Christian Times - August 2018

P2 August 19 - 31, 2018

August 19 - 31, 2018 P3

Kofi Annan,

Former UN Chief,

Dies at 80

After a brief illness, Kofi Annan, the only peacekeeping
Black African to become UN secretary‐general,
passed away peacefully on August 18th in and fighting
Switzerland, where he had been living for several
years. Annan served two terms as UN chief from poverty, setting Former Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and Former U.N. Secretary-General
1997 to 2006, and was awarded a Nobel Peace the framework Kofi Annan at the 100th Celebration of the birth of Nelson Mandela in Johannesburg,
Prize for his humanitarian work. for its 21st Cen‐ South Africa last month.

As Secretary‐General, Annan reformed the tury response to
UN bureaucracy, worked to combat HIV (espe‐
cially in Africa), and launched the UN Global mass atrocities and its emphasis on human rights his death, the Foundation paid tribute to Annan
Compact. One of the world’s most celebrated
diplomats and a charismatic symbol of the UN and development. as a “global statesman and a deeply committed
who rose through its ranks, Mr. Annan presided
over some of the worst failures and scandals at Mr. Annan was a founding member of The internationalist who fought throughout his life
the world body. Challenges from the outset
forced him to spend much of his time struggling Elders, a humanitarian group of a dozen leaders for a fairer, more peaceful world.”
to restore its tarnished reputation. When he de‐
parted from the UN, he left behind a global or‐ and activists of worldwide stature formed by “During his distinguished career and leader‐
ganization far more aggressively engaged in
Nelson Mandela in 2007; in 2013, Annan be‐ ship of the United Nations, he was an ardent

came its chairman. After leaving the UN, he champion of peace, sustainable development,

also founded the Kofi Annan Foundation in 2007 human rights and the rule of law.”

to work on international development, promot‐ Annan is survived by his wife Nane and chil‐

ing good governance and the transformation of dren, Ama, Kojo, and Nina, all of whom sur‐

African agriculture, and he remained a powerful rounded him during his final days. His home

advocate for global causes. country of Ghana has declared a week of na‐

In a statement posted on Twitter confirming tional mourning.

I Had a Dream . . . Aretha Franklin

By A. Curtis Farrow I had a dream … it was a big dream. One her to do anything else – all while the audi‐
that everyone around me told me was im‐ ence was still screaming for more.
President/CEO, Irving Street Rep possible. That one of the world’s greatest
gifts from God and one of the world’s great‐ I will treasure the late‐night emails and
Prudential Center Arena, 2013 est singers would come back to her gospel texts that would come with ideas, asking me
roots and do three sold‐out gospel shows at about different gospel artists as well as her
Madison Square Garden. critique on different performances. And by
the way, she did an encore for me in 2013 at
This formed my relationship with the the Prudential Center arena to 18,000
great Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin. She screaming fans. There’s never been an artist
was by far the most professional and tal‐ that I can remember who could do pop, soul,
ented artist that I’ve ever worked with in my R&B, and still come back and do an all gospel
life. Not only did she go onstage all three show and be accepted as the Queen.
nights and giver her best, to the absolute
rapture of the audience, but as she would The heavenly choir is welcoming another
leave the stage each night, she would come legendary performer. The world is in mourn‐
directly to me and say, “Is that good, ing, and rightfully so, because Aretha Louise
sweetie? Is there anything else you need me Franklin was truly the Queen and left a blue‐
to do?” Needless to say, I would be floored print for present and future divas to follow.
each night because I couldn’t believe the She was always professional, always a per‐
Queen herself was right before me, in the fectionist, and always a brilliant performer
physical; and with all of her hits and suc‐ who was eager to please.
cesses that she was asking me if I needed
Thank you, Aretha, for making my
dreams come true.

P4 August 19 - 31, 2018

BY J. EDWARD STYLZE are indeed powerful, professional live by. ization that would respond to the
An organization of power and influential Black women of di‐ As the name suggests, The needs and aspirations of Black
verse backgrounds purposeful in women, The Links started its first
women numbering some 15,000 their drive and conviction to be Links, Incorporated is a bond of
strong and occupying space in 41 linked in friendship and connected friendship. An organization of pro‐ Dr. Kimberly Jeffries Leonard
states, the District of Columbia, the in service. It’s their mantra, their fessional women founded in 1946 – club in Philadelphia, and has rapidly
Bahamas and the United Kingdom slogan and the very words that they back when most schools in America grown to become the organization
call themselves The Links. These were still segregated, Blacks were it is today. Strickland Scott was its
forced to ride in the back of the bus first national president, Hawkins
in Montgomery and elsewhere, and
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was still Dr. Donna Jones
at Morehouse College.

As one of the nation’s oldest
and largest volunteer service organ‐
izations, The Links contributes in ex‐
cess of one million hours of
community engagement and serv‐
ice each year, and over the years
has donated tens of millions of dol‐
lars to worthwhile causes. With
more than 280 chapters, this cut‐
ting‐edge organization of extraordi‐
nary women is helping to transform
America and the world. They affirm
their commitment to enriching,
sustaining, and ensuring the cul‐
tural and economic growth and sur‐
vival of people of color and the
global African community.

