj/) - Archive for The Positive Community Magazine below: Harlem Summer Issue 2023 June/July Issue 2023 May Issue 2023 Spring Issue 2023 March NY Issue 2023 March NJ Issue 2023 Winter Issue 2023 December Issue 2022 November Issue 2022 October NJ Issue 2022 October NY Issue 2022 Fall NY Issue 2022 Fall NJ Issue 2022 Summer Issue - [Winter Issue](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2024/02/28/winter-issue/) - Archive for The Positive Community Magazine below: Harlem Summer Issue 2023 June/July Issue 2023 May Issue 2023 Spring Issue 2023 March NY Issue 2023 March NJ Issue 2023 Winter Issue 2023 December Issue 2022 November Issue 2022 October NJ Issue 2022 October NY Issue 2022 Fall NY Issue 2022 Fall NJ Issue 2022 Summer Issue - [Holiday Issue NY Version](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/12/18/holiday-issue-ny-version/) - Archive for The Positive Community Magazine below: Harlem Summer Issue 2023 June/July Issue 2023 May Issue 2023 Spring Issue 2023 March NY Issue 2023 March NJ Issue 2023 Winter Issue 2023 December Issue 2022 November Issue 2022 October NJ Issue 2022 October NY Issue 2022 Fall NY Issue 2022 Fall NJ Issue 2022 Summer Issue - [Should You Focus On Exercise When You Want to Lose Weight?](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2024/01/28/should-you-focus-on-exercise-when-you-want-to-lose-weight/) - Exercise may not be the best way to lose weight. A quick Google search on exercise reveals many impressive health benefits and weight loss is not among them. It turns out exercise alone offers minimal impact on weight loss, despite what we have believed for decades. That means much of the weight loss rhetoric we’ve - [New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency Celebrates 40 Years of Service](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2024/01/23/new-jersey-housing-and-mortgage-finance-agency-celebrates-40-years-of-service/) - On January 17, 2024, the New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency (NJHMFA) celebrates its 40th anniversary. Since its founding 40 years ago, NJHMFA’s programs have directly benefited hundreds of thousands of New Jersey residents by providing affordable housing options and vital mortgage assistance. Through the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit program, NJHMFA has financed 70,000 - [MPAC Preaching Conference 2024](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2024/01/19/mpac-preaching-conference-2024/) - [](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2024/02/06/16353/) - Prudential shares The Positive Community’s goal of strengthening and uplifting the Newark community. Prudential was founded in Newark nearly 150 years ago, and today we’re doing more than ever to increase economic opportunity in our hometown. In the last decade alone, we’ve committed more than $1.2 billion to Newark to establish the city as a - [The African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2024/01/30/the-african-american-chamber-of-commerce-of-new-jersey/) - [Emancipation Day Banquet 2024](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2024/02/06/emancipation-day-banquet-2024/) - [The 38th Annual Brooklyn Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2024/01/05/the-38th-annual-brooklyn-tribute-to-dr-martin-luther-king-jr/) - BAM honors Dr. King’s radical spirit at this beloved Brooklyn tradition, which rings in a new year with musical performances and an invigorating call to action. Keynote speaker Reginald Dwayne Betts—a poet, lawyer, and founder and CEO of Freedom Reads—offers reflections on freedom anchored in his own journey, his enduring commitment to social justice, and - [Consider it Pure Joy | Jennifer Jones Austin](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2024/01/10/consider-it-pure-joy-jennifer-jones-austin/) - When Jennifer Jones Austin, wife, mother, lawyer and child advocate, and the picture of good health, found herself burdened by a fever she couldn’t shake, doctors insisted it was merely viral and told her to sleep it off. Just days later she lay comatose with a 99% probability of imminent death. - [NJHMFA Board Meeting Delivers Key Housing Policy Advancements in Tax Credits and Multifamily Programs](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2024/01/05/njhmfa-board-meeting-delivers-key-housing-policy-advancements-in-tax-credits-and-multifamily-programs/) - New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency (NJHMFA) approved two new programs, the Urban Preservation Program (UPP) and Workforce Housing Program (WHP), while committing funding to 15 new Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) developments at its October 19 Board meeting. “The HMFA Board advanced resolutions committing funds to a broad variety of new developments, each - [Hal Jackson Hal Jackson’s Talented Teens Fundraiser](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2024/01/04/hal-jackson-hal-jacksons-talented-teens-fundraiser/) - Folks who lived in the NYC area during the 80’s & 90’s remember Hal Jackson’s Sunday Classics heard on then Black-owned WBLS-FM. Many of us looked forward to hearing classic R&B and soul music each week. After Jackson—a broadcast pioneer—passed away in 2012, Debi (known as Debi B), Hal’s co-host and wife, continued hosting the program along with Clay Berry until March of 2015. - [You Can Live Well](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/12/29/you-can-live-well/) - As a fitness expert, I often encourage clients to care for themselves first. It seems selfish, but the fact is that self-care is necessary and essential to your wellbeing. If you are a caregiver, mother, father, daughter, or son—what happens to those for whom you care if you become unable to because of sickness or ignoring your medical needs? Regular medical appointments, meditation time, massages, and facials—these are all important to your self-care. - [Activist Viola Plummer dies at age 86](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2024/01/17/activist-viola-plummer-dies-at-age-86/) - Activist and Chairperson of the December 12th Movement Viola Plummer has died. Her passing was announced on Monday. She was 86. “This evening it is with a heavy heart that we announce the Black Liberation Movement’s loss of one of its most resolute and determined leaders, Cde. Viola Plummer, Chairperson of the December 12th Movement,” - [ Alicia Keys and Swizz Beatz Art Collection at Brooklyn Museum](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2024/01/11/alicia-keys-and-swizz-beatz-art-collection-at-brooklyn-museum/) - Call it an embarrassment of riches: The musician Alicia Keys and her husband Kasseem Dean, the producer and D.J. known professionally as Swizz Beatz, have purchased such massive artworks that only a few could squeeze inside their homes in California, New York and New Jersey. Some colossal paintings by artists like Kehinde Wiley, Derrick Adams - [Holy Name Announces New Leadership Appointments](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2024/01/10/holy-name-announces-new-leadership-appointments/) - Holy Name, the region’s leading independent health system, appointed Cynthia Ziegler as Vice President of Revenue Cycle Management, Suzanne Tammaro as the Chief Marketing Officer, and promoted Donald Ecker to Vice President of Integrated Services. “Our growth and continued forward momentum as a leading healthcare provider includes the recruitment of high profile talent,” said Mike - [20-Bed Transitional Housing ‘Village’ Opens in Newark](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2024/01/09/20-bed-transitional-housing-village-opens-in-newark/) - Officials Say Hope Village II Improves on First Container Community A 20-bed “bridge housing community” is open for people in immediate need of shelter, the city announced on Monday, Jan. 8. Officials celebrated the opening of the transitional housing center, “Hope Village II,” built out of seven shipping containers at 51-63 Elizabeth Ave. Several hundred gathered - [Rev. Dr. James A. Kilgore Installed](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2024/01/05/rev-dr-james-a-kilgore-installed/) - The Baptist Ministers’ Conference of Greater NY & Vicinity installed Rev. Dr. James A. Kilgore as the new president of the 125-year-old clergy organization last month. In his inaugural speech, President Kilgore declared his vision and hope for the Conference, stating "the organization offers innovation, information, and inspiration for all heralds who represent God." Rev. - [Chase Community Manager Shares Five Key Financial Literacy Tips](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/12/28/chase-community-manager-shares-five-key-financial-literacy-tips/) - Financial health is an important foundation that helps build strong and resilient households, communities and economies. Being financially healthy better prepares you for life’s unexpected expenses. The reality is, more than 50% of Americans across all income levels consider themselves financially unhealthy. That group includes many Black, Hispanic and Latino families in the U.S., who have less than 50 cents in assets for every dollar held by white families. Studies show that Black, Hispanic and Latino families also face the biggest gaps in access to banking and resources to help them manage their financial needs. - [Fresh Financial Start: How to Begin the New Year on a High Note](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/12/27/fresh-financial-start-how-to-begin-the-new-year-on-a-high-note/) - We’re ringing in a new year, and that means a fresh start for your finances! Becoming more financially savvy can positively impact your overall well-being. It’s not just about the numbers on your bank statement - it’s about taking control of your financial future. We all make financial missteps, whether it’s overspending or neglecting our savings. Starting off with a fresh mindset gives us the opportunity to learn from those mistakes and make better choices moving forward. Head into the new year financially prepared by following these tips. - [A Man of Substance and Style Rev. Jacques DeGraff](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/12/20/a-man-of-substance-and-style-rev-jacques-degraff/) - Three things you immediately recognize about Jacques DeGraff: his personable demeanor; his quick wit; and impeccable style. He speaks and moves in a smooth, seemingly effortless manner. He will take a compliment easily, but tell you straight out any gifts he might have are from God, and he credits his mother and his wife for - [Rev. Dr. LesterTaylor:](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/12/20/rev-dr-lestertaylor/) - A Three-Decade Journey of Faith and Leadership Rev. Dr. Lester W. Taylor Jr. began his pastorage at Community Baptist Church (CBC) in Englewood, NJ 30 years ago in May, 1993. “I never thought I’d ever utter the words ‘30 years at one particular church,’ Dr Taylor reflected. “And not only at one church, but this - [Get Covered NJ](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2024/01/04/get-covered-nj/) - Get Covered New Jersey GetCoveredNJ is the only place that you can apply for financial help to lower the cost of your monthly premiums and out-of-pocket costs for health insurance. Financial help is now available for more New Jerseyans at higher income levels! Check out new and expanded financial help from the State of New - [5 Tips to Get Ahead of Holiday Debt](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/12/12/5-tips-to-get-ahead-of-holiday-debt/) - The holiday season is fast approaching, and most people find themselves spending a little – or a lot – more than usual during these festive final months of the year. Americans spend more than $1,450 each year on holiday-related purchases – from gifts and travel to decorations and entertainment. These costs layered into your monthly - [Chasing the Dream](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/11/01/chasing-the-dream/) - Monica Kelley Realizes Her Dream by Mentoring OthersBy R.L. Witter When a young Black girl from Queens attended Performing Arts High School, she was exposed to people and music of every type and stripe. She didn’t know it then, but it would inform her life, grounding her in diversity and refusing to be labeled or - [A Conversation with Rev. Dr. Ronald Slaughter](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/10/31/a-conversation-with-rev-dr-ronald-slaughter/) - The Life of a PastorBy R.L. Witter Pastors are people, too. Sure, it sounds like a no-brainer, but have you ever really thought about what your pastor’s day actually looks like? Most pastors work a daily nine-to-five job, have a family, and hobbies or interests in addition to their church duties. The Positive Community turned - [A Different World](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/10/17/a-different-world/) - Sonja D. Gracy, author, playwright, and NYC public school teacher is currently working on her next book, God and the Girls. Fall, particularly September, triggers fond memories that transport me back to my college days. I enjoy watching students and their families carry overloaded luggage into dorms. I gawk as I pass by, and tingle - [Harlem EatUp! Luminary Awards Tamron Hall and D-Nice Honored](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2024/01/02/harlem-eatup-luminary-awards-tamron-hall-and-d-nice-honored/) - Titled “Harlem EatUp!,” the Luminary Awards Dinner truly lived up to its name. At the renowned Alhambra Ballroom in Harlem, guests dined on an array of culinary delights. Launched in 2015 by co-founders and celebrated chefs Herb Karlitz and Emmy Award winner Marcus Samuelsson, this year’s honorees were TV Talk Show Host/Journalist and Author Tamron Hall, and Harlem-born Producer, Photographer, and DJ, D-Nice. - [East Orange Breaks Ground on Renovations to Historic Oval Park](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/12/30/east-orange-breaks-ground-on-renovations-to-historic-oval-park/) - Mayor Ted R. Green, the East Orange City Council, and the Departments of Public Works and Recreation & Cultural Affairs officially broke ground on renovations to Oval Park, a historic green space that was once home to Negro League Baseball. - [A Private Experience: a short story by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/12/28/a-private-experience-a-short-story-by-chimamanda-ngozi-adichie/) - Chika climbs in through the store window first and then holds the shutter as the woman climbs in after her. The store looks as if it was deserted long before the riots started; the empty rows of wooden shelves are covered in yellow dust, as are the metal containers stacked in a corner. The store is small, smaller than Chika's walk-in closet back home. The woman climbs in and the window shutters squeak as Chika lets go of them. Chika's hands are trembling, her calves burning after the unsteady run from the market in her high-heeled sandals. She wants to thank the woman, for stopping her as she dashed past, for saying "No run that way!" and for leading her, instead, to this empty store where they could hide. But before she can say thank you, the woman says, reaching out to touch her bare neck, "My necklace lost when I'm running." - [Season's Greetings](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/12/26/seasons-greetings/) - Stay Safe and Enjoy this Wonderful Time of the Year The upcoming holiday season is a festive time of year. It’s getting colder, so we try to stay warm, we invite friends and family over, cook more, light candles, maybe burn a fire in the fireplace or use space heaters, buy Christmas trees and string - [Hope for the Holiday Season and Beyond](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/12/26/hope-for-the-holiday-season-and-beyond/) - As the end of 2023 draws near, some of us may be feeling our holiday spirit dampened by current happenings in the world. There’s war between Israel and Hamas, and here in America, mass shootings are still taking place. Inflation is taking a bite out of holiday gift giving, and even stealing bites from our holiday meals with the price of food so high. - [Saving Our Own Community](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/12/12/saving-our-own-community-5/) - Pre-Watch Night Candlelight Prayer Walk As the year 2023 comes to a close, The Positive Community is thankful for the loving support of so many! Churches continue to be the foundation of our community support. Congregations throughout the region subscribe for bulk deliveries to their houses of worship. TPC’s Great Roll Call to Progress (page - [Newark board member A'Dorian Murray-Thomas continues to give back to the community](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/12/19/newark-board-member-adorian-murray-thomas-continues-to-give-back-to-the-community/) - Every month Newark Board of Education School Board Member and newly elected Essex County Commissioner A’Dorian Murray-Thomas takes local Newark students to Seton Hall Men’s Basketball games at the Prudential Center. Tuesday night about 100 students, teachers, principals and parents from schools all over Newark watched the Pirates get the win! “In many communities basketball - [Community Education Forum with Alfred Bundy guests Dr. Jamila Davis, David Sharp & Adrian Council Sr](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/12/06/community-education-forum-with-alfred-bundy-guests-dr-jamila-davis-david-sharp-adrian-council-sr/) - In this episode of Essex County College's Community Education Forum, host Alfred Bundy speaks with guests Dr. Jamila Davis (founder of "Be the Changemakers"), David Sharp (Job Developer in the East Orange Mayor's Office of Employment & Training), Mark Anifowose (Vice President of ECC's Student Government Association) and Adrian Council, Sr. (Publisher & CEO of - [The People's Pastor Continues His Life of Service](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/12/05/the-peoples-pastor-continues-his-life-of-service/) - Early one Sunday morning while on his drive to church at the iconic The House of The Lord on Atlantic Avenue in Brooklyn, the degradation that existed at the corner of Cumberland Street spoke to the spirit of Rev. Dr. Herbert Daughtry, familiarly known as “The People’s Pastor.” On one side were a liquor store - [Mayor Eric Adams' Op-Ed: Staying Safe for the Holidays](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/12/03/mayor-eric-adams-op-ed-staying-safe-for-the-holidays/) - More than one-third of all home fires occur between December, January and February. New York City Mayor Adams has tips on how to stay safe. By New York City Mayor Eric Adams The upcoming holiday season is a festive time of year. It’s getting colder, so we try to stay warm, we invite friends and - [Tyreek McDole wins 2023 Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/11/25/tyreek-mcdole-wins-2023-sarah-vaughan-international-jazz-vocal-competition/) - Tyreek McDole is the winner of the 2023 Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition, also known as the SASSY Awards. McDole wowed the judges with his renditions of “September in the Rain,” “Lush Life” and “Every Day I Have the Blues.” A Haitian-American originally from St. Cloud, Fla., the 23-year-old McDole now resides in New - [First Baptist of Crown Heights](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/11/17/first-baptist-of-crown-heights/) - Rev. Rashad Raymond Moore, pastor of First Baptist of Crown Heights in Brooklyn, welcomed The Positive Community Publisher Adrian Council Sr. to the Sunday service on September 10, 2023. Born and raised in Bedford Stuyvesant, Moore began his pastorate at First Baptist in 2019 at the age of 29. He was previously under the tutelage - [NCJAR Housing Fair and Expo](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/11/16/ncjar-housing-fair-and-expo/) - Metropolitan Baptist Church, the largest Baptist church in Newark, hosted the North Central Jersey Association of Realtors (NCJAR) housing fair early last summer. Continuing their mission to turn renters into homeowners, NCJAR staff joined nearly thirty companies and organizations to provide valuable information to the over 300 attendees. A one-stop shop for all things related - [Lincoln Park Jazzy Soul Series](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/11/10/lincoln-park-jazzy-soul-series/) - second year in a row, The Positive Community served as an official media partner of Lincoln Park Coast Cultural District’s (LPCCD) Jazzy Soul Series powered by Tito’s Handmade Vodka. This year’s Lincoln Park Jazzy Soul Series, in collaboration with WBGO 88.3FM, welcomed the Antoinette Montague Experience at Swahili Village in July and then closed out - [Essex County College’s Grand Opening of West Essex Campus](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/11/12/essex-county-colleges-grand-opening-of-west-essex-campus/) - Essex County College’s West Essex campus wrote a new chapter in its 55 years of service to the community when it held a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday, September 29, 2023. Heavy rain could not dampen the enthusiasm inside the new West Caldwell campus building (730 Bloomfield Avenue, West Caldwell). - [Powerful Stories of Breast Cancer Survivors](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/11/15/powerful-stories-of-breast-cancer-survivors/) - WORLD’s Stories from the Stage: The Podcast Kicks Off New Season Stories from the Stage: The Podcast is the perfect salve during these trying times to help restore your faith in both humanity and in the benefit of human connection. Executive produced by Patricia Alvarado Núñez and Liz Cheng, who insist that our commonalities are greater than our differences, the series aims to prove it. The podcast, a companion to the original broadcast and streaming series from WORLD (formerly WORLD Channel), Stories from the Stage, also showcases extraordinary stories told by ordinary people from all walks of life before a live audience. - [East Orange Student Entrepreneurs Receive Once-In-A-Lifetime Opportunity](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/11/11/east-orange-student-entrepreneurs-receive-once-in-a-lifetime-opportunity/) - Host Pop-Up Shop at the Miseducation of Lauryn Hill 25th Anniversary Tour In a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, a group of budding entrepreneurs from the East Orange Mayor’s Office of Employment and Training SWEP (Summer Work Experience Program) participated in a pop-up shop at the Miseducation of Lauryn Hill 25th Anniversary Tour on October 17, 2023 at - [Holiday Issue 2023 NY/NJ](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/12/20/holiday-issue-2023-ny-nj/) - [Holiday Issue 2023](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/10/26/newark-issue-2023/) - Archive for The Positive Community Magazine below: Harlem Summer Issue 2023 June/July Issue 2023 May Issue 2023 Spring Issue 2023 March NY Issue 2023 March NJ Issue 2023 Winter Issue 2023 December Issue 2022 November Issue 2022 October NJ Issue 2022 October NY Issue 2022 Fall NY Issue 2022 Fall NJ Issue 2022 Summer Issue - [](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/11/27/15931/) - Archive for The Positive Community Magazine below: Harlem Summer Issue 2023 June/July Issue 2023 May Issue 2023 Spring Issue 2023 March NY Issue 2023 March NJ Issue 2023 Winter Issue 2023 December Issue 2022 November Issue 2022 October NJ Issue 2022 October NY Issue 2022 Fall NY Issue 2022 Fall NJ Issue 2022 Summer Issue - [Why Newark?](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/10/30/why-newark/) - It’s the question business owners once asked when they considered relocating to the city of Newark. Today, we are being asked that question with less frequency and working to produce policies and initiatives that support the growth and sustainability of our city, but most importantly our residents. Newark is the transportation hub of the New - [Roseville Community Charter School Honored](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/10/13/roseville-community-charter-school-honored/) - Roseville Community Charter School was honored to welcome as a special guest, Dr. Christopher Irving, NJ Department of Education Assistant Commissioner! As a longtime New Jersey educator with a track record of demonstrating his dedication to ensuring all children have access to a quality education, Dr. Irving was enthusiastically well-received by the RCCS community! He - [MELBA MOORE](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/10/09/melba-moore/) - Receiving Her Roses, Making New Music, and Standing Strong in Her Faith By R.L. Witter I’ve heard it said that one should never meet one’s heroes. Too often the experience is disappointing and marred by unmet expectations—some heroes don’t live up to their name and accomplishments. So, when I found out I was going to - [Too Blessed to be Stressed, but in Great Need of Rest](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/10/09/too-blessed-to-be-stressed-but-in-great-need-of-rest/) - Blessed is the one who considers the poor! In the day of trouble the LORD delivers him; the LORD protects him and keeps him alive; he is called blessed in the land; you do not give him up to the will of his enemies. The LORD sustains him on his sickbed; in his illness you - [Saving Our Own Community: About Our Future!](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/10/07/saving-our-own-community-about-our-future/) - We are one from the very start/We are one deep down in your heart We are one/And that’s the way it is/We are one/We Are One—Music and lyrics by: Maze featuring Frankie Beverly A prominent historian of European descent, whose scholarship was post-Civil War America, Emancipation and the Reconstruction Period once said: The greatest atrocity - [Black Art Collectors Roger Tucker](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/11/09/black-art-collectors-roger-tucker/) - By Wanda Croudy For Roger Tucker, a graduate of Arts High School in Newark where he studied commercial design, art is his world. With degrees from Cooper Union, Pratt University, and a certificate in business from NYU, Roger mapped out a successful career in the arts including positions as art director, starting a marketing and - [They are Fit to be First Responders](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/11/08/they-are-fit-to-be-first-responders/) - By Barry Carter In a spirited competition among first responders, Newark and Essex County police officers, firefighters, and other first responders crawled on their hands and knees; carried two, 30-pound fire extinguishers in each hand; then dragged a 180-pound dummy, making their legs feel like jelly. The second year for this event, which builds camaraderie - [Governor’s Conference on Housing and Economic Development 2023](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/11/07/governors-conference-on-housing-and-economic-development-2023/) - The preeminent industry event for affordable housing and economic development professionals in New Jersey took place Thursday, September 28 and Friday, September 29. Held at the Waterfront Conference Center at Harrah’s Resort Atlantic City, the annual symposium creates new paths toward community progress and development through the exchange of ideas and forging of partnerships. - [New Director of Cell Therapy and Bone Marrow Transplantation Northern Regions named to New Jersey’s only NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/11/07/new-director-of-cell-therapy-and-bone-marrow-transplantation-northern-regions-named-to-new-jerseys-only-nci-designated-comprehensive-cancer-center/) - Adrienne Phillips, MD, MPH, begins role at Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey and RWJBarnabas Health. Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey and RWJBarnabas Health have appointed Adrienne Phillips, MD, MPH, as director of Cell Therapy and Bone Marrow Transplantation Northern Regions at New Jersey’s leading cancer program and only National Cancer Institute (NCI)- Designated - [COVID-19 Vaccine Update](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/11/06/covid-19-vaccine-update/) - By Leslie Nash The latest version of the COVID-19 vaccine is now available and the U.S. government has recommended that all Americans aged six months and older receive the vaccine. According to data from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 12 million doses have been shipped. However, even several weeks into the rollout, - [Keeping Our Communities Safe From Fentanyl](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/11/05/keeping-our-communities-safe-from-fentanyl/) - Public safety is our administration’s top priority, and keeping New Yorkers safe from the growing threat of fentanyl is a core part of that mission. All of us have heard about the danger fentanyl poses to our children and our communities. Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is approximately 50 times more potent than heroin - [A Lament for Peace in the Middle East](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/11/04/a-lament-for-peace-in-the-middle-east/) - Rev. Dr. W. Franklyn Richardson is Senior Pastor Grace Baptist Church, Mt. Vernon, NY Our televisions and social media feeds are full of news from Israel and Palestine and the recent declaration of war. To people of many faiths this land is culturally rich, historically significant, and sacred ground. Scenes of explosions and sounds of - [Green Giant](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/11/02/green-giant/) - Sonja D. Gracy, author, playwright, and NYC public school teacher is currently working on her next book God and the Girls. One of the nicest things heritage can bequeath us is a good cousin—I have several, thank God. One who impacted me growing up was my cousin “Kevin” or “Kev” as we liked to call - [Welcome Back to School RCCS!](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/10/25/welcome-back-to-school-rccs/) - On August 28, Roseville Community Charter School opened its doors to welcome parents and scholars to visit their new classrooms and meet their new teachers for the 2023-24 school year! This day was created four years ago as an opportunity for scholars and their parents to preview the first day of school as a way - [Bergen County Links, Inc. Celebrate 49 Years of Service](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/10/24/bergen-county-links-inc-celebrate-49-years-of-service/) - The Bergen County (NJ) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated recently held its sold-out 15th Annual Mother’s Day Luncheon at The Venetian in Garfield, New Jersey. “The Bergen County Chapter of the Links, Incorporated is proud to continue our long tradition of awarding scholarships to deserving Bergen County high school seniors during the Mother’s Day luncheon. - [Dr. Anthony L. Fludd: Candidate for Judiciary Board](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/10/17/dr-anthony-l-fludd-candidate-for-judiciary-board/) - [Newark Keeps Changing and Growing](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/11/02/newark-keeps-changing-and-growing/) - The Last Word BY R.L. Witter We’ve been doing our annual Newark issue for several years now. And ever year, we continue to see changes in Newark and the surrounding communities. I can recall penning a column for the Newark issue several years ago where I mentioned a friend who had purchased a home near - [Mt. Zion Baptist: 100th Church Anniversary](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/10/28/mt-zion-baptist-100th-church-anniversary/) - Mount Zion Baptist Church of South Hackensack, NJ celebrated its monumental 100th church anniversary on Saturday, July 22, 2023 at The Graycliff, Moonachie, NJ. Rev. Joann Pearson Collins and her husband Rev. Dr. James H. Collins presented awards to: Pastor Emeritus Rev. Dr. Robert L. Curry for his 50 years of service, and to Deacon - [MAAFA…A Healing Journey](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/11/14/maafaa-healing-journey/) - Teaching African History to Children St. Paul Community Baptist Church (SPCBC) in Brooklyn geared up in September for the return of The MAAFA. The free and open to the public annual experience remembers the suffering endured by Africans who were enslaved and brought to America through the Middle Passage. MAAFA (pronounced mah-ah-fah) is the Swahili - [TPC Radio](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2022/06/07/tpc-radio/) - To listen to The positive Community Radio on Alexa Click this link to enable: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B3CPHBXP To download app: https://www.radioking.com/p/apps/ - [Juneteenth Celebration in Irvington](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/10/27/juneteenth-celebration-in-irvington/) - Hundreds of guests and neighbors gathered in Irvington for a celebration of freedom, commemorating Juneteenth. President of the People’s Organization for Progress Lawrence Hamm, served as keynote speaker. Rev. H. Grady James and Brother David Edouard coordinated the event, which spoke to the African American historical struggles and power to shape and carry out a - [Line Dancing Returns to Newark Symphony Hall’s Terrace Ballroom](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/10/26/line-dancing-returns-to-newark-symphony-halls-terrace-ballroom/) - Every second Friday hundreds gather at The Terrace Ballroom in Newark Symphony Hall (NSH) for a fun night of soul line dancing. After a one million dollar renovation inspired by the 1920s Jazz Era, the Terrace Ballroom has reopened with a bang featuring its two signature events: line dancing and the Latin dance party on - [Antioch Baptist Church 105th Anniversary](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/10/23/antioch-baptist-church-105th-anniversary/) - Congregants, clergy, and elected officials from throughout Brooklyn participated in the 105th anniversary celebration of Antioch Baptist Church on August 13. The foundational Brooklyn church, located at 828 Greene Avenue and pastored by Rev. Dr. Robert M. Waterman, acts as city hall for the Bed-Sty neighborhood, hosting the monthly AACEO (African American Clergy and Elected - [Fourth Annual Kool Kids Foundation Golf Outing](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/10/22/fourth-annual-kool-kids-foundation-golf-outing/) - Hosted by Robert "Kool" Bell, the 4th annual Kool Kids Golf Outing raised funds for the Kool Kids Foundation. Co-founder of the seven-time Grammy Award winning band Kool and the Gang, Kool and his sons, Muhammad and Hakiem Bell, started the foundation in memory of Kool's wife and the mother of his sons, their beloved, - [Grand Opening: Understand Medicare Now](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/10/21/grand-opening-understand-medicare-now/) - Tuesday, August 29,2023, was a great day in Harlem for Michael Walker. The dream he held onto for 14 years finally became reality. An expert in Medicaid & Medicare insurance, in that dream he saw himself with a business in Harlem where people could learn about their healthcare options. Now he’s doing just that at - [East Orange “Back-to-School Welcome Walk”](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/10/20/east-orange-back-to-school-welcome-walk/) - Mayor Ted R. Green, the East Orange City Council, and staff from various municipal departments participated in the city’s annual “Back-to-School Welcome Walk,” a multi-day campaign held at East Orange’s elementary, middle, and high schools to welcome students to the 2023-2024 school year. East Orange City Council Chairman Christopher Awe said the importance of “starting - [On Harlem, Business, and the Economics of Culture: Brothers Gonna’ Work it Out](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/09/05/on-harlem-business-and-the-economics-of-culture-brothers-gonna-work-it-out/) - “The ability to augment the profit motive with a service motive is a positive, life-affirming, community-building ideal—the business model of the future!” Our community in New Jersey is heartbroken over the passing of our beloved leader, friend, and sister, NJ Lt. Governor Hon. Sheila Y. Oliver. Thank you to NJ Governor Phil Murphy for sharing - [“Why March? Because it’s Necessary”](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/10/06/why-march-because-its-necessary/) - Jennifer Jones Austin is a civil rights and social policy advocate and lawyer, author and talk show host. She serves as Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director of FPWAJENNIFER “So how was the March?” was the question re-peatedly posed to me in the days following the March in Washington, D.C. this summer. My gut response - [Multicultural Consortium for Responsible Drinking (MCRD) Convenes in NYC](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/10/04/multicultural-consortium-for-responsible-drinking-mcrd-convenes-in-nyc/) - TPC Honored for Efforts to Reduce Alcohol Misuse in Communities of Color The Multicultural Consortium for Responsible Drinking (MCRD), a working group dedicated to increasing awareness of the risks of alcohol-related harm and providing education in diverse communities across the country, convened in New York City during Alcohol Awareness Month in April for a summit - [LET THE SUNSHINE IN!](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/09/15/let-the-sunshine-in/) - Let the sunshine in! During the Summer of Love, a group of young Americans dream of a beautiful future filled with harmony and understanding. The groundbreaking rock musical includes the Grammy Award™-winning hits “Aquarius,” “Good Morning Starshine,” and the title song’s ode to long, brilliant, beautiful “Hair!” Opening Two River Theater’s 30th anniversary season, Director James Vásquez (Old - [Messiah Baptist Church Celebrates 135 Years](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/10/19/messiah-baptist-church-celebrates-135-years/) - On July 23, 2023, the members of Messiah Baptist Church in Bridgeport, CT along with city officials, community leaders, and guests celebrated the 135-year anniversary of the day a small band of believers in Christ formed the church. Messiah has a great history of many accomplishments within the ministry and outside its walls. Blessed to - [Retirement Gala Honoring Robert C. Holmes, Esq.](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/10/18/retirement-gala-honoring-robert-c-holmes-esq/) - On Sunday July 2, 2023 over 100 guests attended the retirement celebration for Professor Robert C. Holmes recognizing his 50+ year career. The event, hosted by Professor Holmes’ wife, Lucy Holmes, was held at the Clubhouse at Galloping Hill. The event recognized Professor Holmes’ most recent 26 years as a member of the faculty at - [Lakeland Bank Partners with Small Business Pro University](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/10/16/lakeland-bank-partners-with-small-business-pro-university/) - Lakeland Bank has announced that it will serve as the Title Sponsor for the 30th POWER BREAKFAST Event on October 27th at the Glen Ridge Country Club. Andrew Frazier, Founder of Small Business Pro University, and producer of POWER BREAKFAST events for 10+ years is pleased to partner with Lakeland Bank on this event for - [Berkeley College Announces Opportunity Grant](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/10/16/berkeley-college-announces-opportunity-grant/) - Qualified New Jersey residents can enroll in a fulltime Associate’s degree program without incurring any loans for tuition and fees, through the Berkeley College Opportunity Grant. Students who meet the requirements can enroll for the fall 2023 semester, which begins on Tuesday, September 5, 2023. Learn More: To learn more about eligibility and admissions requirements, - [Black Health Matters HARLEM WEEK Health Summit and Expo](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/10/14/black-health-matters-harlem-week-health-summit-and-expo/) - Whether in-person or via live stream, participants at the Black Health Matters (BHM) HARLEM WEEK Health Summit and Expo received valuable information regarding the latest innovations in testing, treatment, and prevention of many of the conditions and diseases that plague the Black community. Distinguished presenters and panelists presented stimulating discussions and timely advice participants could - [The Newark Interfaith Alliance 10th Annual Pray Breakfast](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/10/18/the-newark-interfaith-alliance-10th-annual-pray-breakfast/) - [Fall Issue 2023](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/10/03/fall-issue-2023/) - Archive for The Positive Community Magazine below: Harlem Summer Issue 2023 June/July Issue 2023 May Issue 2023 Spring Issue 2023 March NY Issue 2023 March NJ Issue 2023 Winter Issue 2023 December Issue 2022 November Issue 2022 October NJ Issue 2022 October NY Issue 2022 Fall NY Issue 2022 Fall NJ Issue 2022 Summer Issue - [Rutgers Editorial Summer Internships Provide Life-changing Experiences](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/10/05/rutgers-editorial-summer-internships-provide-life-changing-experiences/) - Jonathan Scott Holloway is an American historian, academic administrator, and the 21st president of Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey. Rising senior Tasawn Roberts, a political science ma-jor at Rutgers, worked this summer in his hometown at Newark Community Solutions, where he helped residents in difficult situations avoid or stop evictions. Don-te Hatcher, a - [Drew University’s Caspersen School of Graduate Studies Prepares Students for the Real World](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/10/03/drew-universitys-caspersen-school-of-graduate-studies-prepares-students-for-the-real-world/) - Drew University’s Caspersen School of Graduate Studies offers an array of distinctive and flexible advanced degree programs designed to meet the needs of working professionals.The school offers master’s programs in Art & Letters, Data Science, Finance, History & Culture, Medical & Health Humanities, and Teacher Education. Doctoral degrees are offered in Arts & Letters and - [RWJBarnabas Health’s The Bristol-Myers Squibb Children’s Hospital Earns National Rankings as a Best Children’s Hospital by U.S. News & World Report for 2023-2024](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/10/11/rwjbarnabas-healths-the-bristol-myers-squibb-childrens-hospital-earns-national-rankings-as-a-best-childrens-hospital-by-u-s-news-world-report-for-2023-2024/) - RWJBarnabas Health children’s hospitals were named among the nation’s Best Children’s Hospitals for 2023 – 2024 by U.S. News & World Report. The Bristol-Myers Squibb Children’s Hospital (BMSCH) at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital ranked #34 nationally for orthopedics and ranked #47 for urology. The Urology ranking recognizes a four-hospital practice that is based at - [Men's Convocation Weekend at Grace](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/10/11/mens-convocation-weekend-at-grace/) - [Celebration of the Spirit of Entrepreneurship](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/10/11/celebration-of-the-spirit-of-entrepreneurship/) - [MSU Chancellor Dr. Marcheta P. Evans: The Merger](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/10/13/msu-chancellor-dr-marcheta-p-evans-the-merger/) - Bloomfield College and Montclair State University Become OneCulturemusic By Glenda Cadogan When it came time to navigate and negotiate the recent merger of Bloomfield College and Montclair State University (MSU), Dr. Marcheta P. Evans, then President of Bloomfield College, needed “a little something extra” as a guiding light. A Bible verse—“Trust in the Lord, with - [Governor Murphy Names Secretary of State Tahesha Way as Lieutenant Governor of New Jersey](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/10/12/governor-murphy-names-secretary-of-state-tahesha-way-as-lieutenant-governor-of-new-jersey/) - Governor Phil Murphy announced Secretary of State Tahesha L. Way as the next Lieutenant Governor of New Jersey. In a ceremony in the New Jersey Executive State House, Lieutenant Governor Way was sworn into her new role, which she assumes after the unexpected passing of Lieutenant Governor Sheila Y. Oliver on August 1, 2023. “Sheila - [The U.S. Supreme Court and Affirmative Action](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/10/10/the-u-s-supreme-court-and-affirmative-action/) - Johnny E. Parham, Jr. began his career as a community organizer with the Urban League of Essex County. Other Urban League positions included the Brooklyn Branch and the National Urban League. He established the Opportunities Industrialization Center and served as executive director. He is an active supporter and advocate for Historically Black Colleges and Universities. - [Newark Beth Israel Medical Center and Children’s Hospital of New Jersey Hosts its 18th Annual Partners in Progress Awards Dinner](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/09/29/newark-beth-israel-medical-center-and-childrens-hospital-of-new-jersey-hosts-its-18th-annual-partners-in-progress-awards-dinner/) - Honoring Individuals and Institutions Dedicated to the City of Newark Newark Beth Israel Medical Center and Children’s Hospital of New Jersey, an RWJBarnabas Health facility, hosted its 18th Annual Celebrating Newark: Partners in Progress awards dinner at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center on September 21. The annual dinner and awards ceremony honors individuals and institutions who - [Climate and Environmental Justice in Harlem](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/09/25/climate-and-environmental-justice-in-harlem/) - A partnership between the Columbia Climate School and The Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce raises awareness in the community By Daniel Zarrilli, Special Advisor for Climate and Sustainability, Columbia University On Wednesday, August 9th, as part of HARLEM WEEK, The Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce and the Columbia Climate School hosted a special Climate Change - [The Cotton Club Celebrates 46 Years of Music](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/09/18/celebrates-46-years-of-music/) - BY AUSTIN FENNER Under the guidance of nightlife impresario John Beatty, The Cotton Club is celebrating an incredible 46 years in Harlem. The original Cotton Club at 142nd Street and Lenox Avenue opened in 1923 during the Prohibition Era (1923–1935). Crowds (white’s only) flocked to the glamorous uptown venue to experience the legendary speakeasy owned - [Numbers in Harlem](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/09/17/numbers-in-harlem/) - Where could one, separated by social and economic racism and segregation, play a three-digit number for $1 (considered a large investment at the time) and if one “hit the number” straight, get a return of $600? It was in Harlem! That’s one of several reasons why playing the numbers was so popular back then and - [A Talk with Mayor Eric Adams](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/09/15/a-talk-with-mayor-eric-adams/) - By Herb BoydSpecial to The Positive Community Mayor Eric Adams and I promised to see each other in person in Harlem. We hadn't been face-to-face since Harlem Week 2019 at Grant's Tomb for Harlem Day, the highlight of the festive week. “I haven't had the opportunity to attend as many of the events this year - [HARLEM’S DIVERSITY](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/09/16/harlems-diversity/) - BY Jared McCallister In East Harlem, after 115 years, they still come to joyously carry a weighty 80-foot-tall tower, securely holding the structure with sheer muscle and a traditional religious gusto birthed in faraway Southern Italy. Yes, Italian- Americans return to the Harlem neighborhood every August for the Dance of the Giglio Festival, echoing a - [Mount Sinai Mobile Prostate Unit Reaches Underserved Communities](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/09/28/mount-sinai-mobile-prostate-unit-reaches-underserved-communities/) - An innovative effort by Mount Sinai to improve early detection of prostate cancer among at-risk populations in New York City is proving to be a great success since its introduction last year—raising awareness and potentially saving lives. The Mount Sinai Robert F. Smith Mobile Prostate Cancer Screening Unit was launched with great expectations and much fanfare on - [NAHSE Men of Distinction Awards Dinner](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/09/26/nahse-men-of-distinction-awards-dinner/) - On Wednesday, June 28, 2023, The National Association of Health Services Executives (NAHSE) New York Regional Chapter hosted a special event at Sylvia’s restaurant in Harlem. The event celebrated and honored professionals who share NAHSE’s vision, mission, and goals. Proceeds go toward scholarships for outstanding students who pursue higher education in the healthcare industry. Emblem - [HARLEM IN THE COMIC ARTS](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/09/22/harlem-in-the-comic-arts/) - By Lateef Ade Williams The world’s best-known neighborhood is the setting of countless poems, songs, books, music videos and movies. The same is true regarding Harlem in the comic arts. William H. Foster III, a professor of English and Communication who has provided expert comic information for CNN News and National Public Radio, answers: L.A.: - [Lewis-Brewer Nuptials](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/09/21/lewis-brewer-nuptials/) - Congratulations and blessings to Kenya R. Lewis, from Hollis, Queens and Thaddeus L. Brewer Jr. of Ami tyvi l le, New York who exchanged wedding vows on June 23, 2023 at the beautiful Watermill in Smithtown, Long Island. Kenya, the daughter of Eva and Jerry W. Lewis of St. Albans, Queens, is Assistant Vice President - [Harlem’s Cornrowed Cuties](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/09/20/harlems-cornrowed-cuties/) - Sonja D. Gracy, author, playwright, and NYC public school teacher is currently working on her next book, God and the Girls. Harlem is to Black hair what vanilla wafers are to banana pudding—they’re famously linked. As far as I am concerned, Harlem is “Hair Capital, USA.” Braids and cornrows have always been an indispensable part - [I Remember Harlem By Percy E. Sutton](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/09/14/i-remember-harlem-by-percy-e-sutton/) - By Percy E. Sutton (1920-2009) Chairman of the Executive Board Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce I remember the so-called “Harlem riots or disorder,” in 1964, when I was a regular programming participant on radio station WLIB-AM in Harlem. 