First conceived in 1945 by two
friends, Margaret Roselle Hawkins
and Sarah Strickland Scott, the or‐
ganization started the following
year as the young Philadelphian vi‐
sionaries brought together friends
of like minds. Envisioning an organ‐

REV. DENNIS A. DILLON President / Publisher The Christian Times is published in Brooklyn, New York. We welcome
KAREN COX Vice President / Senior Editor your letters to the editor, news, information and articles of interest to the
REV. PATRICIA LEE Christian community.
BASHA RIDDICK
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(718) 638-NEWS The Christian Times is not affiliated with any specific church or church or-
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1990 - 2018 Celebrating 28 Years of Journalistic Excellence

August 19 - 31, 2018 P5

Members of the Greater
New York Chapter, The
Links, Incorproated, ITS
facet committee traveled to
Haiti for the dedication of
four water wells in Croix
des Missions. In addition to
the well dedications, the six
Greater New York Link
members had the
opportunity to welcome the
second cohort of women to
join the “Links to Helping
and Healing in Haiti”
program.

the second, and Dr. Kimberly Jeffries Jones is an education administrator who currently we lead our collective works as an organization. We
Leonard is the current president for
an organization that has a member‐ serves as the Deputy Superintendent of Schools for are highly motivated and deedly driven by our passion
ship of women covering an array of
disciplines that include news anchors, the Patchogue School District. This audacious woman to love and to serve,” she explained.
attorneys, educators, CEO’s, health‐
care professionals, clergy, politicians, of faith, conviction and courage who doesn’t shy away Jones fits in nicely with The Links. She is herself a
and entrepreneurs.
from a challenge, was recently elected President of highly motivated woman of faith. A trustee at Greater
Jeffries Leonard is the organiza‐
tion’s 17th national president and the Greater New York Chapter. From Harlem to Haiti, Allen Cathedral in Jamaica, Queens, this single mother
brings with her a wealth of knowledge
and experience in public health and this chapter is actively engaged in helping to trans‐ raised four highly successful children all while working
organizational development. At the
organization’s 41st national assembly form the lives fo young people and guiding a series of and continuing her graduate and postgraduate de‐
held in Indianapolis, Indiana, the
newly elected president challenged programs and activities in their ongoing commitment grees.
her fellow Links to be the gatekeepers
of justice and the models for service to make the world a better place. “God gets the glory for my accomplishments, and
in the community. “We are in a sea‐
son like no other and we must step The Links is much about friendship. Women while there is no direct religious definition of our or‐
forward boldly and strategically on the
issues we address and the battles we bonding and getting to know and grow with each ganization, The Links is an organization of god‐fearing
must fight,” she explained.
other. According to Donna Jones, out of their core women who are demonstrating the power of con‐
The Greater New York Chapter of
Links, Incorporated is in the forefront tenets there raises a bond to support and encourage necting, the pleasure of service in our pledge to trans‐
of these issues. As one of the oldest
chapters, New York Links are active in each other. “We support the work of each other as form,” Jones contends.
their commitment to public informa‐
tion, the arts, education, economic
development and public policies.

But at the core is the bond of
friendship and the fact that each Link
(member) commits a required num‐
ber of hours each year to community
service. “My initial encounters with
The Links endeared my involvement.
I was so impressed with the work of
the organization, I had to join – and 10
years later, I am happy and have no re‐
grets,” shared Dr. Donna Jones.

P6 August 19 - 31, 2018

Gospel The atmosphere was filled with Globe Star Media‐N‐Entertainment lowed by Judah Camp, Christian Cul‐
@ anticipation and great expectation as and Make Music New York, the emcee tural Center, and Sunday Best winner
thousands gathered in Brooklyn’s for the night was Niecy Tribbett of Geoffrey Golden, who showed us why
Wingate Park for what promised to be WLIB as well as Toney Tone, who filled he was indeed “The Sunday Best.”
a powerful night of praise and spread‐ in the gaps playing the best of gospel
ing the good news of Jesus Christ music. The rest of the evening featured
through the sounds of gospel music. the ministry of Bryan Courtney Wil‐
Divine Connections opened the son, Vashawn Mitchell, Jonathan Nel‐
Hosted by Brooklyn Borough Pres‐ concert – and those sopranos let you son, Charles Jenkins, William Murphy
ident Eric Adams and organized by know they were “in the building”, fol‐ lll, and JJ Hairston. As a writer one

Wingate

Park: (top left) Divine Connections, (top right) William
Murphy, (bottom left) CCC Choir
A Night to
Remember PG. 7
(top row) Rich Tolbert with JJ Hairston & Youthful
by Dr. Gee Praise; Senator Jesse Hamilton, Stanley Brown,
and WLIB’s Niecy Tribbett; Veronica, JJ Hairston,
PHOTO BY CARMEN DAVIS Dr. Gee, Melaine Rochford
(bottom row) DJ Tony Tone, Jonathan Nelson,
Jules Bartholemew & Judah Camp, Vashawn
Mitchell

August 19 - 31, 2018 P7

should never be biased, but every‐ ably would have been all over the Murphy III, and JJ Hairston in ac‐ An anointing spread over
one has their favorites – and mine place! knowledgment of their contribution Wingate field through the ministry
just happens to be all of them! But to the gospel music industry. Also, of the various psalmists, and I be‐
I must say one thing If that young Borough President Eric Adams last but not least, producer, writer, lieve it will never be the same again.
man Rich Tolbert, with JJ Hairston and NYS Senator Jesse Hamilton and musician extraordinaire Stanley When all was said and done, I can
and Youthful Praise sang even one (20th S.D.) presented proclama‐ Brown was also honored, so deserv‐ truly say ... what a night.
more note, bad knee and all, I prob‐ tions, as well as Brooklyn Nets jack‐ ing and humble to boot.
ets, to Vashawn Mitchell, William – PHOTOS BY DUANE PHOTOGRAPHY

P8 August 19 - 31, 2018

August 19 - 31, 2018 P9

Five months ago, on March 23, Fatima Kyari Mohammed respectfully presented
her letter of appointment to UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres. This sagacious
woman from Borno, Nigeria comes to the United Nations laden with passion, courage

and conviction for an Africa she loves and a motherland that she is deeply
committed to help transform. The daughter of a diplomat, Mohammed is
the African Union’s ambassador to the United Nations, officially titled as
Permanent Observer for African Union.