1later was able to gain a commitment from the owners to buy both radio stations, WLIB-AM and - [I Remember Harlem](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/09/12/i-remember-harlem/) - by Voza Rivers I grew up on West 132nd Street between Fifth and Lenox Avenues. My street, during the ’40s and ’50s, was a typical Harlem tenement block, consisting of the working class folks, some newly arrived from the South and the Caribbean. I learned community service from the sharing, caring, and teamwork that existed - [Honoring Lieutenant Governor Sheila Oliver](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/09/09/honoring-lieutenant-governor-sheila-oliver/) - When Sheila Oliver agreed to join our first campaign together, I knew I had found my perfect partner in government. But what I didn’t know—at least, yet—was that I had also found a sister. That became fully apparent on July 24, 2017—the day that Sheila and I met for the first time as running mates. - [First Corinthian Youth Sunday](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/09/19/first-corinthian-youth-sunday/) - Members and visitors packed the sanctuary of Harlem’s First Corinthian Baptist Church for Youth Sunday. Youth Pastor Rev. Tre Walrond, son of Senior Pastor Michael and Rev. LaKeesha Walrond, presided over the June 11, 2023 service. Children took the lead in praise and worship, song, and liturgical dance. After Pastor Mike invited parents and children - [Former US Congressman Edolphus Towns joins PHEN in the fight against prostate cancer](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/09/19/former-us-congressman-edolphus-towns-joins-phen-in-the-fight-against-prostate-cancer/) - PHEN’s 2023 Prostate Cancer Disparity Rally: A prostate cancer crisis is hitting Black communities around the country, including the state of New York. Former Congressman Edolphus Towns (NY-D10) has raised prostate cancer awareness and the need for early detection. Session IV: September 27, 2023 Prostate Cancer Survivor Stories and New Approved Therapies Prostate cancer survivor - [Choose Healthy Life’s Service of Renewal and Healing](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/09/18/choose-healthy-lifes-service-of-renewal-and-healing/) - Union Baptist Church in Harlem Pastor Rev. Brian D. Scott hosted Choose Healthy Life’s (CHL) Service of Renewal and Healing during HARLEM WEEK. Presiding Minister and CHL Clergy Leader Rev. Jacques DeGraff welcomed all to witness and receive powerful preaching delivered in the Black Worship tradition. Messages from Grace C. Bonilla, president and CEO of - [U.S. Congressman Donald M. Payne, Jr. shares his experience with losing a friend to prostate cancer](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/09/12/u-s-congressman-donald-m-payne-jr-shares-his-experience-with-losing-a-friend-to-prostate-cancer/) - Session III: September 20, 2023 Enhancing Clinical Trial Awareness and Increasing Participation of Black Patients Successful prostate cancer clinical trials have ushered in a new generation of treatment therapies. However, the lack of participation in these trials by Black patients was a significant missed opportunity. This session will highlight some of the missed opportunities and - [Where can you find Jazz For Prostate Awareness in the month of September](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/09/10/where-can-you-find-jazz-for-prostate-awarenessin-the-month-of-september/) - [Kelly Temple COGIC Annual Men's Day](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/09/03/kelly-temple-cogic-annual-mens-day/) - [Newark’s Gospel Music Month Kick-Off Celebration](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/09/16/newarks-gospel-music-month-kick-off-celebration/) - For 38 years, Gospel Music Month has been celebrated in Newark, NJ, the state’s Gospel Capital. Dr. Albert Lewis proposed the event to the late Mayor Kenneth Allen Gibson and later to the NJ Governor Richard Hughes in 1985. On June 2, 2023, officials from Newark and the World Gospel Music Association (WGMA) gathered at - [More than 4,500 Volunteers Packed 1.5 Million Meals For New Yorkers In Need in Observance of 9/11 Day](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/09/13/more-than-4500-volunteers-packed-1-5-million-meals-for-new-yorkers-in-need-in-observance-of-9-11-day/) - September 11 National Day of Service and Remembrance 22 years after the Sept 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, the 9/11 anniversary is now America’s “day of doing good,” with millions volunteering, donating to charities and performing other good deeds The NYC Meal Pack for 9/11 Day is now the largest volunteer service project held in America - [Brooklyn Chamber Hosts Energy Summit](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/09/11/brooklyn-chamber-hosts-energy-summit/) - Recent unprecedented heat with rare and never before experienced climate events wreaking havoc on populations around the world, climate change is on everyone’s mind. New York Energy Week came to a close at the Brooklyn Navy Yard, where, as it has done for the past three years, the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce hosted its fourth - [The National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives(NOBLE) Conference](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/09/10/the-national-organization-of-black-law-enforcement-executivesnoble-conference/) - In April, NOBLE Region I, encompassing New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire, held its annual, two-day training conference in Atlantic City. For the second consecutive year, the power-packed event hosted and coordinated by NOBLE’s New Jersey Chapter, featured notable guests from all over the region. Welcomed by video messages from Senator Cory - [NTAC Gala 2023](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/09/14/ntac-gala-2023/) - Neighborhood Technical Assistance Clinic (NTAC) Founder and CEO Rev. Dr. Valerie Oliver Durrah welcomed guests to the organization’s White Party and Gala on June 1 at Giando on the Water in Brooklyn. The highly anticipated, annual event featured a steel drum band and stilt walkers who entertained attendees by the riverside on a beautiful, early - [Gospel in the City](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/09/15/gospel-in-the-city-2/) - Sounds of praise and joy were in the air at the East Orange Campus High School on June 10. Mayor Ted R. Green, the East Orange City Council, and the Department of Recreation & Cultural Affairs kicked off their Summer Music Series with a “Gospel in the City” Community Festival co-hosted by WBLS’ Liz Black - [Honoring Newark Heroes: Wayne Brooks Jr. and Augusto Acabou](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/09/13/honoring-newark-heroes-wayne-brooks-jr-and-augusto-acabou/) - By Steve Walkers To their families and coworkers they were know as "Bear" and " Augie." We know them as brave firefighters. Newark firefighters Wayne Brooks Jr., 49, and Augusto Acabou, 45, responded to a ship fire in Port Newark on July 5, 2023. The two veterans, part of a multi-city firefighting response from Newark, - [DV Connector Network Presents - Precious Williams - The Killer Pitch Master](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/09/11/dv-connector-network-presents-precious-williams-the-killer-pitch-master/) - Securing Our Legacy Through UJAMAA DV Connector Network Series Kaylyn Kendall Dines - Founder Don Viapree - Founder Andrew Frazier - Host Hear from our Special Guest... Precious Williams - The Killer Pitch Master Precious Williams The Killer Pitch Master Precious Williams is a 13-time national elevator pitch champion who has also successfully appeared on - [Summer in and out of the City](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/09/05/summer-in-and-out-of-the-city/) - BY R.L. WITTER My husband at the wheel, the road stretches in front of me as the world whizzes by in my peripheral view. Earth, Wind & Fire harmonies waft from the speakers throughout the cabin of our SUV and my keystrokes keep time with the rhythm. We’re on our way home from a lovely, - [Kean Jazz and Roots Festival 2023](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/09/01/kean-jazz-and-roots-festival-2023/) - Third World Third World is one of the longest-lived Reggae bands of all time and one of Jamaica's most consistently popular crossover acts among international audiences. Mixing in elements of R&B, funk, pop, and rock and, later on, dancehall and rap, Third World’s style has been described as "reggae-fusion." The group has 9 Grammy nominations and - [Why the Habit of Saving is Key to Becoming Financially Healthier](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/08/29/why-the-habit-of-saving-is-key-to-becoming-financially-healthier/) - Savings is a foundational piece to financial health since research has found that unexpected expenses, like car repairs, can become a hardship when people don’t have access to emergency savings funds. Here’s how you can build your own savings plan: Start Small. Starting with small goals will begin to lay the foundation for bigger ones - [Newark Students Develop Workforce Skills during Summer Youth Employment Program, Hosted by Berkeley College](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/08/28/newark-students-develop-workforce-skills-during-summer-youth-employment-program-hosted-by-berkeley-college/) - Students practice CPR during the Newark Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) on July 26, 2023. This summer, nearly 300 Newark residents, from ages 14 to 17, are expected to participate in the SYEP at the Berkeley College campus on Broad Street. Share the News: @BerkeleyCollege @CityofNewarkNJ @newarkyouthon #NewsBerkeley This summer, Berkeley College is welcoming hundreds of - [President’s Message](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/09/11/presidents-message/) - By Lloyd Williams Welcome to The Positive Community’s 2023 “Harlem Summer” edition, and congratulations on The Positive Community’s continued commitment to highlight the “best of what is happening in the Black Church and community.” Similarly, The Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce— since its founding in 1896—has held true to its pledge to aid Harlem’s residents, - [Jim Harding's Never Ending Service to the Community](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/09/12/jim-hardings-never-ending-service-to-the-community/) - By Jean Nash Wells Called out of retirement, Jim Harding, now the Assistant Fire Commissioner and Senior Advisor of External Partnerships for the NYC Fire Department, once again serves the citizens of New York City. For more than 39 years, the affable, hard-working New Yorker held key management positions at the highest levels of city - [DMC on 50 Years of Hip-Hop](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/09/07/dmc-on-50-yearsof-hip-hop/) - By R.L. Witter Last June, Darryl McDaniels attended a ceremony at the Schomburg Center in Harlem to receive an award from the Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce during their kick off celebration for Harlem Week. McDaniels was one of the pioneers of hip-hop, but you would know him as DMC of legendary rap group Run-DMC. - [New Jersey Reparations Council Announced](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/09/07/new-jersey-reparations-council-announced/) - On June 19, 2023, the second anniversary of our newest federal holiday, Juneteenth, celebrations marked the day across the country. Two years after the Emancipation Proclamation, enslaved people in Texas learned they had been freed by the government. Fittingly, with U.S. Senator Cory Booker, Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, Assemblywoman Shavonda Sumter (D-Paterson), and Perth Amboy - [AACCNJ’s First Juneteenth Black Business Expo](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/09/06/aaccnjs-first-juneteenth-black-business-expo/) - Black-owned businesses connected with private and public companies at the well-attended, inaugural Black Business Expo, held at Montclair State University on June 15. The African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey’s (AACCNJ) Juneteenth Expo highlighted African American entrepreneurs from various business sectors along with over sixty corporations, Black-owned businesses, community partners, and state agencies - [Rev. Dr. Alyn Waller joins PHEN in the fight against prostate cancer](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/09/05/rev-dr-alyn-waller-joins-phen-in-the-fight-against-prostate-cancer/) - PHEN’s 2023 Prostate Cancer Disparity Rally: Have you heard that Black men get diagnosed with prostate cancer at a 76 percent higher rate than White men? Reverend Dr. Allyn E. Waller of the Enon Tabernacle Baptist Church from Philadelphia, PA joins PHEN in the fight against prostate cancer and urges men and women to visit - [Gospel Fest](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/08/22/gospel-fest/) - [Jobs, Wages and Education](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/08/18/a-look-at-the-march-on-washington-60-years-later/) - In the summer of 1963, Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. stood at the Lincoln Memorial facing our nation’s Capitol and proclaimed, “. . . America has given the Negro people a bad check, a check which has come back marked insufficient funds.” Disaffected with monumental oppression in both the Jim Crow South and the - [Black excellence on Broadway: ‘MJ’ the musical highlights creative genius of Michael Jackson](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/08/16/black-excellence-on-broadway-mj-the-musical-highlights-creative-genius-of-michael-jackson/) - The year is 1992 and Michael Jackson (MJ) is on the precipice of shocking the world with his Dangerous Tour— that’s if he can get it off the ground. From financial woes to childhood trauma, a myriad of challenges face the global pop star as he tries to mount the show that is set to - [Shavonda E. Sumter, State Representative for Patterson, NJ introduces PHEN](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/08/30/shavonda-e-sumter-state-representative-for-patterson-nj-introduces-phen/) - Shavonda E. Sumter, State Representative for Patterson, NJ introduces PHEN and shares her experience about a friend who got tested for prostate cancer early and it saved his life. Visit phenpsa.com for life saving information. To eliminate the African American prostate cancer disparity. PHEN’s mission also includes advocacy efforts to increase the overall support and - [MLK’s ‘Dream’ speech goes on display at Smithsonian for 60th anniversary](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/08/10/mlks-dream-speech-goes-on-display-at-smithsonian-for-60th-anniversary/) - The Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture will commemorate the 60th anniversary of the March on Washington by displaying Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s original “I Have a Dream” speech, on view until Sept. 18. The speech will be on display in the “Defending Freedom, Defining Freedom” gallery. “At the National Museum - [Kool and the Gang co-founder donates thousands to NJ schools for music education](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/08/07/kool-and-the-gang-co-founder-donates-thousands-to-nj-schools-for-music-education/) - A co-founder of one of the most successful music groups to come out of New Jersey is helping the next generation of musicians. Robert “Kool” Bell of Kool and the Gang was in Montclair Wednesday to present checks on behalf of his Kool Kids Foundation. The organization brings music education to schools. The Glenfield Middle - [Berkeley College Announces Opportunity Grant for Qualified New Jersey Residents to Earn a Degree Debt-Free](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/08/25/berkeley-college-announces-opportunity-grant-for-qualified-new-jersey-residents-to-earn-a-degree-debt-free/) - Qualified New Jersey residents can enroll in a full-time Associate’s degree program without incurring any loans for tuition and fees, through the Berkeley College Opportunity Grant. Students who meet the requirements can enroll for the fall 2023 semester, which begins on Tuesday, September 5, 2023. Learn More: To learn more about eligibility and admissions requirements, click - [Berkeley College Appoints Patricia Greer, JD, as Provost](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/08/24/berkeley-college-appoints-patricia-greer-jd-as-provost/) - Share the News: @BerkeleyCollege #NewsBerkeley Berkeley College has named Patricia “Patty” Bennett Greer, JD, as Provost, effective August 7, 2023. Greer joined Berkeley College in 1997 as a faculty member and was promoted to Chair of Paralegal Studies in 2000. Since that time, she has also served as Dean and Campus Operating Officer of Berkeley - [FPWA March on Washington 60 Years Later](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/08/18/fpwamarch-on-washington-60-years-later/) - As the anniversary of the 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom approaches on August 26, FPWA has released an alarming analysis on the enduring inequalities Black Americans face 60 years later. The comprehensive analysis – A Look at the March on Washington 60 years Later: Dreams and Promises Yet to be Realized — finds that - [24 HRS of Peace](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/08/14/24-hrs-of-peace/) - 24 HRS OF PEACE 2023! Let’s Goooo! This years line up is going to be bigger than last year! Stay tuned for artist announcements! You know we’re celebrating 50 YEARS OF HIP HOP which is where we learned the principles of PEACE LOVE UNITY AND SAFELY HAVING FUN! - [MAYOR BARAKA TO HOST “24 HOURS OF PEACE”](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/08/22/mayor-baraka-to-host-24-hours-of-peace/) - FROM FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, AT 6 P.M., TO SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, AT 6 P.M., ON SPRINGFIELD AVENUE FROM BERGEN TO BLUM STREETSAnnual event uses Hip Hop culture to engage Newark community Mayor Ras J. Baraka will host the Annual 24 Hours of Peace event, from Friday, September 1, at 6 p.m., to Saturday, September 2, - [Harlem Summer Issue 2023](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/09/01/harlem-summer-issue-2023/) - Archive for The Positive Community Magazine below: Harlem Summer Issue 2023 June/July Issue 2023 May Issue 2023 Spring Issue 2023 March NY Issue 2023 March NJ Issue 2023 Winter Issue 2023 December Issue 2022 November Issue 2022 October NJ Issue 2022 October NY Issue 2022 Fall NY Issue 2022 Fall NJ Issue 2022 Summer Issue - [The Bronny James Health Scare Highlights Cardiac Arrest in Young Athletes](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/07/28/the-bronny-james-health-scare-highlights-cardiac-arrest-in-young-athletes/) - Bronny James, the 18-year-old son of NBA superstar LeBron James, is in the news after experiencing a life-threatening medical emergency during a college basketball practice at the University of Southern California. The young athlete suffered from cardiac arrest, a condition in which the heart malfunctions and stops beating unexpectedly. Fortunately, medical staff on-site at USC’s Galen Center - [Clarence Avant, the ‘Godfather of Black Entertainment,’ Dies at 92](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/08/16/clarence-avant-the-godfather-of-black-entertainment-dies-at-92/) - Clarence Avant, a music business icon and mentor to many, has died at 92 years old. Avant was called “The Godfather” by many because of his long reach in the business community and his ability to bring all sides together in negotiations. “The Godfather” has left us. This man was singularly responsible for helping so - [Harlem Week 2023](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/07/26/harlem-week-2023/) - HARLEM WEEK WE ARE EXCITED TO PRESENT HARLEM WEEK 2023 AS A REIMAGINED HYBRID FESTIVAL WITH VIRTUAL & LIVE EVENTS. Harlem is a State of Mind and whether you are here physically or anywhere around the world you can experience the magic of Harlem and this year’s HARLEM WEEK festival. Since the first HARLEM DAY, - [The Business of People is People](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/08/01/the-business-of-people-is-people/) - SummerStage in Harlem -- Gospel Night 5 - 7pm at the ACP State Office Building Plaza Black Health Matters HARLEM WEEK Health Summit & Expo August 17th / 9am - 3pm @ The Alhambra Ballroom Register below! NYC RESTAURANT WEEK is back! From July 24 to August 20, enjoy 2-course lunches and 3-course dinners across - [Banking & Finance For Small Business & Entrepreneurs](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/08/16/banking-finance-for-small-business-entrepreneurs/) - Join this special HARLEM WEEK event with CHASE, and more to discuss expanded access to banking, and boosted financial health. - [State funeral for New Jersey Lt. Gov. Sheila Oliver held at Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Newark](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/08/14/state-funeral-for-new-jersey-lt-gov-sheila-oliver-held-at-cathedral-basilica-of-the-sacred-heart-in-newark/) - Sheila Oliver’s place in history might have been much different before she read Charles Dickens and John Steinbeck. She had originally planned to be an archaeologist, thinking it would be fun to travel to places like Greece, Egypt and Rome and dig up the past. But, as she said in a past video interview played at her - [Statements on Lieutenant Governor Sheila Oliver's Passing](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/08/01/statement-on-lieutenant-governor-sheila-olivers-passing/) - Statement by Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr.: “I am saddened by the passing of Sheila Oliver. I met Sheila over 50 years ago when we were both in high school. We worked together in County government and served together on the Board of Freeholders. Sheila was always someone I could turn to for - [Lt. Governor of New Jersey Sheila Oliver dies after undisclosed medical issue](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/08/01/lt-governor-of-new-jersey-sheila-oliver-dies-after-undisclosed-medical-issue/) - New Jersey Lt. Gov. Sheila Oliver, who was serving as acting governor while Democratic Gov. Phil Murphy is out of the state, has died after being taken to a hospital for an undisclosed medical issue. Oliver, 71, was taken to Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston and was unable to carry out the duties of - [ECC Community Education Forum: host Alfred Bundy with Joseph Ott, Nkuah Asare & Mitra Choudhury](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2022/02/01/ecc-community-education-forum-host-alfred-bundy-with-joseph-ott-nkuah-asare-mitra-choudhury/) - In this episode of Essex County College's Community Education Forum, host Alfred Bundy speaks with the Program Coordinator for Student Life & Activities Office, Mr. Joseph Ott, President of the Essex County College Alumni Association, Mr. Nkuah Asare, and the Director of Training Inc, Mitra Choudhury. Alfred Bundy hosts the Essex County College Community Education - [ECC Community Education Forum: host Alfred Bundy with Dr. Gale Gage, Monica Bonilla and Sharpe James](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2022/02/22/ecc-community-education-forum-host-alfred-bundy-with-dr-gale-gage-monica-bonilla-and-sharpe-james/) - In this episode of Essex County College's Community Education Forum, host Alfred Bundy speaks with the chair of the College's Nursing Department, Dr. Gale Gage, and the President of the Essex County College chapter of the Phi Theta Kappa Honors Society, Monica Bonilla. The last guest for this episode is the former Mayor of the - [ECC Community Education Forum: host Alfred Bundy with ECC Director of Athletics Michael