Established in 2001, the African Union, a coalition of all 55 African coun‐
tries as an outgrowth of the OAU (Organization of African Unity), continues
to fortify its mandate to accelerate the progress of integration and global economic

revival in the continent’s self‐interest. While the former
OAU was heavily focused on ridding the continent of the
vestiges of colonization, apartheid and economic strangu‐
lation, the African Union is now seeking to address the so‐
cial, economic, and political problems facing the continent,
to engage the African diaspora as a sixth regional economic
community, and to fast track the continent’s development
by expanding research in key areas with a strong focus on science
and technology.
Ms. Mohammed comes to this post with the kind of knowledge
and experience to foster this agenda. The holder of three Master’s de‐
grees, including an MBA and a degree in Peace, Security Development
and Conflict Transformation, this former special adviser to the Economic
Community of West African States and the founder of Like Minds Project is not only
thoroughly equipped, she is fully ready, dutifully willing, and solidly able.
African diplomacy is taking a big leap and African women are shapers in the
redevelopment and redefining of Africa. Mohammed’s counterpart, the hon‐
orable Dr. Arikana Chihombori‐Quao, the African Union’s Ambassador to the
United States, and these two women are clearly trailblazers and transfor‐
mational pioneers alongside other women who are together helping to
transform our world.
“It is our obligation to collectively and proactively engage in the work of
transformation. And my vision for our continent is a prosperous Africa where
its citizens can live in security and dignity in an inclusive environment where
collective responsibility and accountable institutions foster peace and stabil‐
ity,” Mohammed shared.
In Harlem, a mother of five stalwart sons blazes a similar path for her
people and community. This courageous champion of class, sassiness and
charisma is a force of faith and ecclesiastical impact, and a source of power and
resilience. Rev. Dr. Renee Frances Washington Gardner is a preacher, a distin‐
guished woman, and a well sought‐after pulpiteer who has been serving in ministry
for almost 30 years.
Washington Gardner was ordained by her late husband, Rev. Dr. Preston Wash‐
ington, in 1995, and became the first woman called to lead a Baptist Church in
Harlem. She was also the first woman moderator for a Baptist association in New
York. This Brooklyn native, who holds a Master’s degree from New York Theological
Seminary, is a true transformer, noted among New York’s most influential Black
women of the pulpit.

hether it’s international diplomacy, the pulpit, the halls of government,

business, health care, media or entertainment, women moving about New

York – in stilettos or sneakers, by subway or private cars, wearing cleric robes,

uniforms or jeans – are standing strong with their male counterparts, trans‐

forming our world and manifesting the fullness of woman power.

As Harlem Week and the Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce pay tribute

to women, The Christian Times highlights this small list of 44 that represents the mil‐

lions of New York area women that are transforming our world. next page ...

P 10 August 19 - 31, 2018

REV. DR. SHON T. ADKINS boroughs and the metropolitan area. Prior to joining Jazzmobile, Ms.
A woman of vision who is known as a Bell‐Stevens served as Director of Marketing and Creative Services for
“Pastor’s Pastor,” Rev. Dr. Shon T. Adkins Jazz at Lincoln Center, the largest not‐for‐profit arts organization commit‐
is committed to supporting the health ted to promoting appreciation and understanding of jazz. She grew up
and wellbeing of clergy. As a Life Coach, in a family that encouraged the importance of education, music, arts and
she imparts truth and encourages those giving back to their community, and is very active in a number of com‐
both in the church and outside its walls munity organizations.
with cutting‐edge approaches to whole‐
ness and success. Revered for her multi‐ LIZ BLACK
faceted leadership, love, compassion and Liz brings sunshine and happiness to listen‐
integrity, she has faithfully and fearlessly served for the past 13 years as ers throughout the tri‐state area on Sunday
the Senior Pastor of Antioch Baptist Church, in Harlem, New York, where on 107.5 WBLS from 7am to 8m, and on
she was licensed to preach under her father and pastor, the late Rev. Dr. 1190 WLIB from 12pm to 3pm. This year’s
Alfloyd Alston. A vibrant, inspirational and influential servant of both the Stellar Award winner or Radio Personality
church and her community, “Pastor Shon”, as she is affectionately known, of the Year, she can also be heard Monday
envisions her ministry as one of effectively and efficiently making an im‐ thru Friday, 7pm to midnight, on WMCA
pact in the lives of whomever she meets. 570AM. A native New Yorker, Liz’s journey
into the entertainment arena is rooted in
TOYA BEASLEY her gift of gab. Since she was a toddler, she
Toya is the on‐air personality and host of was very vocal, and by the age of 5 she’d al‐
Radio 103.9FM’s Inspire U, heard every ready developed a passion for emceeing talent shows and other events.
Sunday morning from 8am to 11am. She She started her career as a model appearing in TV commercials and bill‐
is also CEO and Founder of TLB Consult‐ board ads, subsequently auditioning for various television roles. After
ing, a firm specializing in radio, television, her spiritual rebirth in 1990, she committed herself to the ministry of
special events, and talent management. kingdom building. She began honing her “talking” skills while touring
Prior to joining Radio 103.9FM, Ms. with the Al Dixon Life Games, a group of athletes determined to make a
Beasley was the well‐loved voice of 98.7 difference in the lives of young people. In 2001, she founded New Mer‐
KISS‐FM, hosting the city’s number one cies Café, a gospel experience and showcase, from which the very popular
Sunday morning gospel program, KISS Inspirations as well as the weekday Liz Black & Friends Gospel Variety Show was a spinoff. Throughout the
gospel show Morning Glory; she also served as the station’s Program Di‐ years, Liz has worked with the likes of radio veteran Kevin Cottrell of
rector for 10 years. She is also CEO and Founder of TLB Consulting, a firm Salem Communications, Donnie McClurkin and Hezekiah Walker. She is
specializing in radio, television, special events and talent management; the founder of the Gospel Artist Network, which she established to men‐
and she is the creator and executive producer of the annual Stellar tor independent artists. In addition to all that she does, this prayer war‐
Women of Gospel Awards, honoring outstanding women in the gospel rior hosts a weekly corporate prayer conference call that is lead by
music industry. Additionally, Toy is also founder and CEO of SistaFriendz, dynamic ministry leaders. Her favorite scripture is Philippians 4:13, “I can
a nonprofit organization established to educate, equip and empower do everything through Christ who strengthens me,” and she uses this as
women and young ladies for success in their personal and professional
lives. While her professional accomplishments are many, nothing drives her mantra as she goes about her daily
her more than her passion for God and His people. She works diligently ministry of talking to the masses.
to communicate that passion into the urban community.
GALE BREWER
ROBIN BELL-STEVENS Ms. Brewer is the 27th Borough Presi‐
A talented administrator, marketing executive, dent of Manhattan. Since she took office
fundraiser and producer of concerts and special in 2014, she has successfully passed leg‐
events, Robin Bell‐Stevens currently serves as Di‐ islation to reform the deed restriction
rector of Jazzmobile, Inc., the oldest not‐for‐profit process, add “caregivers” to the city’s
arts organization created solely to present, pre‐ anti‐discrimination law, removed crimi‐
serve and promote America’s Classical music, Jazz nal history questions from initial employ‐
through education and performance programs. ment applications, and enforced
Jazzmobile has earned a reputation for presenting requirements for street numbers on buildings in Manhattan (to aid emer‐
quality free arts education programs throughout gency workers). Previously, she served on the City Council for 12 years,
the community in New York City schools and free during which time the Council passed her legislation guaranteeing paid
summer mobile jazz concerts throughout the five sick leave for most hourly employees, requiring all City data to be pub‐
lished online, and protecting domestic workers from abusive practices.

August 19 - 31, 2018 P 11

DR. JOANNA CHIKWE the people has allowed her to become an effective leader and an outspo‐
Dr. Chikwe serves as the chief of the Cardio‐ ken advocate on numerous issues of great importance to her con‐
thoracic Surgery Division at Stony Brook stituents.
Medicine and director of the Stony Brook
Heart Institute, leading a multidisciplinary FAITH HOPE CONSOLO
team that works closely with cardiologists Recognized worldwide as the “Queen of
and vascular surgeons to provide evaluation Retail,” Faith Hope Consolo is renowned
of the full spectrum of treatment options to for her expertise as a consultant and re‐
patients with structural and ischemic heart tail broker who has been instrumental in
disease. To date, she has performed over revitalizing and sculpting retail corridors
2,000 cardiac surgeries, of which most involved heart valve procedures. across the nation and beyond. As Chair‐
She is one of a handful of U.S. surgeons with advanced training in both man of Douglas Elliman’s Retail Group,
reconstructive valve surgery and less invasive cardiac surgery techniques. Ms. Consolo is responsible for the most
Her aim is to use valve repair to preserve natural valve tissue wherever successful commercial division of New
possible, using smaller incisions to improve recovery, as well as off‐pump York City’s largest residential real estate
surgery to avoid cardiopulmonary bypass for selected coronary bypass brokerage firm. Her understanding of the industry and expertise of the
procedures. Dr. Chikwe received her medical degree from Oxford Uni‐ retail landscape enable her to strategize with retailers throughout the
versity in the United Kingdom. After completing her residence in London, country from unveiling national expansions to the debuts of flagship
she completed an advanced fellowship at Mount Sinai Medical Center in stores in locations spanning global capitals to suburban power centers.
New York City, where she was their first female cardiac surgeon and In recent years, Faith has taken on some of the largest retail portfolios in
served as the Chair of the Department of Cardiovascular Surgery. New York’s rising neighborhoods, including Harlem. Her leases have
added value to the properties while having a positive impact on the lives
DARCEL CLARK of neighborhood residents.
Darcel Clark became the 13th District Attor‐
ney for Bronx County on January 1, 2016 – REV. DR. SUZAN JOHNSON COOK
the first woman in that position and the first From 1983 to 1996, Johnson Cook, affec‐
African American woman to be a District At‐ tionately known as “Rev. SuJay,” served as
torney in the State of New York. Prior to her the senior pastor at New York’s Mariner’s
election, she spent more than 16 years on Temple Baptist Church and a professor at
the bench, serving in the Supreme Court Ap‐ New York Theological Seminary from 1988
pellate Division, the NYS Supreme Court in to 1996. In 1990, she became the first fe‐
Bronx County, and as a Criminal Court Judge male and African American to be named
in Bronx and New York Counties. DA Clark is NYPD’s chaplain, a position she held for 21
a lifelong resident of the Bronx, raised in pub‐ years. In 1993, she earned a White House fellowship, advising President
lic housing and educated in public schools. Bill Clinton on a range of domestic issues; he later appointed her to serve
Throughout her career in public service, this Howard University Law on his National Initiative on Race as his only faith advisor. Near the end
School graduate has endeavored to earn the trust of the people of the of her service to the Clinton Administration, she founded the Bronx Chris‐
Bronx. Her mission as the Bronx District Attorney is “pursuing justice with tian Fellowship Baptist Church, serving as its senior pastor until 2010. In
integrity.” 2002, she also became the first woman to serve as president of the
Hampton University Ministers’ Conference. In 2010, President Barack
REP. YVETTE D. CLARKE Obama appointed Johnson Cook to be the U.S. ambassador‐at‐large for
As the representative of the Ninth Congressional International Religious Freedom, making her the first woman and first
District of New York, Yvette Clarke has dedicated African American to hold this position.
herself to continuing the legacy of excellence es‐
tablished by the late Shirley Chisholm, the first COUNCIL MEMBER LAURIE A. CUMBO
African American woman and Caribbean Ameri‐ The first African American woman to serve
can elected to Congress. Prior to being elected as the Majority Leader for the New York
to the House of Representatives, Clarke – a City Council (appointed in January 2018),
Brooklyn native proud of her Jamaican heritage Ms. Cumbo proudly represents the 35th
– served on the NYC Council, representing the Council District, which includes Fort
40th District in Brooklyn. She succeeded her pioneering mother, Dr. Una Greene, Clinton Hill, Prospect Heights, and
S. T. Clarke, making them the first mother‐daughter succession in the his‐ parts of Crown Heights and Bedford‐
tory of the City Council. As an activist, a community organizer and now Stuyvesant in Brooklyn. Prior to serving in
a legislator, Congresswoman Clarke’s boldness, compassion and love for
continued next page