Doughtie](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2022/03/03/ecc-community-education-forum-host-alfred-bundy-with-ecc-director-of-athletics-michael-doughtie/) - ECC Community Education Forum with host Alfred Bundy and ECC Director of Athletics Michael Doughtie. Host of Essex County College Community Education Forum Alfred Bundy Alfred Bundy serves as Host and Senior Producer of the Essex County College Community Education Forum. In addition, Mr. Bundy is Executive Director for Institutional Advancement at Essex County College. - [ECC Community Education Forum: host Alfred Bundy with Newark's Superintendent of Public Schools, Roger Leon](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2022/03/23/ecc-community-education-forum-host-alfred-bundy-with-newarks-superintendent-of-public-schools-roger-leon/) - In this segment of ECC's Community Education Forum, host Alfred Bundy sits down with Newark's Superintendent of Public Schools, Roger Leon. Host of Essex County College Community Education Forum Alfred Bundy Alfred Bundy serves as Host and Senior Producer of the Essex County College Community Education Forum. In addition, Mr. Bundy is Executive Director for - [ECC Community Education Forum: host Alfred Bundy with Dr. Elvy Vieira, Dr. Beverly Lynn & Caryl Lucas](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2022/04/25/ecc-community-education-forum-host-alfred-bundy-with-dr-elvy-vieira-dr-beverly-lynn-caryl-lucas/) - In this episode of Essex County College's Community Education Forum, host Alfred Bundy speaks with Dr. Elvy Vieira, the Dean of Community, Continuing Education & Workforce; Dr. Beverly Lynn, the CEO for Programs for Parents, Inc. and "Coach" Caryl Lucas, the founder of Unstoppable Girls Foundation. Host of Essex County College Community Education Forum Alfred - [ECC Community Education Forum Alfred Bundy with ECC President Dr. Boakye and Grammy Winner Nat Adderley](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/01/18/ecc-community-education-forum-alfred-bundy-with-ecc-president-dr-boakye-and-grammy-winner-nat-adderley/) - In this episode of Essex County College's Community Education Forum, host Alfred Bundy speaks with guests Dr. Augustine A. Boakye, ECC President and Nat Adderley, Jr. - Grammy Award winning R&B composer. Alfred Bundy hosts the Essex County College Community Education Forum. The Community Education Forum Forum highlights outstanding ECC programs featuring the College’s students, - [ECC Community Education Forum Alfred Bundy with Jennifer Wager, Kedegia Williams and Michael Isaac](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/02/27/ecc-community-education-forum-alfred-bundy-with-jennifer-wager-kedegia-williams-and-michael-isaac/) - In this episode of Essex County College's Community Education Forum, host Alfred Bundy speaks with guests Professor Jennifer Wager, student Kedegia Williams (President of the College’s Business Club) and Michael Isaac (Captain of the ECC Men’s Basketball team). The Alumni Corner for this episode features Abdullatif Ajani. Alfred Bundy hosts the Essex County College Community - [Community Education Forum with Alfred Bundy and guests Rev. Soaries, Dr. Stevens and Curtis Farrow](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/03/29/community-education-forum-with-alfred-bundy-and-guests-rev-soaries-dr-stevens-and-curtis-farrow/) - In this episode of Essex County College's Community Education Forum, host Alfred Bundy speaks with guests Rev. Deforest Buster Soaries, ECC professor and author Dr. Margaret Stevens and GospelFest producer Curtis Farrow. Alfred Bundy hosts the Essex County College Community Education Forum. The Community Education Forum Forum highlights outstanding ECC programs featuring the College’s students, - [Community Education Forum with Alfred Bundy guests: Dr. Elvy Vieira & Anthony Smith of Lincoln Park](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/04/18/community-education-forum-with-alfred-bundy-guests-dr-elvy-vieira-anthony-smith-of-lincoln-park/) - In this episode of Essex County College's Community Education Forum, host Alfred Bundy speaks with guests Dean of Community, Continuing Education & Workforce Development, Dr. Elvy Vieira, and Executive Director of the Lincoln Park Coast Cultural District, Mr. Anthony Smith. [the-post-grid id="12350" title=""] [the-post-grid id="12533" title=""] [the-post-grid id="12209" title=""] [the-post-grid id="12531" title=""] - [5X5 Block Party Series Celebrating Hip Hop's 50th](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/08/04/5x5-block-party-series-celebrating-hip-hops-50th/) - [Services will begin this week to honor New Jersey's late Lt. Governor Sheila Oliver](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/08/08/services-will-begin-this-week-to-honor-new-jerseys-late-lt-governor-sheila-oliver/) - Services will begin this week to honor New Jersey's late Lt. Governor Sheila Oliver. The trailblazing lawmaker died last week after she was admitted to the hospital with an undisclosed medical issue. On Thursday, her body will lie in state at the Statehouse Rotunda in Trenton. Then on Friday, she will lie in state at the Essex - [Alzheimer’s in African Americans: Are You at Risk? What You Need to Know](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/07/29/alzheimers-in-african-americans-are-you-at-risk-what-you-need-to-know/) - According to the Alzheimer’s Association, older Black Americans are two times more likely than their White counterparts to have Alzheimer’s disease or cognitive impairment but 35% less likely to be diagnosed in the early stages. The exact reason why African Americans are at higher risk is unknown, but there may be a connection to higher rates of heart - [Kean University President Repollet Attends White House’s National Summit on Equal Opportunity in Higher Education](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/07/26/kean-university-president-repollet-attends-white-houses-national-summit-on-equal-opportunity-in-higher-education/) - Kean University President Lamont O. Repollet, Ed.D., today joined U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona, key members of the Biden-Harris Administration and other higher education stakeholders at a Washington, D.C., summit on equal opportunity in higher education. The National Summit on Equal Opportunity in Higher Education brought together college and university leaders, researchers, advocates, student - [Ice Cream Innovator Kihana Malloy](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/07/13/ice-cream-innovator-kihana-malloy/) - Her Kreme & Krumbs Brand Takes Off You scream, I scream, we all scream for ice cream! Young or old, who doesn’t like ice cream? Well, me, for one—that is until I tasted Kreme & Krumbs, the luxury brand created by entrepreneur Kihana Malloy. Kihana’s ice cream is different; it’s truly delicious. It’s to be - [Candlelight Memorial Service for Lieutenant Governor Sheila Y. Oliver](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/08/07/candlelight-memorial-service-for-lieutenant-governor-sheila-y-oliver/) - [Lincoln Park Music Festival](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/07/25/lincoln-park-music-festival/) - Lincoln Park Music Festival 14.2 Virtual Global Soul is the digital edition of the annual Lincoln Park Music Festival (LPMF). The Lincoln Park Music Festival (LPMF) is the largest music experience rooted in traditions of the African American and Afro Caribbean diaspora in the tri-state region. LPMF has expanded into an audience of 50,000-60,000 international - [Former Negro League Stadium in Paterson Opens After Revitalization](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/07/19/former-negro-league-stadium-in-paterson-opens-after-revitalization/) - At a time when segregation and intolerance prevented Black athletes from joining Major League Baseball, Negro League greats like Josh Gibson, Larry Doby, Monte Irvin, “Cool Papa” Bell, Judy Johnson, and Satchel Paige played at Hinchliffe Stadium in Paterson, New Jersey. Located in the Great Falls National Historic Park and one of the two remaining - [Black Health Matters](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/07/18/black-health-matters/) - Spring Health Summit and Expo In conjunction with the Office of Newark's West Ward Councilman Dupré L. Kelly. .Black Health Matters (BHM), the award-winning public health platform, hosted its Spring Health Summit and Expo. The May 20 interactive event at the Essex County Donald M. Payne Sr. School of Technology in Newark, NJ featured actress - [First Central Baptist Church, Staten Island Joins TPC Roll Call](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/07/12/first-central-baptist-church-staten-island-joins-tpc-roll-call/) - The Positive Community recently welcomed the newest member to our Roll Call (see pg. 7), First Central Baptist Church on Staten Island. TPC Publisher Adrian Council Sr. presented Pastor Demetrius Carolina with a framed “African American Cultural Narrative” poster. Pastor Carolina celebrated Kiani Conner, who will attend Spelman University in Atlanta, GA. At this time - [A Transitioning Church](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/07/11/a-transitioning-church/) - The 201st Session of the New York Annual African Methodist Episcopal Church Conference, held April 25-30, took place at First A.ME. Bethel in Harlem, pastored by Rev. Dr. Henry A. Belin III, with the theme of “A Transitioning Church.” Rev. James E. Booker Jr. delivered the annual sermon at the official opening service on April - [Laying the FOUNDATION for Music Education](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/07/01/laying-the-foundation-for-music-education/) - By R.L. Witter June is a month of many celebrations—Black Music Month, Father’s Day, Juneteenth, graduations, weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, etc. And present at each and every one of those celebrations are EVERYONE’S honorary cousins/uncles, Kool & The Gang! As we sip, chat, and chew, Robert “Kool” Bell and his bandmates continue to provide the soundtrack - [Saving Our Own Community:](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/06/26/saving-our-own-community-4/) - Music Appreciation, Cultural Literacy and Positive Change I recently watched a program on PBS about American music legend and pioneering force behind the sounds of rock & roll, Little Richard. It was absolutely one of the best documentaries about the life and times of the African American artist rising up from the segregated, Jim Crow - [Biden Pays Tribute to Emmett Till; Acknowledges the Vital Role of the Black Press in the Civil Rights Movement](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/07/27/biden-pays-tribute-to-emmett-till-acknowledges-the-vital-role-of-the-black-press-in-the-civil-rights-movement/) - By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent “The new monument will protect places that tell the story of Emmett Till’s too-short life and racially motivated murder, the unjust acquittal of his murderers, and the activism of his mother, Mamie Till-Mobley, who courageously brought the world’s attention to the brutal injustices and racism of - [Small Business Pro University](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/07/24/small-business-pro-university/) - “By failing to prepare you are preparing to fail.”— Benjamin Franklin, American polymath, Founding Fathers of the United States Course of the Week Are you connecting the dots? If not you should be. Learn how to more effectively access the opportunities around you. By taking this course on Connecting the Dots. You will learn to... - [Bits And Pieces](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/07/24/bits-and-pieces-8/) - current news + topics Collected by Leslie Nash Newark Leads in Public Transportation Access CoworkingCafe, a website that lists office spaces to share, recently released a list of “best places to live without a car.” Newark, NJ placed at number two on the list, coming in behind Boston, MA. New York City ranked third, followed - [20th Annual HCCI Gala](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/07/17/20th-annual-hcci-gala/) - Against the backdrop of the Whitestone Bridge and stunning water front views, Harlem Congregations for Community Improvement (HCCI) celebrated trailblazers and contributors working to raise, revitalize, and restore the community of Harlem. Held at Marina del Rey on May 3, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin L. Bragg Jr., Esq. gave the keynote speech. A son of - [Urban League R.E.D. Gala](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/07/21/urban-league-r-e-d-gala/) - The Urban League of Essex County’s (ULEC) premier fundraiser, the R.E.D. Gala, honors corporations and individuals whose impact advances racial equity and diversity in New Jersey. On April 25th at Nanina’s in the Park, the 2023 honorees: 32BJ-SEIU, ADP, Audible, and Jacob Walthour of Blueprint Capital Advisors, received accolades from the ULEC and warm responses - [Prostate Health Education Network](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/07/16/prostate-health-education-network/) - Prostate Cancer Rally and Town Hall Meeting The Prostate Health Education Network’s (PHEN) New York, New Jersey, and Philadelphia Prostate Cancer Disparity Rally Town Hall Meeting on May 9 took place at Pfizer headquarters in Manhattan. The event featured clergy, political, community, medical and industry leaders, along with patients. Participants came together to discuss key - [GOSPEL ROOTS](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/07/15/gospel-roots/) - BY RON SCOTTWRITER AND DEDICATED WITNESS TO MUSIC, ART, AND CULTURE Based on the blues, like a John Coltrane ballad, the shouts of Big Maybelle, or Gregory Porter songs, gospel music is the melodic cadence of ancestral sounds, call and response from the cotton fields and prison chain gangs to the Black Church. On Sunday - [Equitable Care is the Path to Freedom for Black Families this Juneteenth](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/07/09/equitable-care-is-the-path-to-freedom-for-black-families-this-juneteenth/) - By Roger Milliner Chief Growth Officer at MetroPlusHealth Known as the “second Independence Day” of the country, Juneteenth symbolizes the liberation of African Americans from the chains of slavery. It also serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing journey toward a future where equality prevails. This pursuit is impossible without addressing equitable access to - [Metropolitan Baptist Church Honors Living Legends](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/07/08/metropolitan-baptist-church-honors-living-legends/) - Pastor David and Rev. Linda Jefferson, Metropolitan Baptist Church in Newark and its African American Cultural Ministry hosted its First Annual Newark Living Legends Luncheon on April 29. Eleven people whose actions touch and improve the lives of those around them were honored. Many of the honorees work in local government such as: Elizabeth Councilwoman - [New Brunswick Theological Gala](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/07/14/new-brunswick-theological-gala/) - Stressing its mission to train and equip leaders who think critically, act justly, and lead faithfully at their inaugural gala on May 18, New Brunswick Theological Seminary (NBTS) honored distinguished alumni, church, and community leaders who exemplify that mission. Two worthy recipients received the prestigious Presidential Service Award: Women of the Reformed Church in America - [Obituary: Albert Edward Pelham](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/07/17/obituary-albert-edward-pelham/) - Albert Edward Pelham, affectionately known by many names — Al, Alpine, Big Pine, Mr. Pelham, Uncle Albert, Dad, Pops and his most beloved title, Coach — died on Aug. 19, 2021. He was 71. Mr. Pelham was born in 1950 at Mountainside hospital and was raised in Montclair. He attended Montclair public schools through graduation - [Frederick Douglass Juneteenth Unity Gala](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/07/10/frederick-douglass-juneteenth-unity-gala/) - A “Wave of Freedom” in Jersey City Civil Rights Activist, Humanitarian, Co-Founder and Chair of People’s Organization for Progress Lawrence Hamm was the special guest speaker at the 3rd Annual Frederick Douglass Juneteenth Unity Gala. The gala, hosted by Tyrone Chablis, was in preparation for this year's Juneteenth parade and extravaganza and sponsored by the - [June was National Men's Health Month and The City of East Orange](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/06/29/june-was-national-mens-health-month-and-the-city-of-east-orange/) - June was National Men's Health Month and The City of East Orange, in partnership with Scovil’s Barber Shop, CareWell Health Medical Center, Essex County Health Department, RWJBarnabas Health, North Jersey Foot and Ankle Center, and Triple Double Juice, hosted a Men’s Health Fair on Saturday, June 17, 2023 at 460 Central Avenue in East Orange. - [Empowering Minority Entrepreneurs to Spur Business Growth and Tackle the Racial Wealth Gap in New Jersey](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/06/28/empowering-minority-entrepreneurs-tospur-business-growth-and-tackle-the-racial-wealth-gap-in-new-jersey/) - More than $1.5 million in commitments to support state’s ecosystem for Black and Latino business owners JP Morgan Chase announced to day it is providing more than $1.5 million to nonprofit organizations in New Jersey to help support diverse entrepreneurs and increase their access to capital, mentorship, technical assistance, and other critical resources needed for - [Ralph Macajoux Obituary](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/07/13/ralph-macajoux-obituary/) - Ralph Macajoux Obituary Obituary of Ralph MacajouxRalph Macajoux, suddenly passed away on Sunday, July 2nd after a brief illness. A lifelong resident of West Orange, New Jersey, he was born on October 30th, 1973 in Newark, New Jersey. He was the devoted son of Dr. Claude E. Macajoux and Dr. Marie J. Macajoux, and loving - [Harry Belafonte, Dies; Barrier-Breaking Singer, Actor and Activist](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/04/26/harry-belafonte-dies-barrier-breaking-singer-actor-and-activist/) - Harry Belafonte, who stormed the pop charts and smashed racial barriers in the 1950s with his highly personal brand of folk music, and who went on to become a dynamic force in the civil rights movement, died on Tuesday at his home on the Upper West Side of Manhattan. He was 96. The cause was - [U.S. The Multicultural Consortium for Responsible Drinking](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/06/27/u-s-the-multicultural-consortium-for-responsible-drinking/) - A year working in partnership with Black, Latino, and Native American organizations to address alcohol-related harm in the U.S. The Multicultural Consortium for Responsible Drinking was established in 2022 to raise awareness of the risks of alcohol-related harm and provide educational resources to these communities. By combining the expertise of member organizations and a range - [The Blackness—Keep On! Sounds of Blackness](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/07/03/the-blackness-keep-on-sounds-of-blackness/) - In a recent conversation with Gary Hines, longtime producer and director of the three-time, Grammywinning group Sounds of Blackness, I mentioned I can still remember where I was the first time I heard their infectious, booming, positively-charged anthem, “Optimistic.” A happy, young Temple University student traipsing along 52nd Street, West Philadelphia’s famous strip fondly remembered - [A Valedictorian’s Speech](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/07/07/14832/) - Laelah is the granddaughter of Kenneth and Estelle Council of Queen Creek, Arizona By: Laelah Nuriddin My journey to get to this evening, to be able to be in this cap and gown, was full of many ups and downs. As a student of CEC College I can full heartedly say they have helped me - [Cross and Crown Christian Church 10thPastoralAnniversaryCelebration](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/07/06/cross-and-crown-christian-church-10thpastoralanniversarycelebration/) - By Raafiah OdomC4 Church member In recognition of her 30-year ministry with 10-years as pastor and organizer of Cross and Crown Christian Church (C4), Pastor Lula Baker received congratulations, salutations, and proclamations. Festivities during the 3-day (April 14-16) celebration began with a Friday evening Gospel concert, continued with a luncheon on Saturday at the Ridgefield - [Somewhere Over the Rainbow](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/07/05/somewhere-over-the-rainbow/) - The State of Gay Pride for People of Color in the Age of Trumpism/21st Century In 1980, I graduated from a mixed-race high school in Forest Hills, New York. This mainly white/Jewish school had approximately 2,500 students, 300 of whom were African American. A small number of those 300 clandestinely identified as homosexual during a - [Sounds of Stevie Wonder at Shaq Theater](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/07/04/sounds-of-stevie-wonder-at-shaq-theater/) - Oh what a night! Over two solid hours of Stevie Wonder’s music—”Music for the Community” as producer of the event, Yvonne Garrett Patterson called it. With two fantastic bands and stellar vocalists, it was a spectacular evening at the Shaq Theater at CitiPlex 12 Newark. Pianist James Austin Jr. and his band featuring Jeremy Warren - [Juneteenth: Sweet Freedom](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/06/27/juneteenth-sweet-freedom/) - I recently found myself categorized by the under-thirty set as one of those “older folks.” I don’t mind so much—partly because it’s true, but also because I look neither my age nor like what I’ve been through. God continues to be good! I’m a member of Generation X. Born in the 1970s, most things were - [What’s a Credit Score and Why is it Important](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/06/23/whats-a-credit-score-and-why-is-it-important/) - Your credit score is a number that tells a story of who you are as a customer. The good news is that understanding how it works and monitoring it can help you take control of the story over time. Credit scores are determined by agencies called credit bureaus and are based on your accounts you - [Taliah Givens:](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/06/30/taliah-givens/) - Helping Students Set and Reach Goals through Mentorship and Scholarship By R.L. Witter Taliah Givens loves family and children. “I’m a big family person,” she told The Positive Community. “I grew up going to literally four family reunions each year… Actually, it was two each year—they would alternate years, but we had reunions on both - [Dance Africa 2023](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/07/02/dance-africa-2023/) - In May, Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM) presented its 46th annual DanceAfrica Festival titled “Golden Ghana: Adinkra, Ananse, and Abusua.” This year’s festival featured the National Theater of Ghana’s National Dance Company, which was chosen by the DanceAfrica team after they auditioned 21 companies from various regions in Ghana. The dancers’ performances honored the healing - [Essex County and RWJBarnabas Announce Partnership to Provide Mobile Health Clinics Throughout Essex County](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/06/18/essex-county-and-rwjbarnabas-announce-partnership-to-provide-mobile-health-clinics-throughout-essex-county/) - Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo Jr. and RWJBarnabas Health President and Chief Executive Officer Mark E. Manigan proudly announced a partnership to offer a variety of health care services and screenings throughout Essex County. The initiative combines the resources of the Essex County Office of Public Health Management mobile health unit and RWJBarnabas Health - [Cultural Narrative](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/06/19/cultural-narative/) - Public Education Moving forward, with all of the energy we can muster, the future of Black History in public schools and colleges in some southern states must urgently be addressed! And it begins with group analysis and critique: Who are we; and where do we go from here? At the end of the day, - [Berkeley College Celebrates more than 1,100 Graduates during 2023 Commencement Ceremony at Prudential Center](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/06/16/berkeley-college-celebrates-more-than-1100-graduates-during-2023-commencement-ceremony-at-prudential-center/) - Berkeley College celebrated the perseverance and achievements of more than 1,100 graduates during a Commencement ceremony on Thursday, May 11, 2023, at Prudential Center in Newark, NJ. The