P 12 August 19 - 31, 2018

the City Council, Ms. Cumbo worked and contributed to the growth and EVANGELIST TIMINEY FIGUEROA
development of Prospect Park, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Brook‐ A fifth‐generation preacher born to
lyn Museum, and the Brooklyn Children’s Museum. She also served as a Bishop Eric R. Figueroa, Sr. and Evangelist
Graduate Professor at Pratt Institute for a decade in the Arts and Cultural Doreen Figueroa, pastors of New Life Tab‐
Management Program. Combining her academic training with her cultural ernacle located in Brooklyn, NY, Evangel‐
experiences, Ms. Combo founded Brooklyn’s first Museum of Contempo‐ ist Timiney has ministered with some of
rary African Diasporan Arts (MoCADA) in 1999. In 2013, she successfully gospel music’s most notable artists, in‐
ran for public office and was appointed to chair the prestigious Women’s cluding Bishop Hezekiah Walker and the
Issues Committee. She has remained a strong fighter and advocate for Love Fellowship Choir, Kurt Carr and the
raising the minimum wage, pay equity, breaking the cycles of domestic Kurt Carr Singers, Tasha Cobbs, and many
violence, and successfully championed for the implementation of the others. In 2009, she received her calling
New York City Paid Family Leave policy. She sponsored and passed legis‐ to preach the gospel and was ordained as
lation to create the first‐ever citywide Minority and Women‐Owned Busi‐ an Evangelist. Her public ministry has
nesses Task Force. been committed to changing the lives of others not only through song
but through the preached Word of God as well. Experiencing the per‐
SISTER CAMILLE D’ARIENZO plexity of life’s challenges, conflicts and changes as a woman, Timiney
Sister Camille is a Sister of Mercy of the saw the need to create an open and diverse forum for women of all ages,
Institute of the Americas, living in the denominations and nationalities. In 2012, Timiney founded and serves
Diocese of Brooklyn, NY. Her experience as Executive Director of the G.R.O.W. (Godly Remnant of Overcoming
with the New York media includes 39 Women) Movement, designed to inspire natural and spiritual develop‐
years as a religion commentator for 1010 ment in the lives of all women with the mission to challenge women to
WINS Radio. A biweekly columnist for remain faithful in service and love to God, their families, themselves, each
The National Catholic Reporter, she has other and the world community.
long interacted with media professionals,
serving as consultant to journalists and REV. DR. ELAINE FLAKE
broadcasters. Her public positions on Fondly called Rev. Elaine by the Greater
matters of social justice have won her nu‐ Allen Cathedral congregation, she has
merous awards, including two honorary doctorates. Founder of the Cher‐ long been recognized as a powerful
ish Life Circle, she is widely known for her efforts to end capital preacher, teacher and role model with a
punishment and for the circulation of a Declaration of Life, which allows gift for reaching worshippers of all ages.
individuals to affirm their opposition to the death penalty. Sister Camille She co‐pastors GAC (officially since 1999)
lectures and leads retreats throughout the country on the challenge of with her husband, Rev. Dr. Floyd H. Flake,
reconciliation in an unforgiving world. and they founded the Allen Christian
School in 1982, a leading Christian edu‐
REV. DR. QUE ENGLISH cational institution which provided a
Named 1 of 25 most influential women in competitive education and special curriculum for young Christians grade
the Bronx, Rev. Dr. Que English continues Pre‐K through 8. She was instrumental in developing the Allen Women’s
to be a trailblazer for criminal justice re‐ Resource Center, which houses women and children who are victims of
form, education reform, sex trafficking domestic violence, the Allen Prison Ministry, and many of the 100 min‐
and domestic violence issues. Rev. Que istries at the Greater Allen Cathedral that serve both church and commu‐
is the founder/CEO of Not On My Watch, nity. Rev. Elaine also hosts annual spiritual retreats and conferences for
Inc., an anti‐trafficking, anti‐domestic vi‐ women, and she has played a crucial role in increasing the membership
olence organization that provides educa‐ of GAC to over 15,000.
tion and training to combat these atrocities while connecting victims and
survivors to needed resources. In 2016, she launched the first pilot of IRENE GANDY
the People’s Police Academy in New York City, a community‐led academy Irene Gandy is the only Black female
to help public safety officers transition into the communities they serve member of ATPAM (Association of The‐
through training and orientation done by community historians, experts atrical Press Agents and Managers) on
in the field of racial literacy and socialization, cultural competency and Broadway. She has been a press agent
more. Rev. Que was one of three negotiators who solidifed the multi‐bil‐ for over 50 years, and works with Jeffrey
lion dollar historical community benefits agreement (CBA) on behalf of Richards Associates. She is a Tony
all New Yorkers for the Kingsbridge National Ice Center (KNIC), slated to Award‐winning producer on Broadway
be the largest ice center in the US with a potential economic impact of for Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess, and was a producer for Lady Day at Emer‐
$1.9 billion. son Bar and Grill starring Audra MacDonald. She was also co‐producer

August 19 - 31, 2018 P 13

with Voza Rivers for the national tour of the South African musical Sera‐ housing program for homeless single‐parent families, and Project Direct
fina. Over the course of her career, Gandy has worked on more than a for Memorial’s “Welfare to Work” Program. She currently also serves as
hundred Broadway shows. For her 65th birthday, she was honored with a chaplain for the NYC Transit Authority.
a caricature on the walls of legendary Sardi’s. At the age of 70, she
launched her own line of furs designed by Mr. Pete, which was featured ANN MARIE GRANT
in the 2015 August issue of Vogue Magazine. Ms. Grant serves as the Executive Director
of the American Foundation for the Univer‐
REV. DR. RENEE WASHINGTON GARDNER sity of the West Indies (AFUWI) and the
Pastor Renee is the Senior Pastor of SUNY UWI Center for Leadership and Sus‐
Harlem’s Memorial Baptist Church. A tainable Development (CLSD). The Foun‐
woman of several firsts, she is Memorial’s dation’s mission is to assist and facilitate
first woman pastor, the first woman to suc‐ higher educational opportunities for
ceed her husband as pastor, the first Caribbean nationals, particularly those
woman called to an established Harlem with financial challenges, as well as to support the growth and develop‐
Baptist church, the first to serve simultane‐ ment of The University of the West Indies (UWI) as it seeks to play a piv‐
ously as pastor of one church and Leading otal role in the development of the Caribbean region and its people.
Lady of another, and the first woman Under her tenure, the Foundation as exponentially increased the number
elected as Vice Moderator of the United of tuition scholarship awarded annually for students with proven financial
Missionary Baptist Association. She is a need, and the SUNY‐UWI Center was established to engage with and pro‐
skilled cosmetologist, trained in mortuary vide access to persons, primarily of color and underserved, in New York
State with information and educational programs that will enhance their
science at the American Academy McAllister Institute of Funeral Service. life experiences in leadership and on matters related to sustainable de‐
This year marks 32 years in the gospel ministry, and her commitment to velopment. Ms. Grant has spent much of her life in service to others and
ministry extends beyond the church walls. She was a co‐developer of a
continued on p. 18

P 14 August 19 - 31, 2018

Black Church to Assemble for "Call to Conscience

Day of Action" Across from White House Sept. 6

By Bishop Reginald Jackson, President of the Bishops Council of the African Methodist Episcopal Church

This is a challenging time in the life of our na‐ policies and behavior. This is particularly impor‐ DC, the nation's

tion, a time which demands the church of Jesus tant when the so called, "Evangelical Christians" capital. It is not

Christ, to live up to what it is called to do, to rep‐ appear to be the dominant voice for people of only time for us to

resent Jesus in His world, to be about the work faith in this nation, supporting the nation's say something, we

of His kingdom on earth. Historically, the Black leader who spouts racism, sexism, and repeat‐ must do some‐

Church has been "the conscience of the nation." edly lies to the nation. They appear to be the thing. We must

It was the Black Church which called and moved dominant voice of people of faith in the nation, fight against "spiri‐

the nation to live up to its words and creeds, to because the Black Church has largely been silent. tual wickedness in

genuinely seek, "to be one nation under God, It is time for the Black Church to speak, our high places."

with liberty and justice for all." congregations and the nation need to hear us. In a word, we

Today the Black Church is again called to be Therefore, Black denominational and faith lead‐ are at war. We are

"the conscience of the nation." To speak to the ers have scheduled a "Call to Conscience ‐ Day at war against racism, when the president pits

nation about the rightness or wrongness of its of Action" for Sept. 5th and 6th in Washington and divides the nation according to race in ‐

order to govern, and declares there are "some

really good people among white supremacists,

nationalists and the Ku Klux Klan." We are at war

against anti‐immigration efforts, which is a dis‐

guised effort to set back and deport people of

color in order to maintain White privilege and

the status quo. We are at war against efforts to

pervert the criminal justice system in the name

of "law and order" to profile and target Blacks,

and fill the courts with judges who will turn back

gains made during the Civil Rights Movement in

the name of "Making America Great Again."

Our coming together will also kick‐off our ef‐

forts for the mid‐term elections. Our priority will

be to register, educate, organize and mobilize

2018 & 2016 ELI PICK AWARD our people to vote in November. If Blacks turn
FOR TOP PERFORMANCE out in large numbers, we will determine the out‐
come in a large number of races.