graduating class included 69 military and veteran graduates, 57 international students from 22 countries, future healthcare heroes, and many first-generation college graduates. Who are This Year’s Berkeley College - [Men of Distinction Honorees](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/06/23/men-of-distinction-honorees/) - Join NAHSE New York Regional Chapter at 6 pm on Wednesday, June 28, 2023 for this special event commemorating men in the communities we serve! Honorees include: David A. Paterson, JD, Adjunct Professor, Columbia School of Law and Former New York State Governor Dave Holson, MD, Deputy Chief Medical Officer, NYC Health + Hospitals | Queens Doran Ricks, MSN, RN, MBA, Vice - [Newark Is The Place To Be](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/06/08/newark-is-the-place-to-be/) - Whether you’re visiting for a day or planning a weekend getaway, Newark is the place to be. Just 8 miles from Manhattan, it’s close enough to stay and then play in the Big Apple but far enough away to enjoy some quiet time in Brick City. If you’re looking for a more adventurous time, be - [Dealing with the Dream Under Threat NAN 2023 Convention](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/06/10/dealing-with-the-dream-under-threat-nan-2023-convention/) - National Action Network (NAN) Founder and President Rev. Al Sharpton called upon the nation’s top government officials, entertainers, activists, scholars, media personalities, and financiers to participate in the 2023 National Action Network Annual Convention in New York City. And they did. With its theme, “Dealing with the Dream Under Threat,” the timing of this year’s - [Natasha L. Hemmings Leading Girl Scouts Heart of New Jersey](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/06/06/natasha-l-hemmings-leading-girl-scouts-heart-of-new-jersey/) - By Fern Gillespie Growing up in Plainfield’s Black community, Natasha L. Hemmings was not aware of a Girl Scout troop in town. There weren’t even Girl Scout cookie sales. But that didn’t stop her from taking a position as a marketing executive with Girl Scouts of Central & Southern New Jersey, rising to become the - [COMING OUT OF THE PANDEMIC PHYSICALLY, MENTALLY, AND SPIRITUALLY](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/06/04/coming-out-of-the-pandemic-physically-mentally-and-spiritually/) - BY R.L. WITTER I recently found myself feeling like Rev. Al Green. Thankfully there were no hot grits involved, but I did find myself singing his hit, “I’m So Tired of Being Alone.” The COVID-19 pandemic turned our world upside down in ways most of us could never have imagined prior to the event. Overnight - [Titan Tonya](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/06/02/titan-tonya/) - Among those included in a 2016 Huffington Post feature, “21 Couples Who Exemplify The Beauty of Black Love,” think Martin and Coretta, Barack and Michelle, Ossie and Ruby Dee, Denzel and Pauletta, are Spike and Tonya Lewis Lee. While many of us first became acquainted with Tonya’s iconic filmmaker husband, Spike, during the mid-80s’ savvy - [The Sounds of New Orleans from the Original Pinettes Brass Band](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/06/20/the-sounds-of-neworleans-from-theoriginal-pinettesbrass-band/) - A joyous occasion at the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture honored women in music during Women’s History Month. The event featured the eight-piece Original Pinettes Brass Band from New Orleans, the only female brass band in the universe. Performing songs by the Temptations and other soul groups, the Pinettes blended New Orleans second - [MAAFA-Across the Continent](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/06/15/maafa-across-the-continent/) - A Healing Journey MAAFA Suite-Across the Continent returned last month for its annual run in Brooklyn. One of the most thrilling and touching theatrical experiences ever, the play tells our story in America. Maafa in Swahili means “great tragedy.” First produced in 1995, the play still draws standing room only audiences at St. Paul Community - [June/July 2023 New](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/06/27/june-july-2023-new/) - Archive for The Positive Community Magazine below: June/July Issue 2023 June/July Issue 2023 May Issue 2023 Spring Issue 2023 March NY Issue 2023 March NJ Issue 2023 Winter Issue 2023 December Issue 2022 November Issue 2022 October NJ Issue 2022 October NY Issue 2022 Fall NY Issue 2022 Fall NJ Issue 2022 Summer Issue 2022 - [Unlock the Keys to Homeownership at NCJAR's First Time Home Buyer Expo!](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/06/08/unlock-the-keys-to-homeownership-at-ncjars-first-time-home-buyer-expo/) - Unlock the Keys to Homeownership at NCJAR's First Time Home Buyer Expo! Register and Attend our FREE Housing Fair & Expo Are you currently renting and looking for affordable housing options? Looking to learn more about down payment assistance programs or credit repair services? Look no further than the FREE Housing Fair & Expo happening - [Black Creative Economy Summit](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/06/12/black-creative-economy-summit/) - Join us for the inaugural Black Creative Economy Summit, a must-attend event celebrating art, culture, and economic empowerment in Newark! From June 20th to June 23rd, the Newark Arts Council, Lincoln Park Coast Cultural District, and Newark Symphony Hall are partnering to create an immersive and inspiring experience. This transformative summit amplifies the voices and contributions of the Black community. It's a platform - [NEMBC is on the MOVE!!](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/06/08/nembc-is-on-the-move/) - NEMBC is on the MOVE!! We are gearing up for our Juneteenth Celebration! Our President Rev. Dr. Albert Morgan invites you to join the celebration. Deacon Richard Stanard, NEMBC Laymen Ministry’s President will host the Juneteenth Celebration featuring the “African American Narrative” presented by Adrian Council, Publisher/CEO of The Positive Community Magazine. Partnered with Rev. - [Mariners' Temple: Celebrating228 Years of Baptist Worship](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/06/16/mariners-temple-celebrating228-years-of-baptist-worship/) - Built Upon a Solid Rock of Faith, the theme of the 228th anniversary awards luncheon at Mariners’ Temple Baptist Church in Manhattan brought together congregants and church leaders. Founded in 1795, the landmark church proudly stands as the oldest site of continuous Baptist worship on Manhattan Island. At the first in-person anniversary celebration since the - [Black Women of Distinction in Health Care Honored](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/06/14/black-women-of-distinction-in-health-care-honored/) - The New York Regional Chapter of the National Association of Health Services Executives (NAHSE) presented their annual Dr. Sandra R. Gould Women of Distinction Honorees at Melba’s Restaurant. This year’s theme, “Advance, Develop and Elevate,” encompasses NAHSE’s mission to promote the advancement and development of Black health care leaders, and elevate the quality of health - [Gospelfest 2023](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/06/16/gospelfest-2023/) - Blessings All, Pray you are well. On this Sunday, Father's Day, June 18, 2023, this year's McDonald's Gospelfest television program will air. During this year's program, we will take you on a stroll down memory lane, as we highlight some of McDonald's Gospelfest most memorable moments and performances from the last 40 years. The program will - [All Hail Regina “The Queen” Fleming](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/05/30/all-hail-regina-the-queen-fleming/) - The Awe-Inspiring Accidental Runner Who Runs Through Harlem and Around the World By R.L. Witter When we last met with Regina Fleming, photographer extraordinaire, she was discussing her involvement with her beloved sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha, Inc. (AKA) She reminisced on seeing distinguished, elegant women at her church as a young lady and deciding then - [NJ Celebrates Hip Hop’s 50th Celebration with Eric B & Rakim](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/06/13/nj-celebrates-hip-hops-50th-celebration-with-eric-b-rakim/) - 2023 marks the 50th anniversary of hip-hop, with celebrations planned around the world to honor not just the music genre but the pioneers who paved the way. Celebrate 50 Years of Hip Hop with a history-making moment when hip-hop legends Eric B & Rakim, hit the stage Tuesday, June 13th at the Stone Pony in - [Symbol of Hope](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/05/27/symbol-of-hope/) - Newark’s Youngest Police OfficerBy Barry Carter Given a choice, Ezekiel Williams would skip a movie or family cookout to be with the Newark Police Explorers. Ever since he entered Post 2808, the auxiliary program that exposes young people to law enforcement, becoming a police officer fit Williams like a well-pressed uniform. When he joined four - [Newark Welcomes A King](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/06/08/newark-welcomes-a-king/) - Essex County College Hosts Ghanaian King His Majesty Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin, Okyenhene of the Ghanaian Akyem Abuakwa State, left an indelible memory for all who witnessed his awe-inspiring procession and heard his profound words during his visit to Essex County College. The visit seamlessly blended centuries-old traditions with a 21st-century outlook, reflecting the leadership - [Soul Line Dancing](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/06/07/soul-line-dancing/) - Attention all dance enthusiasts! Brace yourselves for an exhilarating and urgent announcement! The moment you've been eagerly waiting for has finally arrived. Soul Line Dancing, the electrifying sensation, is making a triumphant return to Newark Symphony Hall in a grand style that will leave you breathless! Mark your calendars for an unforgettable night of rhythm and - [The Harlem Chamber Players](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/06/06/the-harlem-chamber-players/) - PROGRAMThis concert will feature classic arias from the European canon as well as arias, songs, and spirituals by Black composers, including women composers. Damien Sneed/Scott Joplin (arr. Damien Sneed) Overture to Treemonisha (New York Premiere)Handel Hence, Iris Hence Away from SemeleDonizetti Ah! Mes amis from La fille du regimentVerdi Pace, pace, mio Dio from La - [Gospel In The City](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/06/10/gospel-in-the-city/) - Mayor Ted R. Green, the East Orange City Council and the Department of Recreation & Cultural Affairs will kick off its Summer Music Series with a “Gospel in the City” Community Festival on Saturday, June 10 from 12pm-8pm at East Orange Campus High School Field, 344 Prospect Street, East Orange, NJ. The festival will feature - [Newark Beth Israel Medical Raises the Flag for Pride Month](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/06/02/14743/) - Employees Host Annual Flag Raising Ceremony in honor of LGBTQ+ Pride Awareness Month Newark Beth Israel Medical Center and Children’s Hospital of New Jersey, an RWJBarnabas Health facility, raised the flag in celebration and recognition of National LGBTQ+ Pride Awareness Month. Newark Beth Israel’s employee Business Resource Group, P.R.I.D.E (Providing, Respect, Inclusion, Dignity and Empowerment) - [Let’s Talk About Mental Health](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/05/31/lets-talk-about-mental-health/) - Each year, millions of people face the reality of living with mental illness or caring for a loved one who suffers from mental illness. During the month of May, we nationally recognize mental health and acknowledge the importance of destigmatizing the inner sufferings of youth and adults. In efforts to destigmatize mental health, we must - [Give Your Body to God](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/05/29/give-your-body-to-god/) - Kahlil Carmichael MAPCC, MDIV, CPT is the pastor of Live Well Church, in Somerset, New Jersey. He is a fitness specialist at The Fitness Doctor, a fitness and wellness consulting company; and the author of 50 Tips for a Better You. He is a contributor to Guideposts magazine. His first publication, Living Longer Living Better, - [5 Things to do When you Get Your First Paycheck](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/05/26/5-things-to-do-when-you-get-your-first-paycheck/) - Getting your first paycheck is an exciting experience and an opportunity to kickstart your financial journey. Mapping out your short and long-term financial goals early on will allow you to build a strong foundation for your future. Here are five things to help you make the most of that first paycheck: Open a Bank Account: - [New York must open Crisis Stabilization Centers: People in Mental Health throes need immediate help](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/05/25/new-york-must-open-crisis-stabilization-centers-people-in-mental-health-throes-need-immediate-help/) - Rev. Patrick O’Connor is the co-chair of Queens Power, a citizens’ power organization affiliated with Metro Industrial Areas Foundation. The killing of Jordan Neely highlights the problem when people with mental health challenges are unable to get help from the government. Will anything change?I’m a pastor and leader in Queens Power/Metro IAF. I have met - [Assemblywoman Timberlake Celebrates Community Trailblazers](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/05/20/assemblywoman-timberlake-celebrates-community-trailblazers/) - At the Loft in West Orange in mid-March, Assemblywoman Britnee Timberlake hosted her annual cocktail and awards reception, ”Celebrating Trailblazers in the Community.” Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill, NJ Citizen Action President Phyliss Salowe- Kaye, East Orange Council Candidate Nai ima Fauntleroy, Bloomf ield Township Councilwoman Wartyna Davis, and Newark Firefighter Latina Byrd—trailblazers all—received warm receptions and - [HBCU/Divine Nine Greek Sunday Service](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/05/16/hbcu-divine-nine-greek-sunday-service/) - Abyssinian Baptist Church Honors Pastor’s Commitment to Faith and Education To honor the legacy of the late Rev. Dr. Calvin O. Butts III, (Morehouse College, ‘72 and Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity member), The Abyssinian Baptist Church celebrated its inaugural HBCU/Greek Sunday on February 26, 2023. The service emphasized the significant impact of HBCUs and Divine - [Nicole A. Davis: Executive Director Center for Food Action](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/05/15/nicole-a-davis-executive-director-center-for-food-action/) - Center for Food Action (CFA) announced the appointment of Nicole DeSane Davis as executive director, effective March 1. An innovative, visionary, and transformational leader wel l -equipped in strategic planning and cutting-edge brand marketing approaches, Davis aims to deliver organizational growth and sustainability for New Jersey residents facing food insecurity and homelessness. She is a - [Kimberly Council: Deputy Brooklyn Borough President](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/05/12/kimberly-council-deputy-brooklyn-borough-president/) - Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso recently announced the appointment of Rev. Kimberly Council to the position of deputy borough president of Brooklyn. In her new position, Rev. Council will act as “an external surrogate for the borough president, while also leading faith-based work and other special projects for the administration,” Reynoso said. “Rev. Council’s history - [The Positive Community Magazine Archive](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/05/11/the-positive-community-magazine-archive/) - Spring Issue 2023 March NY Issue 2023 March NJ Issue 2023 Winter Issue 2023 December Issue 2022 November Issue 2022 October NJ Issue 2022 October NY Issue 2022 Fall NY Issue 2022 Fall NJ Issue 2022 Summer Issue 2022 June Issue 2022 Spring Issue 2022 April Issue 2022 March Issue 2022 Winter Issue 2022 December - [The Grid Collective](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/05/10/the-grid-collective/) - Achieving an Equitable Clean Energy Future On March 30, 2023, The Greater Allen A.M.E. Church in Jamaica, Queens hosted the gas and electric company National Grid for their launch of The Grid Collective, part of National Grid’s Project C community commitment to address climate change. In an effort to grow green businesses and job opportunities, - [THE GIFT OF LITERACY](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/05/09/the-gift-of-literacy/) - By R.L. Witter I celebrated my birthday in April. And despite being the oldest I’ve ever been, I felt like a child again! My husband and I took a trip to celebrate and there was so much we wanted to do and see. We left the hotel each morning by 9:00 am and didn’t return - [Staten Island Black History Town Hall](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/05/18/staten-island-black-history-town-hall/) - The Central Family Life Center Hosts 18th Annual Event With the focal point around mitigating historic inequalities with collaborative and innovative methods, Staten Island community leaders and residents joined with other New Yorkers at The Central Family Life Center (CFLC) for the 18th Annual Staten Island Black History Town Hall. In addition to serious discussion - [Malcolm X would have been 98 today](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/05/19/malcolm-x-would-have-been-98-today/) - Malcolm X walked the Earth for just under 40 years, but his impact is felt to this day and likely will be felt forever. The activist, born May 19, 1925 in Omaha, Neb., is often mentioned alongside Martin Luther King Jr. when reflecting on the great Black men who fought for Civil Rights, and, more - [The Wrap-Up Report](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/05/01/the-wrap-up-report/) - Thanks to everyone who found their way to the historic Robert Treat Hotel in Newark, NJ for The Positive Community’s 4th Annual Great American Emancipation Day Awards Banquet on February 25th. Just ask anyone who attended. It was a wonderful, soulful affair—a blessed occasion. The theme: The Dawn of Freedom 160 Years of the Emancipation - [Barber School](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/05/02/barber-school/) - Rev. Dr. Cornell Edmonds Esq. is Interim Pastor of The Church of the Covenant, E. 42nd St NYC (around the corner from United Nations). The prophet Hosea wrote, “they destroyed my people for a lack of knowledge.” (4:6) Remember hearing, “wake up and go to school?” I certainly recall those, education essential, early morning wakeup - [brightstarts boldfutures!](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/05/09/brightstarts-boldfutures/) - David C. Banks: A Legacy of Literacy By Glenda Cadogan David C. Banks, a veteran educator, assumed the position of chancellor of New York City Public Schools one year ago. He faced a volatile time for a city staggering out of a pandemic that resulted in widespread school closures and children attending classes virtually. A - [Black Health Matters Takes Its Celebrated Health Series to the Gateway City](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/05/18/black-health-matters-takes-its-celebrated-health-series-to-the-gateway-city/) - “Elevating Patient and Community Voices for Better Outcomes” Black Health Matters (BHM) is bringing its nationally recognized health summit series to the city of Newark, NJ for the very first time. Now in its second decade of delivering vital health education to Black Americans, BHM creates dynamic, interactive events where attendees can get their health - [Emancipation Day Awards Video highlights](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/04/28/emancipation-day-awards-video-highlights/) - [Mother's Day Edition](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/05/12/mothers-day-edition/) - My mother is my root and foundation. She planted the seed that has blossomed to be me. That seed has been watered by many women, too many to list. This week we have devoted space to celebrate some of the women that have supported, loved, and watered, The Whole Woman, and many other majestic women. Nellie - [President Obama Names the City of Newark a My Brother's Keeper Alliance Model Community](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/05/11/president-obama-names-the-city-of-newark-a-my-brothers-keeper-alliance-model-community/) - Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka announced yesterday that President Barack Obama named Newark as one of four cities nationwide to be designated as a My Brother’s Keeper (MBK) Alliance Model Community. Newark was selected from a network of hundreds of cities that have an evidence-based track record of success in positively shifting outcomes for boys - [Drew University’s Master of Arts in Teaching Provides a Pathway for Students to Live Their Passion](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/05/06/drew-universitys-master-of-arts-in-teaching-provides-a-pathway-for-students-to-live-their-passion/) - Drew University’s Teacher Education programs develop teaching skills by blending coursework with real-world, hands-on experiences. Students collaborate with faculty mentors on understanding the needs of diverse learners in a highly networked world. Specifically, Drew’s Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) program provides initial certification for people ready to become teachers. Teacher candidates participate in clinically - [East Orange “Reviving the Village”](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/05/08/east-orange-reviving-the-village/) - With an aim toward revitalizing and strengthening their community, Mayor Ted Green, the East Orange City Council, and the Mayor’s Office of Employment and Training, hosted “Reviving the Village.” The event at Cicely L. Tyson Community School of Performing and Fine Arts, featured special guest speaker Dr. Chris T. Pernell. The East Orange native, public - [Spelman College: A Tradition of ExcellenceSpelman College:](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/04/30/spelman-college-a-tradition-of-excellencespelman-college/) - By Jean Nash Wells Spelman College is a private liberal arts college for women in Atlanta, Georgia. Founded in 1881, it was initially called the Atlanta Baptist Female Seminary with the purpose of educating African American women. Sophia B. Packard and Harriet E. Giles, the school’s founders, were white women from New England who moved - [Deny Yourself](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/04/29/deny-yourself/) - Kahlil Carmichael MAPCC, MDIV, CPT is the pastor of Live Well Church, in Somerset, New Jersey.He is a fitness specialist at The Fitness Doctor, a fitness and wellness consulting company; and theauthor of 50 Tips for a Better You. He is a contributor to Guideposts magazine. His first publication,Living Longer Living Better, is available now. - [It Happens Every Spring](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/04/28/it-happens-every-spring/) - Allergies: What, Why, and How to Manage them By Jean Nash Wells If you or a member of your family suffer every spring, read on. Pollen allergies are a common, allergic reaction that affect millions of people worldwide. Pollen is a fine powder produced by plants during the reproductive process. When inhaled, it can trigger - [Financial Education for Young People](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/04/27/financial-education-for-young-people/) - By: Wanda Pendelton Financial Representative, Certified Financial Services As a parent, how can you help your children be more financially competent? Show them by modeling how you save and manage your finances. Children grow up today in a complicated world and will eventually need to take control of their own finances. Parents may sometimes find - [Newark Beth Israel Lung Transplant Recipient Received the Most Advanced Technology and Expert Care on Her Transplant Journey](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/05/05/newark-beth-israel-lung-transplant-recipient-received-the-most-advanced-technology-and-expert-care-on-her-transplant-journey/) - “Six years ago I learned that I would eventually need a lung transplant,” says Dawn Burke, 62, of Keyport, NJ. She had idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), a disease that scars the lungs. Her earliest treatments involved portable oxygen tanks at home and regular monitoring by transplant physicians at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center’s (NBI) Advanced - [The One Thing That WON’T