We are calling pastors, congregants, and citi‐

WORLD-CLASS CARE zens from across the country to join us in Wash‐

IN THE HEART OF HARLEM ington DC on September 5th and 6th, as we call

AHarlem CenterHarlem Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation provides outstanding short-term rehabilitation the nation to conscience. Additionally, Sunday,

programs and an array of customized treatment programs designed to get you back on your feet September 2nd is designated as "Social Justice
after a hospital stay. Sunday." We are asking every pastor to preach a
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art equipment and technology. We are proud to bring you: We are at war, and we call all soldiers to ac‐
• Hearts in Motion Cardiac Rehabilitation tive duty.
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August 19 - 31, 2018 P 15

P 16 August 19 - 31, 2018

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August 19 - 31, 2018 P 17

Michelle Williams Doing
“Better”After Seeking
Mental Health Treatment

Gospel singer Michelle Williams, 38, was like, ‘You all just signed a about?” she recalled Beyoncé‘s in the interview, adding her de‐
is in a good place after revealing she re‐ multi‐million dollar deal. You’re dad telling her at the time. pression worsened “to the point
cently sought treatment for her mental about to go on tour. What do where I was suicidal … and
health. In a July 17th social media state‐ you have to be depressed “So I was like, ‘Oh, maybe wanted out.”
ment, Williams posted that she was I’m just tired,'” Williams added
seeking professional treatment for her
depression, and the story went viral.

“For years I have dedicated myself to
increasing awareness of mental health
and empowering people to recognize
when it’s time to seek help, support and
guidance from those that love and care
for your well‐being,” she wrote in her
statement.

“I recently listened to the same ad‐
vice I have given to thousands around
the world and sought help from a great
team of healthcare professionals,” she
added. On July 20, the former Destiny’s
Child singer thanked fans, friends and
family for their recent outpouring of sup‐
port. “I feel the love! I just wanted to
let you guys know I’m better!” Williams
posted on Twitter, adding: “Progress not
Perfection!”

Williams, the owner of Believe, an
exclusive line of home goods and bed‐
ding, who is engaged to be married to
Pastor Chad Johnson, is not the only
high‐profile woman of faith and color
openly battling depression. Grammy
Award‐winning singer Tasha Cobbs has
also been vocal about her personal
struggles. The “Break Every Chain” singer
says she received therapy treatment
which is ongoing.

Williams, whose battle began some‐
where between the ages of 13‐15,
opened up last year about having suici‐
dal thoughts during her time with Des‐
tiny’s Child.

“I’m in one of the top‐selling female
groups of all time, suffering with depres‐
sion,” she said on The Talk. “When I dis‐
closed it to our manager [Mathew
Knowles] at the time, bless his heart, he

P 18 August 19 - 31, 2018

has found it to be deeply fulfilling to help others in such a way that they citywide office in New York City. During her tenure, Ms. James has trans‐
can make impactful changes for themselves and others in their commu‐ formed the Office of the Public Advocate to deliver real results and re‐
nity. forms for all New Yorkers. Public Advocate James is a strong advocate for
criminal justice reforms, and led the push for police body‐worn cameras
DR. STACIE NC GRANT in the NYPD. She has a long history as an advocate for children and fam‐
Empowerment Specialist and Event ilies. Whether defending children in foster care who were the victims of
Strategist Dr. Stacie N.C. Grant is living irreparable harm, protecting children with disabilities who were forced
her divine calling to lead, teach and in‐ to ride on dangerously hot school buses, or ensuring that our students
spire! A highly sought‐after inspirational have the best quality education they deserve, she has never backed down
speaker, human relations expert, trainer, form doing what is right for our children. She is currently running for the
life coach and mistress‐of‐ceremonies, seat of New York State Attorney General, and has received the Democratic
the strategic focus of Dr. Grant’s empow‐ Party’s endorsement in the race.
erment platform is executed through her
Destiny Designers University, which pro‐ MIN. RIEKO JENKINS
vides training in the areas of life skills, Min. Jenkins serves as the National Co‐
personal growth, leadership and presentation skills with a focus on work Chair for ACLC Women in Ministry. She
readiness and an entrepreneur success curriculum. Dr. Grant has spent has been active in the American Clergy
countless hours quietly volunteering her time and service in the commu‐ Leadership Conference since its founding
nity through her civic engagement and youth mentorship. She is the Co‐ and helped organize local prayer break‐
Chair of the Queens NYC Affiliate of the National Cares Mentoring fasts and luncheons for women ministers
Movement (founded by Susan L. Taylor), whose mission is to recruit, con‐ and wives of pastors. Since the founding
nect and direct mentors to vulnerable young people. As an entrepreneur, of the ACLC Women in Ministry I 2004,
she owns C&G Enterprises, an event planning company that provides pur‐ she organized a biweekly national prayer
pose driven event strategies for community based and not‐for‐profit or‐ call that has continued now for 14 years.
ganizations. She has also organized national conferences with women of God leading
the way for healing and reconciliation concerning our historic pain form
KIMBERLY D. HARDY, ESQ. past injustice. She is currently conducting seminars for women clergy
As the Deputy Commissioner for Eco‐ and leaders along with their spouses that strengthen the role of women
nomic and Financial Opportunity at the in the family while at the same time strengthening the role of the father
NYC Department of Small business Serv‐ and children. She has become prominent in promoting fellowship among
ices (SBS), Kimberly Hardy manages a di‐ women church leaders and and allowing the Holy Spirit to bless,
vision committed to promoting equity strengthen and protect the marriages of church leaders.
and financial opportunity for minority
and women‐owned businesses as well as BISHOP DR. EBONY G. KIRKLAND
other underserved businesses. The divi‐ Bishop Kirkland is the founder, presi‐
sion is responsible for the City of New dent/CEO of Ebony Marketing Research,
York’s certification of minority and Inc., one of the nation’s foremost market‐
women owned business enterprises (M/WBE) and other certifications. ing research firms specializing in multicul‐
The division also offers technical assistance and capacity building pro‐ tural research for business, government
grams to assist and strengthen businesses. Ms. Hardy oversees units agencies, and non‐profit organizations
charged with compliance with equal employment opportunity, labor stan‐ within the United States and Central
dards and regulatory mandates. Prior to entering the public sector, she America. Under her direction, the firm
practiced insurance law in the New York, Newark and London offices of has garnered an array of Fortune 500
one of the largest international law firms at that time. companies and her firm has established offices in New York, New Jersey,
Washington DC, Miami, and Costa Rica. Despite her success in the busi‐
PUBLIC ADVOCATE LETITIA JAMES ness arena, Bishop Kirkland felt drawn into the ministry, citing a need to
As Public Advocate, Letitia James serves serve God in a more profound way, sharing her talents and expertise in
as a direct link between New Yorkers and expanding and working on behalf of the kingdom. IN 2003, she became
their government, acts as a watchdog founder and senior pastor of the Church of the Living God International,
over City agencies, and investigates com‐ and she was able to adopt and minister to churches in Costa Rica,
plaints about City services. The second Panama, Guatemala, Brazil and Egypt. IN addition, she has formed World‐
highest ranking elected official in the City, wide Association of Small Churches to provide mentorship and training
Ms. James made history in 2014 by be‐ for small church pastors. Most recently, Bishop Kirkland has formed the
coming the first woman of color to hold Interfaith Coalition for Sustainable Growth, whose mission is to collabo‐