Change](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/05/04/the-one-thing-that-wont-change/) - Sonja D. Gracy, author, playwright, and NYC public school teacher is currently working on her next book, God and the Girls. I love candy, and while there’s a smorgasbord of new candies marketed to the tastes of millions of today’s kid generations (Airheads, Sour Punch Straws, Sour Patch Kids, Colombina Bon Bon Bum lollipops). I’m - [Education: Building an Equitable City](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/04/30/education-building-an-equitable-city/) - By Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka In building an equitable city, there is no single greater foundation than quality education. Every other building block—public safety, home ownership, equitable job opportunities, and wealth growth building – all begin with a successful and fruitful education for our children. Last October, we held a two-day Education Summit to - [What Rising Interest Rates Mean for Your Wallet](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/04/26/what-rising-interest-rates-mean-for-your-wallet/) - Interest rates have a bigger impact on your wallet than you may realize. With rates forecasted to continue rising in 2023, you can expect to pay more on things like credit card debt, mortgages, car loans, and other everyday purchases. That’s why it’s important to take steps now to save and pay down debt so - [Award Winning 90s R&B Singer and Songwriter Faith Evans Performs for Newark Beth Israel Medical Center Employees in New Newark Strong Lobby](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/04/24/award-winning-90s-rb-singer-and-songwriter-faith-evans-performs-for-newark-beth-israel-medical-center-employees-in-new-newark-strong-lobby/) - Newark Beth Israel Medical Center, an RWJBarnabas Health facility, marked a historic milestone in its Newark Strong Project. The construction of the hospital’s new 17,500 square-foot, glass-enclosed lobby is now complete. The lobby is the most visible element of the expansion that began in 2019 and is transforming the face of the hospital, producing new - [Standing on the Shoulders of Giants: The Women Who Shaped Assemblywoman Shavonda Sumter](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/03/30/standing-on-the-shoulders-of-giants-the-women-who-shaped-assemblywoman-shavonda-sumter/) - by A’Dorian Murray-Thomas, SHE Wins Inc. Founder and CEO and Newark Board of Education Member Who could have imagined an invitation from her friend Michelle to the community meeting in the basement of Canaan Baptist Church would lead to more than a decade of public service. No one, not even Assemblywoman Shavonda Sumter herself, knew - [Sheena L. Wright: A New York City “First” in Nonprofit and Government Leadership](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/03/27/sheena-l-wright-a-new-york-city-first-in-nonprofit-and-government-leadership/) - By Fern Gillespie Sheena L. Wright believes in smashing glass ceilings. A woman and history making “first” in both New York City nonprofits and in government, Wright was the first woman named president and CEO of United Way of New York City. Currently, she serves as First Deputy Mayor of New York City, the first - [Cultural Literacy and Positive Change— A New Language of Freedom!](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/03/24/cultural-literacy-and-positive-change-a-new-language-of-freedom/) - On behalf of all of us at The Positive Community (TPC), “thank you!” Yes, much appreciation to and gratitude for those who thought it not robbery to fellowship in celebration of achievement and positive change. It was TPC’s 4th annual Great American Emancipation Day Awards Banquet. Theme: The Dawn of Freedom, 160 Years of the - [ODE TO MY BROTHER](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/04/17/ode-to-my-brother/) - By Imam Dr. Al-Hajj Talib ‘Abdur-Rashid,Senior Imam The Mosque of Islamic Brotherhood Inc. Prior to viewing the remains of Rev. Dr. Calvin O. Butts III, I last visited the Abyssinian Baptist Church—Harlem’s historic house of Christian worship—approximately three months before the COVID-19 pandemic struck New York. I was among the Christian, Jewish, and Muslim leaders - [Emancipation Day Awards 2023 Photos](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/03/01/emancipation-day-awards-2023-photos/) - [Best_Wordpress_Gallery id="490" gal_title="Emancipation Day Awards 2023"] - [Bits and Pieces](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/04/12/14277/) - current news + topics Collected by Leslie Nash Harriet Tubman Monument Unveiled In downtown Newark, NJ, a new monument honoring Harriet Tubman stands tall. The multisensory exhibit—created in partnership with Audible and the city of Newark—offers audio, visual, and tactile experiences. It replaces a statue of Christopher Columbus removed by the city in 2020. The - [Community Scientists: Connecting on Cancer Research Education](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/04/07/community-scientists-connecting-on-cancer-research-education/) - Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey is on the forefront of cancer research and innovation, seeking new pathways to understand properties of cancer that advance treatments closer to a cure. Rutgers Cancer Institute, in collaboration with RWJBarnabas Health & ScreenNJ, is committed to meeting the cancer-related needs of communities across the state of New Jersey. - [Newark's Abyssinian Baptist Church Designated a Historic Landmark](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/04/07/newarks-abyssinian-baptist-church-designated-a-historic-landmark/) - Through tribulations and toils to triumph, Abyssinian Baptist Church in Newark, NJ celebrated its 106th anniversary with a service and dedication of an historical landmark plaque. Taking place during Black History Month on Sunday, February 5, 2023, the ceremony was all the more poignant. Constructed in the classical revival style in 1901 by Newark-born Nathan - [Spring Issue 2023](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/04/26/spring-issue-2023/) - [R.E.D. Gala 2023 Fundraiser](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/04/18/r-e-d-gala-2023-fundraiser/) - Donate Now Help our cause by contributing to our fundraising efforts. No act of generosity is too small to make a difference. The Urban League of Essex County is a 501c3 charitable organization. All direct contributions and ads are completely tax deductible. Sponsorships and tickets incur an $100 per person reduction to reflect the cost - [Securing Our Legacy Through UJAMAA](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/04/21/securing-our-legacy-through-ujamaa/) - The direct registration link is... https://www.eventbrite.com/e/dv-connector-network-presents-securing-our-legacy-through-ujamaa-tickets-617547730887 Also, a copy of the flier is attached. In addition, people can join the DV Connector Network online community by clicking the link below... The DV Connector Network Community (sbpronetwork.com) - [Northeast Central Regional Summit](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/04/14/northeast-central-regional-summit/) - [What women need to know about heart health](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/04/09/what-women-need-to-know-about-heart-health/) - Cardiovascular disease is the number one killer of women causing one in three deaths in the United States every year, higher than all forms of cancer deaths in women combined. According to the American Heart Association, women are severely underrepresented in research and clinical trials with women making up only 38% of participants in clinical - [Forgive And Live](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/04/11/forgive-and-live/) - Kahlil Carmichael MAPCC, MDIV, CPT is the pastor of Live Well Church, in Somerset, New Jersey.He is a fitness specialist at The Fitness Doctor, a fitness and wellness consulting company; and theauthor of 50 Tips for a Better You. He is a contributor to Guideposts magazine. His first publication,Living Longer Living Better, is available now. - [Networking for Better Health](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/04/08/networking-for-better-health/) - Amerigroup NJ hosted its second Together Towards Tomorrow Community Partner Networking event at the Sheraton Hotel, Eatontown, NJ on Friday December 2, 2022. Over 100 Monmouth, Ocean, and surrounding county community partners from health care, schools, faith-based and community-based organizations, and others serving those with special needs and older adults joined Amerigroup for the event. - [Laymen's Fellowship Breakfast & Health Fair](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/03/20/laymens-fellowship-breakfast-health-fair/) - [The Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce celebrated its 125th Anniversary at a historic gala during Black History Month at The City College of New York](https://thepositivecommunity.com/2023/04/10/the-greater-harlem-chamber-of-commerce-celebrated-its-125th-anniversary-at-a-historic-gala-during-black-history-month-at-the-city-college-of-new-york/) ## Pages - [Positive Community](https://thepositivecommunity.com/) - [bt_section layout="boxed" top_spaced="topExtraSpaced" bottom_spaced="bottomMediumSpaced" skin="dark" full_screen="no" vertical_align="inherit" divider="no" back_image="3707" back_color="" back_overlay="btBackgroundOverlay btSolidDarkBackground" back_video="" video_settings="" back_video_mp4="" back_video_ogg="" back_video_webm="" parallax="0.85" parallax_offset="-200" animation="" animation_back="" animation_impress="" posts_category="lifestyle,popular" posts_author="" show_prev="" show_sticky="" el_id="" el_class="" el_style=""][bt_row][bt_column width="1/1"][bt_hr top_spaced="topSpaced" bottom_spaced="not-spaced" transparent_border="noBorder" el_class="visible-md" el_style=""][/bt_hr][bt_header superheadline="FASHION, LIFESTYLE, TECHNOLOGY, GADGETS..." headline="Latest from the web for you" headline_size="large" headline_style="regular" dash="top" subheadline="" el_class="" el_style=""][/bt_header][/bt_column][/bt_row][bt_row][bt_column width="1/3"][bt_single_post_template template="large" h_tag="h3" image_position="background" - [A Model for Urban Development](https://thepositivecommunity.com/a-model-for-urban-development/) - Urban neighborhood reform and revitalization are complex and prolonged processes. It takes decades to transform New Jersey cities where, historically, the wealthy have fled from the urban core. Despite the obstacles, in the past 12 years, places like the City of Orange Township have witnessed a sturdy, accelerated transformation. After more than 40 years of - [Contact Us](https://thepositivecommunity.com/contact/) - Our History The Positive Community is the only faith-based lifestyle magazine targeted to the African American consumer in the dynamic New York/New Jersey market. As its tagline demotes, the magazine focuses on the "Good News from the Church and the Community." The Positive Community fills a void that exists in dominant media, which provides little - [About us](https://thepositivecommunity.com/about-us/) - Our History The Positive Community is the only faith-based lifestyle magazine targeted to the African American consumer in the dynamic New York/New Jersey market. As its tagline demotes, the magazine focuses on the "Good News from the Church and the Community." The Positive Community fills a void that exists in dominant media, which provides little - [The Columbus Massacre](https://thepositivecommunity.com/the-columbus-massacre/) - When Christopher Columbus set foot on the islands of the Caribbean in 1492, he encountered thriving societies — the Taíno and other Arawakan peoples who had lived in the region for centuries. They were farmers, fishermen, and artisans with complex social structures and rich spiritual traditions. For Columbus, however, they were not fellow human beings - [MUCHO SPLEEN: Two Life-Saving Words](https://thepositivecommunity.com/mucho-spleen-two-life-saving-words/) - Dr. Vis and One Brooklyn Health on the Frontlines Against SCDBy Glenda Cadogan “Mucho Spleen!” Two words—not lost in translation—saved the life of a three-month-old baby.“I heard that message, returned the call, and advised the mother to get to the ER immediately,” recalled Dr. Vis. The baby received a life-saving blood transfusion that day and - [Pressley Blasts Republican Bill to Enable Segregation](https://thepositivecommunity.com/pressley-blasts-republican-bill-to-enable-segregation/) - in a House Oversight Committee markup, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07) blasted Republicans for advancing the Reorganizing Government Act, legislation that would, among other things, allow the president to eliminate and reorganize agencies into “executive departments” and enable those executive departments to roll back civil rights protections. Congresswoman Pressley introduced an amendment to the bill that would explicitly - [June Issue 2024](https://thepositivecommunity.com/june-issue-2024/) - [Register for the Power Breakfast](https://thepositivecommunity.com/register-for-the-power-breakfast/) - [DV Connector Network: Join the Conversation](https://thepositivecommunity.com/dv-connector-network-join-the-conversation/) - [The DV Connector Network Presents Adrian A. Council Sr. - Freedom](https://thepositivecommunity.com/the-dv-connector-network-presents-adrian-a-council-sr-freedom/) - [Emancipation Day Banquet 2024](https://thepositivecommunity.com/emancipation-day-banquet-2024/) - [](https://thepositivecommunity.com/16135-2/) - GOOD NEWS FROM THE CHURCH AND COMMUNITY - [Harlem EatUp! Luminary Awards Tamron Hall and D-Nice Honored](https://thepositivecommunity.com/harlem-eatup-luminary-awards-tamron-hall-and-d-nice-honored/) - Titled “Harlem EatUp!,” the Luminary Awards Dinner truly lived up to its name. At the renowned Alhambra Ballroom in Harlem, guests dined on an array of culinary delights. Launched in 2015 by co-founders and celebrated chefs Herb Karlitz and Emmy Award winner Marcus Samuelsson, this year’s honorees were TV Talk Show Host/Journalist and Author Tamron - [OBITUARIES](https://thepositivecommunity.com/obituaries/) - '[obituaries]' - [Home](https://thepositivecommunity.com/home/) - [bt_section layout="boxed" top_spaced="not-spaced" bottom_spaced="not-spaced" skin="light" full_screen="no" vertical_align="inherit" divider="no" back_image="" back_color="" back_overlay="" back_video="" video_settings="" back_video_mp4="" back_video_ogg="" back_video_webm="" parallax="" parallax_offset="" animation="" animation_back="" animation_impress="" posts_category="popular, news-trending" posts_author="" show_prev="" show_sticky="" el_id="" el_class="" el_style=""][bt_row][bt_column width="1/4"][bt_image image="3690" caption_text="" caption_title="" show_titles="no" size="full" shape="square" hover_type="btDefaultHoverType" url="/main-demo/home/home-2/" target="_self" el_class="" el_style=""][/bt_image][bt_hr top_spaced="topSmallSpaced" bottom_spaced="not-spaced" transparent_border="noBorder" el_class="" el_style=""][/bt_hr][bt_header superheadline="" headline="Standard layout" headline_size="small" headline_style="regular" dash="no" subheadline="" el_class="" el_style=""][/bt_header][bt_hr - [Radio](https://thepositivecommunity.com/positive-community-radio/) - To listen to The Positive Community Radio on Alexa Click this link to enable: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B3CPHBXP Alexa - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B3CPHBXP Google - https://assistant.google.com/services/a/uid/00000057cc3a0ac8?hl=en Radio App - https://www.radioking.com/p/apps/ Website - thepositivecommunity.com - [Bold News history](https://thepositivecommunity.com/history/) - [bt_section layout="boxed" top_spaced="topSemiSpaced" bottom_spaced="bottomSemiSpaced" skin="inherit" full_screen="no" vertical_align="inherit" divider="no" back_image="" back_color="" back_overlay="" back_video="" video_settings="" back_video_mp4="" back_video_ogg="" back_video_webm="" parallax="" parallax_offset="" animation="" animation_back="" animation_impress="" el_id="" el_class="" el_style=""][bt_row][bt_column width="1/2" align="left" vertical_align="inherit" border="no_border" cell_padding="default" animation="animate animate-fadein" highlight="no_highlight" background_color="" transparent="" inner_background_color="" background_image="" el_class="" el_style=""][bt_header superheadline="OUR HISTORY" headline="Key Milestones & Dates" headline_size="large" dash="no" subheadline="Bring to the table win-win survival strategies to ensure - [](https://thepositivecommunity.com/healthcareheroes/) - For more than 18 months, the Coronavirus pandemic has impacted our lives more than any of us could imagine, none more than healthcare professionals who consistently risk their lives to protect the lives of others. Facing unexpected challenges, limited staff, inadequate supplies, and dealing with double, often triple the number of patients needing immediate and - [](https://thepositivecommunity.com/healthcareheros/) - For more than 18 months, the Coronavirus pandemic has impacted our lives more than any of us could imagine, none more than healthcare professionals who consistently risk their lives to protect the lives of others. Facing unexpected challenges, limited staff, inadequate supplies, and dealing with double, often triple the number of patients needing immediate and - [View. Comment. Upload.](https://thepositivecommunity.com/music-hub-videos/) - The Positive Community presents The Positive Music Hub. Bookmark and come back often to view positive, uplifting music by the area’s talented musicians and artists. Also, enjoy music by up-and-coming choirs and artists from around the globe. Artists - share your talent with The Positive Community audience and internet viewers around the world. Click Submit - [Submit a Video](https://thepositivecommunity.com/submit-a-video/) - Thanks you for sharing your music on The Positive Music Hub, the destination for uplifting and positive music of all genres. Your song will be forwarded to our web team. We will notify you when/if your media is uploaded to the site. Visitors to The Positive Music Hub will be able to comment and share - [AWARDS BANQUET PHOTOS](https://thepositivecommunity.com/awards-banquet-photos/) - [Best_Wordpress_Gallery id="184" gal_title="Gala 2020 photos"] - [Test](https://thepositivecommunity.com/test/) - Sample2 - [Test 1](https://thepositivecommunity.com/test-1/) - [bt_section layout="boxed" top_spaced="topMediumSpaced" bottom_spaced="not-spaced" skin="inherit" full_screen="no" vertical_align="inherit" divider="no" back_image="" back_color="#f1f1f1" back_overlay="" back_video="" video_settings="" back_video_mp4="" back_video_ogg="" back_video_webm="" parallax="" parallax_offset="" animation="" animation_back="" animation_impress="" posts_category="video,gallery" posts_author="" show_prev="yes" show_sticky="" el_id="" el_class="" el_style="box-shadow: 0 0 20px 0 rgba(0,0,0,.1) inset;"][bt_row][bt_column width="1/1"][bt_header superheadline="" headline="Video and photo galleries" headline_size="medium" headline_style="regular" dash="bottom" subheadline="Feast your eyes on the latest video & gallery posts" el_class="" el_style=""][/bt_header][/bt_column][/bt_row][bt_row][bt_column - [Footer landing new](https://thepositivecommunity.com/footer-landing-new/) - [bt_section layout="boxed" top_spaced="topSmallSpaced" bottom_spaced="bottomSmallSpaced" skin="dark" full_screen="no" vertical_align="inherit" divider="no" back_image="" back_color="#0c0c0c" back_overlay="" back_video="" video_settings="" back_video_mp4="" back_video_ogg="" back_video_webm="" parallax="" parallax_offset="" animation="" animation_back="" animation_impress="" posts_category="" posts_author="" show_prev="" show_sticky="only-sticky" el_id="" el_class="btFooterBelow" el_style=""][bt_row cell_spacing="" el_class="hidden-sm hidden-xs hidden-ms" el_style=""][bt_column width="1/2" align="left" vertical_align="inherit" border="no_border" cell_padding="default" animation="no_animation" highlight="no_highlight" background_color="" transparent="" inner_background_color="" background_image="" el_class="" el_style=""][bt_hr top_spaced="topSmallSpaced" bottom_spaced="not-spaced" transparent_border="noBorder" el_class="" el_style=""][/bt_hr][bt_text] © Copyright by BoldThemes - 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[Bold News - version 4](https://thepositivecommunity.com/home/bold-news-v4/) - [bt_section layout="boxed" top_spaced="topMediumSpaced" bottom_spaced="not-spaced" skin="inherit" full_screen="no" vertical_align="inherit" divider="no" back_image="2388" back_color="" back_overlay="btBackgroundOverlay btStripedLight" back_video="" video_settings="" back_video_mp4="" back_video_ogg="" back_video_webm="" parallax="" parallax_offset="" animation="" animation_back="" animation_impress="" posts_category="urban" posts_author="" show_prev="" show_sticky="" el_id="" el_class="" el_style=""][bt_row][bt_column width="1/1"][bt_header superheadline="" headline="Latest news" headline_size="medium" headline_style="regular" dash="bottom" subheadline="Fresh from the oven, read them now." el_class="" el_style=""][/bt_header][/bt_column][/bt_row][bt_row][bt_column width="2/4"][bt_single_post_template template="large" h_tag="h1" image_position="background" show_excerpt="true" show_author="" show_date="" show_categories="true" show_post_format="true" show_comments="" - 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[Bold News - version 2](https://thepositivecommunity.com/home/bold-news-v2/) - [bt_section layout="boxed" top_spaced="topMediumSpaced" bottom_spaced="not-spaced" skin="inherit" full_screen="no" vertical_align="inherit" divider="no" back_image="" back_color="" back_overlay="" back_video="" video_settings="" back_video_mp4="" back_video_ogg="" back_video_webm="" parallax="" parallax_offset="" animation="" animation_back="" animation_impress="" posts_category="travel,tech" posts_author="" show_prev="" show_sticky="" el_id="" el_class="" el_style=""][bt_row][bt_column width="1/2"][bt_single_post_template template="large" h_tag="h1" image_position="background" show_excerpt="true" show_author="" show_date="" show_categories="true" show_post_format="true" show_comments="" show_reading_time="" show_views_count="" show_review="" el_class="" el_style="min-height: 530px;" image_size="medium_large" show_highlight=""][/bt_single_post_template][bt_hr top_spaced="topMediumSpaced" bottom_spaced="not-spaced" transparent_border="noBorder" el_class="" el_style=""][/bt_hr][/bt_column][bt_column width="1/2"][bt_row_inner][bt_column_inner width="1/1"][bt_single_post_template template="large" h_tag="h1" - [Sport copy](https://thepositivecommunity.com/sport-copy/) - [bt_section layout="boxed" top_spaced="topMediumSpaced" bottom_spaced="bottomMediumSpaced" skin="inherit" full_screen="no" vertical_align="inherit" divider="no" back_image="" back_color="" back_overlay="" back_video="" video_settings="" back_video_mp4="" back_video_ogg="" back_video_webm="" parallax="" parallax_offset="" animation="" animation_back="" animation_impress="" posts_category="sport,baseball,soccer,basketball" posts_author="" show_prev="yes" show_sticky="" el_id="" el_class="" el_style=""][bt_row][bt_column width="3/4" align="left" vertical_align="btMiddleVertical" border="no_border" cell_padding="default" animation="no_animation" highlight="no_highlight" background_color="" transparent="" inner_background_color="" background_image="" el_class="" el_style=""][bt_header superheadline="" headline="Soccer" headline_size="large" headline_style="thin" dash="no" subheadline="" el_class="" el_style=""][/bt_header][/bt_column][bt_column width="1/4" align="right" vertical_align="inherit" border="no_border" cell_padding="default" animation="no_animation" - [Bold Sport](https://thepositivecommunity.com/home/bold-sport/) - [bt_section layout="wide" top_spaced="not-spaced" bottom_spaced="not-spaced" skin="inherit" full_screen="no" vertical_align="inherit" divider="no" back_image="" back_color="#00a4f0" back_overlay="" back_video="" video_settings="" back_video_mp4="" back_video_ogg="" back_video_webm="" parallax="" parallax_offset="" animation="" animation_back="" animation_impress="" posts_category="" posts_author="" show_prev="" show_sticky="" el_id="" el_class="" el_style=""][bt_row][bt_column width="1/1" align="left" vertical_align="inherit" border="no_border" cell_padding="default" animation="no_animation" highlight="no_highlight" background_color="" transparent="" inner_background_color="" background_image="" el_class="" el_style=""][bt_hr top_spaced="topExtraSmallSpaced" bottom_spaced="not-spaced" transparent_border="noBorder" el_class="" el_style=""][/bt_hr][/bt_column][/bt_row][/bt_section][bt_section layout="boxed" top_spaced="topMediumSpaced" bottom_spaced="not-spaced" skin="inherit" full_screen="no" vertical_align="inherit" divider="no" back_image="" back_color="" - [Bold Media](https://thepositivecommunity.com/home/bold-media/) - [bt_section layout="boxed" top_spaced="topMediumSpaced" bottom_spaced="not-spaced" skin="inherit" full_screen="no" vertical_align="inherit" divider="no" back_image="" back_color="#f9f9f9" back_overlay="" back_video="" video_settings="" back_video_mp4="" back_video_ogg="" back_video_webm="" parallax="" parallax_offset="" animation="" animation_back="" animation_impress="" posts_category="business,sport,popular" posts_author="" show_prev="" show_sticky="" el_id="" el_class="" el_style=""][bt_row][bt_column width="2/4" align="left" vertical_align="btTopVertical" border="no_border" cell_padding="default" animation="no_animation" highlight="no_highlight" background_color="" transparent="" inner_background_color="" background_image="" el_class="" el_style=""][bt_header superheadline="" headline="Top Stories" headline_size="large" headline_style="regular" dash="no" subheadline="" el_class="" el_style=""][/bt_header][bt_single_post_template template="large" h_tag="h2" image_position="background" image_size="medium_large" show_excerpt="true" - [Sub Section Layout 9](https://thepositivecommunity.com/sub-sections/sub-section-layout-9/) - [bt_section layout="boxed" top_spaced="topMediumSpaced" bottom_spaced="not-spaced" skin="inherit" full_screen="no" vertical_align="inherit" divider="no" back_image="" back_color="#f1f1f1" back_overlay="" back_video="" video_settings="" back_video_mp4="" back_video_ogg="" back_video_webm="" parallax="" parallax_offset="" animation="" animation_back="" animation_impress="" posts_category="urban,hipster,photography,skating,vlogging" posts_author="" show_prev="" show_sticky="" el_id="" el_class="" el_style=""][bt_row][bt_column width="3/4" align="left" vertical_align="btTopVertical" border="no_border" cell_padding="default" animation="animate animate-fadein" highlight="no_highlight" background_color="" transparent="" inner_background_color="" background_image="" el_class="" el_style=""][bt_category_title title="Urban" h_tag="h2" category_filter="yes" category="urban" icon="es_e9ea" icon_type="btIcoFilledType" icon_shape="btIconCircleShape" icon_size="btIcoBigSize" el_class="" el_style=""][/bt_category_title][bt_hr top_spaced="topSmallSpaced" bottom_spaced="not-spaced" transparent_border="noBorder" - [Sub Section Layout 6](https://thepositivecommunity.com/sub-sections/sub-section-layout-6/) - [bt_section layout="boxed" top_spaced="topMediumSpaced" bottom_spaced="bottomSmallSpaced" skin="inherit" full_screen="no" vertical_align="inherit" divider="no" back_image="" back_color="#005d88" back_overlay="" back_video="" video_settings="" back_video_mp4="" back_video_ogg="" back_video_webm="" parallax="" parallax_offset="" animation="" animation_back="" animation_impress="" posts_category="pets,birds,cats,dogs,exotics" posts_author="" show_prev="" show_sticky="" el_id="" el_class="" el_style=""][bt_row][bt_column width="3/4" align="left" vertical_align="btTopVertical" border="no_border" cell_padding="default" animation="animate animate-fadein" highlight="no_highlight" background_color="" transparent="" inner_background_color="" background_image="" el_class="" el_style=""][bt_category_title title="Sport" h_tag="h2" category_filter="yes" category="sport" icon="s7_e679" icon_type="btIcoFilledType" icon_shape="btIconCircleShape" icon_size="btIcoBigSize" el_class="" el_style=""][/bt_category_title][/bt_column][bt_column width="1/4" align="right" vertical_align="btTopVertical" - [Sub Section Layout 7](https://thepositivecommunity.com/sub-sections/sub-section-layout-7/) - [bt_section layout="boxed" top_spaced="topExtraSpaced" bottom_spaced="not-spaced" skin="dark" full_screen="no" vertical_align="inherit" divider="no" back_image="3738" back_color="" back_overlay="btBackgroundOverlay btSolidDarkBackground" back_video="" video_settings="" back_video_mp4="" back_video_ogg="" back_video_webm="" parallax="" parallax_offset="" animation="" animation_back="" animation_impress="" posts_category="tech,blogging,gaming,mobile,web" posts_author="" show_prev="" show_sticky="" el_id="" el_class="" el_style=""][bt_row][bt_column width="3/4" align="left" vertical_align="btTopVertical" border="no_border" cell_padding="default" animation="animate animate-fadein" highlight="no_highlight" background_color="" transparent="" inner_background_color="" background_image="" el_class="" el_style=""][bt_category_title title="Tech & Internet" h_tag="h2" category_filter="yes" category="tech" icon="es_ea2c" icon_type="btIcoFilledType" icon_shape="btIconCircleShape" icon_size="btIcoBigSize" el_class="" el_style=""][/bt_category_title][bt_hr - [Sub Section Layout 8](https://thepositivecommunity.com/sub-sections/sub-section-layout-8/) - [bt_section layout="boxed" top_spaced="topMediumSpaced" bottom_spaced="not-spaced" skin="inherit" full_screen="no" vertical_align="inherit" divider="no" back_image="2388" back_color="" back_overlay="" back_video="" video_settings="" back_video_mp4="" back_video_ogg="" back_video_webm="" parallax="" parallax_offset="" animation="" animation_back="" animation_impress="" posts_category="travel,cities,islands,mountains,seaside" posts_author="" show_prev="" show_sticky="" el_id="" el_class="" el_style=""][bt_row][bt_column width="1/1" align="left" vertical_align="btTopVertical" border="no_border" cell_padding="default" animation="animate animate-fadein" highlight="no_highlight" background_color="" transparent="" inner_background_color="" background_image="" el_class="" el_style=""][bt_category_title title="Travel & Leisure" h_tag="h2" category_filter="yes" category="travel" icon="ts_f104" icon_type="btIcoFilledType" icon_shape="btIconCircleShape" icon_size="btIcoBigSize" el_class="" el_style=""][/bt_category_title][bt_hr top_spaced="topSmallSpaced" - [Sub Section Layout 5](https://thepositivecommunity.com/sub-sections/sub-section-layout-5/) - [bt_section layout="boxed" top_spaced="topMediumSpaced" bottom_spaced="bottomSmallSpaced" skin="inherit" full_screen="no" vertical_align="inherit" divider="no" back_image="" back_color="#f1f1f1" back_overlay="" back_video="" video_settings="" back_video_mp4="" back_video_ogg="" back_video_webm="" parallax="" parallax_offset="" animation="" animation_back="" animation_impress="" posts_category="pets,birds,cats,dogs,exotics" posts_author="" show_prev="" show_sticky="" el_id="" el_class="" el_style=""][bt_row][bt_column width="3/4" align="left" vertical_align="btTopVertical" border="no_border" cell_padding="default" animation="animate animate-fadein" highlight="no_highlight" background_color="" transparent="" inner_background_color="" background_image="" el_class="" el_style=""][bt_category_title title="Pets" h_tag="h2" category_filter="yes" category="pets" icon="es_e9a6" icon_type="btIcoFilledType" icon_shape="btIconCircleShape" icon_size="btIcoBigSize" el_class="" el_style=""][/bt_category_title][/bt_column][bt_column width="1/4" align="right" vertical_align="btTopVertical" - [Sub Section Layout 4](https://thepositivecommunity.com/sub-sections/sub-section-layout-4/) - [bt_section layout="boxed" top_spaced="topMediumSpaced" bottom_spaced="bottomSmallSpaced" skin="inherit" full_screen="no" vertical_align="inherit" divider="no" back_image="" back_color="#f1f1f1" back_overlay="" back_video="" video_settings="" back_video_mp4="" back_video_ogg="" back_video_webm="" parallax="" parallax_offset="" animation="" animation_back="" animation_impress="" posts_category="lifestyle,family,kids,modern" posts_author="" show_prev="" show_sticky="" el_id="" el_class="" el_style=""][bt_row][bt_column width="3/4" align="left" vertical_align="btTopVertical" border="no_border" cell_padding="default" animation="animate animate-fadein" highlight="no_highlight" background_color="" transparent="" inner_background_color="" background_image="" el_class="" el_style=""][bt_category_title title="Lifestyle" h_tag="h2" category_filter="yes" category="lifestyle" icon="es_ea5c" icon_type="btIcoFilledType" icon_shape="btIconCircleShape" icon_size="btIcoBigSize" el_class="" el_style=""][/bt_category_title][/bt_column][bt_column width="1/4" align="right" vertical_align="btTopVertical" - [Sub Section Layout 3](https://thepositivecommunity.com/sub-section-layout-3/) - [bt_section layout="boxed" top_spaced="topMediumSpaced" bottom_spaced="not-spaced" skin="inherit" full_screen="no" vertical_align="inherit" divider="no" back_image="2388" back_color="" back_overlay="" back_video="" video_settings="" back_video_mp4="" back_video_ogg="" back_video_webm="" parallax="" parallax_offset="" animation="" animation_back="" animation_impress="" posts_category="food-cuisine,desserts,pizza,salads,snacks,vegan" posts_author="" show_prev="" show_sticky="" el_id="" el_class="" el_style=""][bt_row][bt_column width="1/1" align="left" vertical_align="btTopVertical" border="no_border" cell_padding="default" animation="animate animate-fadein" highlight="no_highlight" background_color="" transparent="" inner_background_color="" background_image="" el_class="" el_style=""][bt_category_title title="Food & Cuisine" h_tag="h2" category_filter="yes" category="food-cuisine" icon="s7_e669" icon_type="btIcoFilledType" icon_shape="btIconCircleShape" icon_size="btIcoBigSize" el_class="" el_style=""][/bt_category_title][bt_hr top_spaced="topExtraSmallSpaced" - [Sub Section Layout 2](https://thepositivecommunity.com/sub-section-layout-2/) - [bt_section layout="boxed" top_spaced="topMediumSpaced" bottom_spaced="not-spaced" skin="inherit" full_screen="no" vertical_align="inherit" divider="no" back_image="3747" back_color="#ececec" back_overlay="btBackgroundOverlay btSolidLightBackground" back_video="" video_settings="" back_video_mp4="" back_video_ogg="" back_video_webm="" parallax="0.8" parallax_offset="-200" animation="" animation_back="" animation_impress="" posts_category="entertainment,audio,gallery,image,video" posts_author="" show_prev="" show_sticky="" el_id="" el_class="" el_style=""][bt_row][bt_column width="1/1" align="left" vertical_align="btTopVertical" border="no_border" cell_padding="default" animation="animate animate-fadein" highlight="no_highlight" background_color="" transparent="" inner_background_color="" background_image="" el_class="" el_style=""][bt_category_title title="Entertainment" h_tag="h2" category_filter="yes" category="entertainment" icon="es_ea66" icon_type="btIcoFilledType" icon_shape="btIconCircleShape" icon_size="btIcoBigSize" el_class="" el_style=""][/bt_category_title][bt_hr top_spaced="topExtraSmallSpaced" bottom_spaced="bottomSemiSpaced" - [Sub Section Layout 1](https://thepositivecommunity.com/sub-sections/sub-section-layout-1/) - [bt_section layout="boxed" top_spaced="topMediumSpaced" bottom_spaced="not-spaced" skin="light" full_screen="no" vertical_align="inherit" divider="no" back_image="2388" back_color="" back_overlay="btBackgroundOverlay btSolidLightBackground" back_video="" video_settings="" back_video_mp4="" back_video_ogg="" back_video_webm="" parallax="" parallax_offset="" animation="" animation_back="" animation_impress="" posts_category="business,asia,europe,markets,stock,usa" posts_author="" show_prev="" show_sticky="" el_id="" el_class="" el_style=""][bt_row][bt_column width="1/1" align="left" vertical_align="btTopVertical" border="no_border" cell_padding="default" animation="animate animate-fadein" highlight="no_highlight" background_color="" transparent="" inner_background_color="" background_image="" el_class="" el_style=""][bt_category_title title="Business & Economy" h_tag="h2" category_filter="yes" category="business" icon="es_e921" icon_type="btIcoFilledType" icon_shape="btIconCircleShape" icon_size="btIcoBigSize" el_class="" el_style=""][/bt_category_title][bt_hr - [Under construction](https://thepositivecommunity.com/about-us/under-construction/) - [bt_section layout="boxed" top_spaced="not-spaced" bottom_spaced="not-spaced" skin="inherit" full_screen="yes" vertical_align="btMiddleVertical" divider="no" back_image="2776" back_color="" back_overlay="" back_video="" video_settings="" back_video_mp4="" back_video_ogg="" back_video_webm="" parallax="0" parallax_offset="" animation="" animation_back="" animation_impress="" el_id="" el_class="" el_style="" posts_category="" posts_author="" show_prev="" show_sticky="only-sticky"][bt_row][bt_column width="1/1" align="left" vertical_align="inherit" border="no_border" cell_padding="default" animation="animate animate-fadein" highlight="no_highlight" background_color="" transparent="" inner_background_color="" background_image="" el_class="" el_style=""][bt_image image="2000" caption_text="" caption_title="" show_titles="no" size="full" shape="square" hover_type="btDefaultHoverType" url="" target="_self" el_class="" el_style=""][/bt_image][bt_hr top_spaced="topMediumSpaced" bottom_spaced="bottomMediumSpaced" - [Services](https://thepositivecommunity.com/services/) - [bt_section layout="boxed" top_spaced="topSemiSpaced" bottom_spaced="not-spaced" skin="inherit" full_screen="no" vertical_align="inherit" divider="no" back_image="" back_color="" back_overlay="" back_video="" video_settings="" back_video_mp4="" back_video_ogg="" back_video_webm="" parallax="" parallax_offset="" animation="" animation_back="" animation_impress="" el_id="" el_class="" el_style=""][bt_row][bt_column width="1/3" align="left" vertical_align="inherit" border="no_border" cell_padding="default" animation="animate animate-fadein" highlight="no_highlight" background_color="" transparent="" inner_background_color="" background_image="" el_class="" el_style=""][bt_image image="862" caption_text="" caption_title="Business" show_titles="yes" size="boldthemes_medium" shape="square" url="#" target="_self" el_class="" el_style="" hover_type="btDefaultHoverType"][/bt_image][bt_hr top_spaced="topSmallSpaced" bottom_spaced="bottomSmallSpaced" transparent_border="noBorder" el_class="" el_style=""][/bt_hr][/bt_column][bt_column width="1/3" - [Marketing](https://thepositivecommunity.com/marketing/) - [bt_section layout="boxed" top_spaced="topSemiSpaced" bottom_spaced="bottomSemiSpaced" skin="inherit" full_screen="no" vertical_align="inherit" divider="no" back_image="" back_color="" back_overlay="" back_video="" video_settings="" back_video_mp4="" back_video_ogg="" back_video_webm="" parallax="" parallax_offset="" animation="" animation_back="" animation_impress="" el_id="" el_class="" el_style=""][bt_row][bt_column width="1/2" align="left" vertical_align="inherit" border="no_border" cell_padding="default" animation="animate animate-fadein" text_indent="no_text_indent" highlight="no_highlight" background_color="" transparent="" inner_background_color="" background_image="" el_class="" el_style=""][bt_header superheadline="BOOST YOUR VISITS" headline="Advertise on Bold News" headline_size="large" dash="no" subheadline="Efficiently unleash cross-media information without cross-media value. - [People](https://thepositivecommunity.com/about-us/people/) - [bt_section layout="boxed" top_spaced="topSpaced" bottom_spaced="bottomSpaced" skin="inherit" full_screen="no" vertical_align="inherit" divider="no" back_image="" back_color="#f2f1ed" back_overlay="" back_video="" video_settings="" back_video_mp4="" back_video_ogg="" back_video_webm="" parallax="" parallax_offset="" animation="" animation_back="" animation_impress="" el_id="" el_class="" el_style="" posts_category="" posts_author="" show_prev="" show_sticky="only-sticky"][bt_row][bt_column width="2/3" align="left" vertical_align="inherit" border="no_border" cell_padding="default" animation="animate animate-fadein" highlight="no_highlight" background_color="" transparent="" inner_background_color="" background_image="" el_class="" el_style=""][bt_header superheadline="LEARN MORE" headline="Bold News Management" headline_size="large" dash="no" subheadline="Podcasting operational change management inside of - [Bold News](https://thepositivecommunity.com/home/home-2/) - [bt_section layout="wide" top_spaced="not-spaced" bottom_spaced="not-spaced" skin="dark" full_screen="no" vertical_align="inherit" divider="no" back_image="" back_color="" back_overlay="" back_video="" video_settings="" back_video_mp4="" back_video_ogg="" back_video_webm="" parallax="" parallax_offset="" animation="" animation_back="" animation_impress="" posts_category="travel,tech" posts_author="" show_prev="" show_sticky="" el_id="" el_class="" el_style=""][bt_row][bt_column width="1/1"][bt_slider height="auto" auto_play="5000" hide_arrows="" hide_paging="" simple_arrows="yes" el_class="" el_style=""][bt_slider_post_item template="large" h_tag="h2" text_position="text-right" content_background="content-background-transparent" image_position="background" show_excerpt="true" show_author="true" show_date="true" show_categories="true" show_post_format="true" show_comments="true" show_reading_time="true" show_views_count="true" show_review="" el_class="" el_style="" image_size="full" show_highlight=""][/bt_slider_post_item][bt_slider_post_item template="large" - [Sub Sections](https://thepositivecommunity.com/sub-sections/) - [bt_section layout="boxed" top_spaced="not-spaced" bottom_spaced="not-spaced" skin="light" full_screen="no" vertical_align="inherit" divider="no" back_image="" back_color="" back_overlay="" back_video="" video_settings="" back_video_mp4="" back_video_ogg="" back_video_webm="" parallax="" parallax_offset="" animation="" animation_back="" animation_impress="" posts_category="popular, news-trending" posts_author="" show_prev="" show_sticky="" el_id="" el_class="" el_style=""][bt_row][bt_column width="1/4"][bt_custom_menu menu="categories-top-menu" el_class="" el_style=""][/bt_custom_menu][bt_hr top_spaced="topSmallSpaced" bottom_spaced="not-spaced" transparent_border="noBorder" el_class="" el_style=""][/bt_hr][/bt_column][bt_column width="1/4"][bt_single_post_template template="small" h_tag="h2" image_position="top" show_excerpt="true" show_author="true" show_date="true" show_categories="true" show_post_format="true" show_comments="" show_reading_time="" show_views_count="" show_review="" el_class="" el_style=""][/bt_single_post_template][bt_hr top_spaced="topSmallSpaced" bottom_spaced="not-spaced" - [Footer](https://thepositivecommunity.com/footer/) - [bt_section layout="boxed" top_spaced="topMediumSpaced" bottom_spaced="bottomMediumSpaced" skin="dark" full_screen="no" vertical_align="inherit" divider="no" back_image="" back_color="#181818" back_overlay="" back_video="" video_settings="" back_video_mp4="" back_video_ogg="" back_video_webm="" parallax="" parallax_offset="" animation="" animation_back="" animation_impress="" posts_category="" posts_author="" show_prev="" show_sticky="only-sticky" el_id="" el_class="" el_style=""][bt_row][bt_column width="1/3" align="left" vertical_align="inherit" border="no_border" cell_padding="default" animation="no_animation" highlight="no_highlight" background_color="" transparent="" inner_background_color="" background_image="" el_class="btFooterText" el_style=""][bt_hr top_spaced="topMediumSpaced" bottom_spaced="not-spaced" transparent_border="noBorder" el_class="" el_style=""][/bt_hr][bt_icon icon="es_ea5f" icon_title="About us" icon_type="btIcoDefaultType" icon_shape="btIconCircleShape" icon_color="btIcoAccentColor" icon_size="btIcoMediumSize" url="" target="no_target" - [SUBSCRIBE NOW](https://thepositivecommunity.com/subscribe-now/) - Customer Service can be reached at www.thepositivecommunity.com/customerservice or 1-800-405-8085. The Positive Community publishes monthly, except combined issues that count as two. First issue mails within 6 weeks. Offer valid in U.S. only. Subscriber's: If the Post Office alerts us that your magazine is undeliverable, we have no further obligation unless we receive a corrected - [Contact](https://thepositivecommunity.com/about-us/contact/) - [bt_section layout="wide" top_spaced="not-spaced" bottom_spaced="not-spaced" skin="inherit" full_screen="no" vertical_align="inherit" divider="yes" back_image="" back_color="" back_overlay="" back_video="" video_settings="" back_video_mp4="" back_video_ogg="" back_video_webm="" parallax="" parallax_offset="" animation="" animation_back="" animation_impress="" el_id="" el_class="" el_style="" posts_category="" posts_author="" show_prev="" show_sticky="only-sticky"][bt_row][bt_column width="1/2" align="left" vertical_align="inherit" border="no_border" cell_padding="default" animation="animate animate-fadein" text_indent="no_text_indent" highlight="no_highlight" background_color="" transparent="" inner_background_color="" background_image="" el_class="" el_style=""][bt_image image="2642" caption_text="" caption_title="" show_titles="no" size="boldthemes_large" shape="square" url="" target="_self" el_class="" el_style="" hover_type="btDefaultHoverType"][/bt_image][bt_image image="2746" - [Products six columns wide](https://thepositivecommunity.com/products-six-columns-wide/) - [bt_section layout="wide" top_spaced="topSmallSpaced" bottom_spaced="bottomSemiSpaced" skin="inherit" full_screen="no" vertical_align="inherit" divider="no" back_image="" back_color="" back_overlay="" back_video="" video_settings="" back_video_mp4="" back_video_ogg="" back_video_webm="" parallax="" parallax_offset="" animation="" animation_back="" animation_impress="" el_id="" el_class="" el_style=""][bt_row][bt_column width="1/1"][bt_hr top_spaced="topSmallSpaced" bottom_spaced="not-spaced" transparent_border="noBorder" el_class="" el_style=""][/bt_hr][bt_text][products columns="6"][/bt_text][/bt_column][/bt_row][/bt_section] - [Products five columns wide](https://thepositivecommunity.com/products-five-columns-wide/) - [bt_section layout="wide" top_spaced="topSmallSpaced" bottom_spaced="bottomSemiSpaced" skin="inherit" full_screen="no" vertical_align="inherit" divider="no" back_image="" back_color="" back_overlay="" back_video="" video_settings="" back_video_mp4="" back_video_ogg="" back_video_webm="" parallax="" parallax_offset="" animation="" animation_back="" animation_impress="" el_id="" el_class="" el_style=""][bt_row][bt_column width="1/1"][bt_hr top_spaced="topSmallSpaced" bottom_spaced="not-spaced" transparent_border="noBorder" el_class="" el_style=""][/bt_hr][bt_text][products columns="5"][/bt_text][/bt_column][/bt_row][/bt_section] - [Products four columns](https://thepositivecommunity.com/products-four-columns/) - [bt_section layout="boxed" top_spaced="topSmallSpaced" bottom_spaced="bottomSemiSpaced" skin="inherit" full_screen="no" vertical_align="inherit" divider="no" back_image="" back_color="" back_overlay="" back_video="" video_settings="" back_video_mp4="" back_video_ogg="" back_video_webm="" parallax="" parallax_offset="" animation="" animation_back="" animation_impress="" el_id="" el_class="" el_style=""][bt_row][bt_column width="1/1"][bt_hr top_spaced="topSmallSpaced" bottom_spaced="not-spaced" transparent_border="noBorder" el_class="" el_style=""][/bt_hr][bt_text][products columns="4"][/bt_text][/bt_column][/bt_row][/bt_section] - [Shop single](https://thepositivecommunity.com/shop-single/) - [bt_section layout="boxed" top_spaced="not-spaced" bottom_spaced="not-spaced" skin="inherit" full_screen="no" vertical_align="inherit" divider="no" back_image="" back_color="" back_overlay="" back_video="" video_settings="" back_video_mp4="" back_video_ogg="" back_video_webm="" parallax="" parallax_offset="" animation="" animation_back="" animation_impress="" el_id="" el_class="" el_style=""][bt_row][bt_column width="1/1"][/bt_column][/bt_row][/bt_section] - [Products two columns](https://thepositivecommunity.com/products-two-columns/) - [bt_section layout="boxed" top_spaced="not-spaced" bottom_spaced="bottomSemiSpaced" skin="inherit" full_screen="no" vertical_align="inherit" divider="no" back_image="" back_color="" back_overlay="" back_video="" video_settings="" back_video_mp4="" back_video_ogg="" back_video_webm="" parallax="" parallax_offset="" animation="" animation_back="" animation_impress="" el_id="" el_class="" el_style=""][bt_row][bt_column width="1/1"][bt_text][products columns="2"][/bt_text][/bt_column][/bt_row][/bt_section] - [Post tiles three columns](https://thepositivecommunity.com/blog/post-tiles-three-columns/) - [bt_section layout="boxed" top_spaced="topSmallSpaced" bottom_spaced="bottomSpaced" skin="inherit" full_screen="no" vertical_align="inherit" divider="no" back_image="" back_color="" back_overlay="" back_video="" video_settings="" back_video_mp4="" back_video_ogg="" back_video_webm="" parallax="" parallax_offset="" animation="" animation_back="" animation_impress="" el_id="" el_class="" el_style=""][bt_row][bt_column width="1/1" align="center" vertical_align="inherit" border="no_border" cell_padding="default" animation="no_animation" text_indent="no_text_indent" highlight="no_highlight" background_color="" transparent="" inner_background_color="" background_image="" el_class="" el_style=""][bt_hr top_spaced="topSmallSpaced" bottom_spaced="not-spaced" transparent_border="noBorder" el_class="" el_style=""][/bt_hr][bt_grid number="4" columns="3" category="" category_filter="no" grid_type="tiled" grid_gap="20" format="21,11,11,21,21,11,11,21,21,11,11,21,21,11,11,21" tiles_title="no" post_type="blog" scroll_loading="yes" sticky_in_grid="no" el_class="" - [Post tiles six columns](https://thepositivecommunity.com/blog/post-tiles-six-columns/) - [bt_section layout="wide" top_spaced="not-spaced" bottom_spaced="not-spaced" skin="inherit" full_screen="no" vertical_align="inherit" divider="no" back_image="" back_color="" back_overlay="" back_video="" video_settings="" back_video_mp4="" back_video_ogg="" back_video_webm="" parallax="" parallax_offset="" animation="" animation_back="" animation_impress="" el_id="" el_class="" el_style=""][bt_row][bt_column width="1/1" align="center" vertical_align="inherit" border="no_border" cell_padding="default" animation="no_animation" text_indent="no_text_indent" highlight="no_highlight" background_color="" transparent="" inner_background_color="" background_image="" el_class="" el_style=""][bt_grid number="20" columns="6" category="business, entertainment, food-cuisine, lifestyle, pets, popular, sport, tech, travel, urban" category_filter="no" grid_type="tiled" grid_gap="2" format="11,21,11,11,11,21,11,21,11,11,11,21,11,21,11,11,11" tiles_title="no" - [Post tiles four columns](https://thepositivecommunity.com/blog/post-tiles-four-columns/) - [bt_section layout="boxed" top_spaced="topSmallSpaced" bottom_spaced="bottomSpaced" skin="inherit" full_screen="no" vertical_align="inherit" divider="no" back_image="" back_color="" back_overlay="" back_video="" video_settings="" back_video_mp4="" back_video_ogg="" back_video_webm="" parallax="" parallax_offset="" animation="" animation_back="" animation_impress="" el_id="" el_class="" el_style=""][bt_row][bt_column width="1/1" align="center" vertical_align="inherit" border="no_border" cell_padding="default" animation="no_animation" text_indent="no_text_indent" highlight="no_highlight" background_color="" transparent="" inner_background_color="" background_image="" el_class="" el_style=""][bt_hr top_spaced="topSmallSpaced" bottom_spaced="not-spaced" transparent_border="noBorder" el_class="" el_style=""][/bt_hr][bt_grid number="6" columns="4" category="" category_filter="no" grid_type="tiled" grid_gap="20" format="21,11,11,11,21,11,11,11,21,21,11,11,11,21,11,11,11,21,21,11,11,11,21,11,11,11,21" tiles_title="yes" post_type="blog" scroll_loading="yes" sticky_in_grid="no" el_class="" - [Post tiles five columns](https://thepositivecommunity.com/blog/post-tiles-five-columns/) - [bt_section layout="wide" top_spaced="topSmallSpaced" bottom_spaced="bottomSpaced" skin="inherit" full_screen="no" vertical_align="inherit" divider="no" back_image="" back_color="" back_overlay="" back_video="" video_settings="" back_video_mp4="" back_video_ogg="" back_video_webm="" parallax="" parallax_offset="" animation="" animation_back="" animation_impress="" el_id="" el_class="" el_style=""][bt_row][bt_column width="1/1" align="center" vertical_align="inherit" border="no_border" cell_padding="default" animation="no_animation" text_indent="no_text_indent" highlight="no_highlight" background_color="" transparent="" inner_background_color="" background_image="" el_class="" el_style=""][bt_hr top_spaced="topSmallSpaced" bottom_spaced="not-spaced" transparent_border="noBorder" el_class="" el_style=""][/bt_hr][bt_grid number="5" columns="5" category="business, entertainment, food-cuisine, lifestyle, pets, popular, sport, tech, travel, urban" - [Post grid three columns](https://thepositivecommunity.com/blog/post-grid-three-columns/) - [bt_section layout="boxed" top_spaced="topSmallSpaced" bottom_spaced="bottomSpaced" skin="inherit" full_screen="no" vertical_align="inherit" divider="no" back_image="" back_color="" back_overlay="" back_video="" video_settings="" back_video_mp4="" back_video_ogg="" back_video_webm="" parallax="" parallax_offset="" animation="" animation_back="" animation_impress="" el_id="" el_class="" el_style=""][bt_row][bt_column width="1/1"][bt_hr top_spaced="topSmallSpaced" bottom_spaced="not-spaced" transparent_border="noBorder" el_class="" el_style=""][/bt_hr][bt_grid number="3" columns="3" category="" category_filter="no" grid_type="classic" grid_gap="20" format="" tiles_title="no" post_type="blog" scroll_loading="yes" sticky_in_grid="no" el_class="" el_style=""][/bt_grid][/bt_column][/bt_row][/bt_section] - [Post grid six columns](https://thepositivecommunity.com/blog/post-grid-six-columns/) - [bt_section layout="wide" top_spaced="topSmallSpaced" bottom_spaced="bottomSpaced" skin="inherit" full_screen="no" vertical_align="inherit" divider="no" back_image="" back_color="" back_overlay="" back_video="" video_settings="" back_video_mp4="" back_video_ogg="" back_video_webm="" parallax="" parallax_offset="" animation="" animation_back="" animation_impress="" el_id="" el_class="" el_style=""][bt_row][bt_column width="1/1" align="center" vertical_align="inherit" border="no_border" cell_padding="default" animation="no_animation" text_indent="no_text_indent" highlight="no_highlight" background_color="" transparent="" inner_background_color="" background_image="" el_class="" el_style=""][bt_hr top_spaced="topSmallSpaced" bottom_spaced="not-spaced" transparent_border="noBorder" el_class="" el_style=""][/bt_hr][bt_grid number="6" columns="6" category="" category_filter="no" grid_type="classic" grid_gap="5" format="" tiles_title="no" post_type="blog" scroll_loading="yes" sticky_in_grid="no" el_class="" - [Post grid four columns](https://thepositivecommunity.com/blog/post-grid-four-columns/) - [bt_section layout="boxed" top_spaced="topSmallSpaced" bottom_spaced="bottomSpaced" skin="inherit" full_screen="no" vertical_align="inherit" divider="no" back_image="" back_color="" back_overlay="" back_video="" video_settings="" back_video_mp4="" back_video_ogg="" back_video_webm="" parallax="" parallax_offset="" animation="" animation_back="" animation_impress="" el_id="" el_class="" el_style=""][bt_row][bt_column width="1/1"][bt_hr top_spaced="topSmallSpaced" bottom_spaced="not-spaced" transparent_border="noBorder" el_class="" el_style=""][/bt_hr][bt_grid number="4" columns="4" category="" category_filter="no" grid_type="classic" grid_gap="20" format="" tiles_title="no" post_type="blog" scroll_loading="yes" sticky_in_grid="no" el_class="" el_style=""][/bt_grid][/bt_column][/bt_row][/bt_section] - [Post grid five columns](https://thepositivecommunity.com/blog/post-grid-five-columns/) - [bt_section layout="wide" top_spaced="topSmallSpaced" bottom_spaced="bottomSpaced" skin="inherit" full_screen="no" vertical_align="inherit" divider="no" back_image="" back_color="" back_overlay="" back_video="" video_settings="" back_video_mp4="" back_video_ogg="" back_video_webm="" parallax="" parallax_offset="" animation="" animation_back="" animation_impress="" el_id="" el_class="" el_style=""][bt_row][bt_column width="1/1" align="center" vertical_align="inherit" border="no_border" cell_padding="default" animation="no_animation" text_indent="no_text_indent" highlight="no_highlight" background_color="" transparent="" inner_background_color="" background_image="" el_class="" el_style=""][bt_grid number="5" columns="5" category="business, entertainment, food-cuisine, lifestyle, pets, popular, sport, tech, travel, urban" category_filter="yes" grid_type="classic" grid_gap="20" format="" tiles_title="no" - [Gallery tiles three columns](https://thepositivecommunity.com/gallery-grid-three-columns/gallery-tiles-three-columns/) - [bt_section layout="boxed" top_spaced="topSmallSpaced" bottom_spaced="bottomSpaced" skin="inherit" full_screen="no" vertical_align="inherit" divider="no" back_image="" back_color="" back_overlay="" back_video="" video_settings="" back_video_mp4="" back_video_ogg="" back_video_webm="" parallax="" parallax_offset="" animation="" animation_back="" animation_impress="" el_id="" el_class="" el_style=""][bt_row][bt_column width="1/1" align="left" vertical_align="inherit" border="no_border" cell_padding="default" animation="no_animation" text_indent="no_text_indent" highlight="no_highlight" background_color="" transparent="" inner_background_color="" background_image="" el_class="" el_style=""][bt_hr top_spaced="topSmallSpaced" bottom_spaced="not-spaced" transparent_border="noBorder" el_class="" el_style=""][/bt_hr][bt_grid number="6" columns="3" category="" category_filter="no" grid_type="tiled" grid_gap="20" format="11,11,11,11,11,11,21,11,21" tiles_title="yes" post_type="portfolio" scroll_loading="yes" sticky_in_grid="no" el_class="" - [Gallery tiles six columns](https://thepositivecommunity.com/gallery-grid-three-columns/gallery-tiles-six-columns/) - [bt_section layout="wide" top_spaced="not-spaced" bottom_spaced="not-spaced" skin="inherit" full_screen="no" vertical_align="inherit" divider="no" back_image="" back_color="" back_overlay="" back_video="" video_settings="" back_video_mp4="" back_video_ogg="" back_video_webm="" parallax="" parallax_offset="" animation="" animation_back="" animation_impress="" el_id="" el_class="" el_style=""][bt_row][bt_column width="1/1" align="center" vertical_align="inherit" border="no_border" cell_padding="default" animation="no_animation" text_indent="no_text_indent" highlight="no_highlight" background_color="" transparent="" inner_background_color="" background_image="" el_class="" el_style=""][bt_grid number="30" columns="6" category="" category_filter="no" grid_type="tiled" grid_gap="0" format="21,11,21,11,21,21,21,21,21,21" tiles_title="no" post_type="portfolio" scroll_loading="no" sticky_in_grid="no" el_class="" el_style=""][/bt_grid][/bt_column][/bt_row][/bt_section] - [Gallery tiles four columns no gap](https://thepositivecommunity.com/gallery-grid-three-columns/gallery-tiles-four-columns-no-gap/) - [bt_section layout="boxed" top_spaced="topSmallSpaced" bottom_spaced="bottomSpaced" skin="inherit" full_screen="no" vertical_align="inherit" divider="no" back_image="" back_color="" back_overlay="" back_video="" video_settings="" back_video_mp4="" back_video_ogg="" back_video_webm="" parallax="" parallax_offset="" animation="" animation_back="" animation_impress="" el_id="" el_class="" el_style=""][bt_row][bt_column width="1/1" align="left" vertical_align="inherit" border="no_border" cell_padding="default" animation="no_animation" text_indent="no_text_indent" highlight="no_highlight" background_color="" transparent="" inner_background_color="" background_image="" el_class="" el_style=""][bt_hr top_spaced="topSmallSpaced" bottom_spaced="not-spaced" transparent_border="noBorder" el_class="" el_style=""][/bt_hr][bt_grid number="6" columns="4" category="" category_filter="no" grid_type="tiled" grid_gap="0" format="11,21,11,21" tiles_title="no" post_type="portfolio" scroll_loading="yes" sticky_in_grid="no" el_class="" - [Gallery tiles four columns](https://thepositivecommunity.com/gallery-grid-three-columns/gallery-tiles-four-columns/) - [bt_section layout="boxed" top_spaced="topSmallSpaced" bottom_spaced="bottomSpaced" skin="inherit" full_screen="no" vertical_align="inherit" divider="no" back_image="" back_color="" back_overlay="" back_video="" video_settings="" back_video_mp4="" back_video_ogg="" back_video_webm="" parallax="" parallax_offset="" animation="" animation_back="" animation_impress="" el_id="" el_class="" el_style=""][bt_row][bt_column width="1/1" align="center" vertical_align="inherit" border="no_border" cell_padding="default" animation="no_animation" text_indent="no_text_indent" highlight="no_highlight" background_color="" transparent="" inner_background_color="" background_image="" el_class="" el_style=""][bt_hr top_spaced="topSmallSpaced" bottom_spaced="not-spaced" transparent_border="noBorder" el_class="" el_style=""][/bt_hr][bt_grid number="6" columns="4" category="" category_filter="no" grid_type="tiled" grid_gap="20" format="11,21,21" tiles_title="no" post_type="portfolio" scroll_loading="yes" sticky_in_grid="no" el_class="" - [Gallery tiles five columns](https://thepositivecommunity.com/gallery-grid-three-columns/gallery-tiles-five-columns/) - [bt_section layout="wide" top_spaced="topSmallSpaced" bottom_spaced="bottomSpaced" skin="inherit" full_screen="no" vertical_align="inherit" divider="no" back_image="" back_color="" back_overlay="" back_video="" video_settings="" back_video_mp4="" back_video_ogg="" back_video_webm="" parallax="" parallax_offset="" animation="" animation_back="" animation_impress="" el_id="" el_class="" el_style=""][bt_row][bt_column width="1/1" align="center" vertical_align="inherit" border="no_border" cell_padding="default" animation="no_animation" text_indent="no_text_indent" highlight="no_highlight" background_color="" transparent="" inner_background_color="" background_image="" el_class="" el_style=""][bt_hr top_spaced="topSmallSpaced" bottom_spaced="not-spaced" transparent_border="noBorder" el_class="" el_style=""][/bt_hr][bt_grid number="10" columns="5" category="" category_filter="yes" grid_type="tiled" grid_gap="20" format="21,11,21,11,21,11,21,11,11,21,11,21" tiles_title="no" post_type="portfolio" scroll_loading="yes" sticky_in_grid="no" el_class="" - [Gallery grid six columns](https://thepositivecommunity.com/gallery-grid-three-columns/gallery-grid-six-columns/) - [bt_section layout="wide" top_spaced="topSmallSpaced" bottom_spaced="bottomSpaced" skin="inherit" full_screen="no" vertical_align="inherit" divider="no" back_image="" back_color="" back_overlay="" back_video="" video_settings="" back_video_mp4="" back_video_ogg="" back_video_webm="" parallax="" parallax_offset="" animation="" animation_back="" animation_impress="" el_id="" el_class="" el_style=""][bt_row][bt_column width="1/1" align="center" vertical_align="inherit" border="no_border" cell_padding="default" animation="no_animation" text_indent="no_text_indent" highlight="no_highlight" background_color="" transparent="" inner_background_color="" background_image="" el_class="" el_style=""][bt_hr top_spaced="topSmallSpaced" bottom_spaced="not-spaced" transparent_border="noBorder" el_class="" el_style=""][/bt_hr][bt_grid number="12" columns="6" category="" category_filter="no" grid_type="classic" grid_gap="20" format="" tiles_title="no" post_type="portfolio" scroll_loading="yes" sticky_in_grid="no" el_class="" - [Gallery grid four columns with filter](https://thepositivecommunity.com/gallery-grid-three-columns/gallery-grid-four-columns-with-filter/) - [bt_section layout="boxed" top_spaced="topSmallSpaced" bottom_spaced="bottomSpaced" skin="inherit" full_screen="no" vertical_align="inherit" divider="no" back_image="" back_color="" back_overlay="" back_video="" video_settings="" back_video_mp4="" back_video_ogg="" back_video_webm="" parallax="" parallax_offset="" animation="" animation_back="" animation_impress="" el_id="" el_class="" el_style=""][bt_row][bt_column width="1/1" align="center" vertical_align="inherit" border="no_border" cell_padding="default" animation="no_animation" text_indent="no_text_indent" highlight="no_highlight" background_color="" transparent="" inner_background_color="" background_image="" el_class="" el_style=""][bt_hr top_spaced="topSmallSpaced" bottom_spaced="not-spaced" transparent_border="noBorder" el_class="" el_style=""][/bt_hr][bt_grid number="8" columns="4" category="" category_filter="yes" grid_type="classic" grid_gap="20" format="" tiles_title="no" post_type="portfolio" scroll_loading="yes" sticky_in_grid="no" el_class="" - [Gallery grid five columns](https://thepositivecommunity.com/gallery-grid-three-columns/gallery-grid-five-columns/) - [bt_section layout="wide" top_spaced="topSmallSpaced" bottom_spaced="bottomSpaced" skin="inherit" full_screen="no" vertical_align="inherit" divider="no" back_image="" back_color="" back_overlay="" back_video="" video_settings="" back_video_mp4="" back_video_ogg="" back_video_webm="" parallax="" parallax_offset="" animation="" animation_back="" animation_impress="" el_id="" el_class="" el_style=""][bt_row][bt_column width="1/1" align="center" vertical_align="inherit" border="no_border" cell_padding="default" animation="no_animation" text_indent="no_text_indent" highlight="no_highlight" background_color="" transparent="" inner_background_color="" background_image="" el_class="" el_style=""][bt_hr top_spaced="topSmallSpaced" bottom_spaced="not-spaced" transparent_border="noBorder" el_class="" el_style=""][/bt_hr][bt_grid number="10" columns="5" category="" category_filter="yes" grid_type="classic" grid_gap="20" format="" tiles_title="no" post_type="portfolio" scroll_loading="yes" sticky_in_grid="no" el_class="" - [Gallery grid four columns](https://thepositivecommunity.com/gallery-grid-three-columns/gallery-grid-four-columns/) - [bt_section layout="boxed" top_spaced="topSmallSpaced" bottom_spaced="bottomSpaced" skin="inherit" full_screen="no" vertical_align="inherit" divider="no" back_image="" back_color="" back_overlay="" back_video="" video_settings="" back_video_mp4="" back_video_ogg="" back_video_webm="" parallax="" parallax_offset="" animation="" animation_back="" animation_impress="" el_id="" el_class="" el_style=""][bt_row][bt_column width="1/1" align="center" vertical_align="inherit" border="no_border" cell_padding="default" animation="no_animation" text_indent="no_text_indent" highlight="no_highlight" background_color="" transparent="" inner_background_color="" background_image="" el_class="" el_style=""][bt_hr top_spaced="topSmallSpaced" bottom_spaced="not-spaced" transparent_border="noBorder" el_class="" el_style=""][/bt_hr][bt_grid number="8" columns="4" category="" category_filter="no" grid_type="classic" grid_gap="20" format="" tiles_title="no" post_type="portfolio" scroll_loading="yes" sticky_in_grid="no" el_class="" - [Galleries](https://thepositivecommunity.com/gallery-grid-three-columns/) - [bt_section layout="boxed" top_spaced="topSmallSpaced" bottom_spaced="bottomSpaced" skin="inherit" full_screen="no" vertical_align="inherit" divider="no" back_image="" back_color="" back_overlay="" back_video="" video_settings="" back_video_mp4="" back_video_ogg="" back_video_webm="" parallax="" parallax_offset="" animation="" animation_back="" animation_impress="" el_id="" el_class="" el_style=""][bt_row][bt_column width="1/1" align="center" vertical_align="inherit" border="no_border" cell_padding="default" animation="no_animation" text_indent="no_text_indent" highlight="no_highlight" background_color="" transparent="" inner_background_color="" background_image="" el_class="" el_style=""][bt_hr top_spaced="topSmallSpaced" bottom_spaced="not-spaced" transparent_border="noBorder" el_class="" el_style=""][/bt_hr][bt_grid number="6" columns="3" category="" category_filter="yes" grid_type="classic" grid_gap="20" format="" tiles_title="no" post_type="portfolio" scroll_loading="yes" sticky_in_grid="no" el_class="" - [Gallery single](https://thepositivecommunity.com/gallery-grid-three-columns/gallery-single/) - [bt_section layout="boxed" top_spaced="not-spaced" bottom_spaced="not-spaced" skin="inherit" full_screen="no" vertical_align="inherit" divider="no" back_image="" back_color="" back_overlay="" back_video="" video_settings="" back_video_mp4="" back_video_ogg="" back_video_webm="" parallax="" parallax_offset="" animation="" animation_back="" animation_impress="" el_id="" el_class="" el_style=""][/bt_section] - [Testimonials](https://thepositivecommunity.com/testimonials/) - Our wonderful customers are the reason we’re in business. Here are some of the great things they’ve said about us. We’ll do everything we can to make sure you’re a satisfied customer, too! Insert an amazing testimonial here. — Jane Doe - [FAQ](https://thepositivecommunity.com/faq/) - For your convenience, our most common customer questions are answered right here. Not finding what you want? Reach out directly through our Contact Us page. Q: Add questions here. A: Add answers here. - [Post single](https://thepositivecommunity.com/blog/post-single/) - [bt_section layout="boxed" top_spaced="not-spaced" bottom_spaced="not-spaced" skin="inherit" full_screen="no" vertical_align="inherit" divider="no" back_image="" back_color="" back_overlay="" back_video="" video_settings="" back_video_mp4="" back_video_ogg="" back_video_webm="" parallax="" parallax_offset="" animation="" animation_back="" animation_impress="" el_id="" el_class="" el_style=""][bt_row][/bt_row][/bt_section] - [Cart](https://thepositivecommunity.com/cart/) - [bt_section layout="boxed" top_spaced="topSmallSpaced" bottom_spaced="bottomSemiSpaced" skin="inherit" full_screen="no" vertical_align="inherit" divider="no" back_image="" back_color="" back_overlay="" back_video="" video_settings="" back_video_mp4="" back_video_ogg="" back_video_webm="" parallax="" parallax_offset="" animation="" animation_back="" animation_impress="" el_id="" el_class="" el_style=""][bt_row][bt_column width="1/1" align="left" vertical_align="inherit" border="no_border" cell_padding="default" animation="no_animation" text_indent="no_text_indent" highlight="no_highlight" background_color="" transparent="" inner_background_color="" background_image="" el_class="" el_style=""][woocommerce_cart][/woocommerce_cart][/bt_column][/bt_row][/bt_section] - 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Be Cleare Allen](https://thepositivecommunity.com/videos/talena-skye-mama-ft-be-cleare-allen/) - This video is a tribute to our moms who went home to be with the Lord due to a battle with cancer. My message to anyone who lost their mom's or anyone dear to them in anyway, please never give up on God! Sometimes grief can be so strong that we wanna cry everyday from - [Here Comes Good News!](https://thepositivecommunity.com/videos/here-comes-good-news/) - "Blessed Are The Feet That Carry Good News" - Romans 10:14-15 The Positive Community has delivered good news to the church and community for over 20 years. - [WOW! Detroit Youth Choir Puts Spin on "High Hopes" By Panic! At The Disco - America's Got Talent](https://thepositivecommunity.com/videos/wow-detroit-youth-choir-puts-spin-on-high-hopes-by-panic-at-the-disco-americas-got-talent/) - Mr. White and the Detroit Youth Choir deliver a POWERFUL cover of "High Hopes" by Panic! At The Disco with awesome choreography. - [FKAJazz - Supreme Love | Sofar NYC](https://thepositivecommunity.com/videos/fkajazz-supreme-love-sofar-nyc/) - FKAJazz performing “Supreme Love” at Sofar NYC on Wednesday, December 5, 2018. - [You'll Never Walk Alone - Young People's Chorus of New York City from Heroes, a new Virtual Album](https://thepositivecommunity.com/videos/youll-never-walk-alone-young-peoples-chorus-of-new-york-city-from-heroes-a-new-virtual-album/) - [Keedron Bryant and @demjointz - I JUST WANNA LIVE (TCL Extended Version) WOW!!!](https://thepositivecommunity.com/videos/keedron-bryant-and-demjointz-i-just-wanna-live-tcl-extended-version-wow/) - [#Sing1Voice - Young People's Chorus of New York City](https://thepositivecommunity.com/videos/sing1voice-young-peoples-chorus-of-new-york-city/) - [Kirk Franklin's "Smile" - Young People's Chorus of New York City](https://thepositivecommunity.com/videos/kirk-franklins-smile-young-peoples-chorus-of-new-york-city/) - ["Let There Be Peace On Earth" - Oakland Interfaith Youth Choir](https://thepositivecommunity.com/videos/let-there-be-peace-on-earth-oakland-interfaith-youth-choir/) - [GBCMV_200 Women Choir - "Now I'm On My Way" 051919](https://thepositivecommunity.com/videos/gbcmv_200-women-choir-now-im-on-my-way-051919/) - [I Know a Man - Abyssinian Baptist Church Choir](https://thepositivecommunity.com/videos/i-know-a-man-abyssinian-baptist-church-choir/) - The Cathedral Choir of The Abyssinian Baptist Church in the City of New York ministers "I Know a Man" by Rev. Gabriel Hardeman. - [It's All About You Dr. Rev. Stef and Jubilation](https://thepositivecommunity.com/videos/its-all-about-you-dr-rev-stef-and-jubilation/) ## Categories - [Uncategorized](https://thepositivecommunity.com/category/uncategorized/) - [FEATURED](https://thepositivecommunity.com/category/featured/) - [LATEST](https://thepositivecommunity.com/category/latest/) - [HEALTH](https://thepositivecommunity.com/category/health/) - [MONEY](https://thepositivecommunity.com/category/money/) - [NEWS](https://thepositivecommunity.com/category/news/) - [ENTERTAINMENT](https://thepositivecommunity.com/category/entertainment/) - [EDUCATION](https://thepositivecommunity.com/category/education/) - [CULTURE](https://thepositivecommunity.com/category/culture/) - [PUBLISHER](https://thepositivecommunity.com/category/publisher/) - [ARCHIVE](https://thepositivecommunity.com/category/archive/) - [GRADS](https://thepositivecommunity.com/category/grads/) - [SERMON](https://thepositivecommunity.com/category/sermon/) - [COVID-19](https://thepositivecommunity.com/category/covid-19/) - 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