August 19 - 31, 2018 P 19

rate and bring forth peace and understanding among the various inter‐ CHRISTINE LUPPO
faith denominations. She is also the chair of the Bronx Hispanic Chamber A highly accomplished and seasoned TV Pro‐
of Commerce. ducer, TV Host and Production Manager with
over 20 years of experience in television, Chris‐
BERTHA LEWIS tine has worked as a producer for health,
Ms. Lewis has been an influential leader, sports, public affairs and ministry interviews.
activist, and community organizer for She is currently the General Manager for Trinity
mover than 25 years. She is the founder Broadcasting Network NYC, overseeing produc‐
and president of The Black Institute, a tions, staff and crew. She is also an ordained
non‐profit “action‐tank” – a think tank minister, life coach, mentor, author and speaker,
that takes action. She is also the former both in the US and internationally.
CEO and Chief Organizer of ACORN.
Bertha has worked with developers to MARCI McCALL
create a landmark community benefits Marci brings over two decades of talent and
agreement to secure affordable housing, experience from private and nonprofit busi‐
living wages, and local hiring and training programs for the community. ness development and community outreach
Most recently she has led the charge in advocating for Minority & to her position as the Director of New York
Women‐Owned Business Enterprises (M/WBEs) in New York City. She City Outreach for the New York State of Health
has received numerous awards and accolades, including City & State’s top External Affairs, Outreach & Marketing divi‐
100 influential and powerful political leaders in New York City, Essence sion. In her role, Ms. McCall’s goal is to con‐
magazine’s 28 most influential Black Women, and Crain’s New York’s 100 tinue lowering the uninsured rate of NYC
most influential women of New York. residents through education, outreach and di‐
rect enrollment. Prior to joining NYS of
BISHOP BARBARA AUSTIN LUCAS Health, she worked for Emblem Health where she focused on educating
Bishop Austin Lucas is the first conse‐ the community on health insurance and access to quality care. Ms. Mc‐
crated female bishop of the Dunamis Call coordinates community and business outreach initiatives, frequently
Covenant Connection (DCC), under the traveling within metropolitan areas to help New Yorkers and small busi‐
visionary leadership of Archbishop ness owners make proper decisions when purchasing and managing
Robert Joel Rochford, Sr. Having distin‐ health care plans. She is fully committed to ensuring that all New Yorkers
guished herself in the ministry for over are educated about the health care system ad aware of their options in
four decades, she is revered for her vi‐ obtaining access to quality, affordable health care.
brant and energetic preaching style that
preempts a visionary and leader of lead‐ BISHOP JACQUELINE E. MCCULLOUGH
ers. Her 43 years of ministry include 34 With an unwavering commitment to the
years of ordained ministry within the Lord Jesus Christ, the integrity of His
African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Word, and a love for God’s people, Bishop
Church, where she served as the initial participant of the Teachers‐In‐ McCullough is a woman in pursuit of the
Partnership Program sponsored by the AME Church, working in Monrovia, Kingdom of God. A second‐generation
Liberia, where she taught English at the University of Liberia and Mon‐ preacher, she is the senior pastor and
rovia College. Under her Assistant Pastorate at Bridge Street AWME founder of The International Gathering at
Church (1986‐1996), the ministry evidence tremendous growth in mem‐ Beth Rapha in Pomona, NY. Her vision for
bership, enterprise, and spiritual enrichment. In 1989, as a response to a evangelistic ministry is expressed in the
call to mobilize, Bishop Austin Lucas founded Women Organizing, Mobi‐ international reach of Precious JEM Ministries, Inc, a non‐profit religious
lizing, and Building, Inc. (WOMB, Inc.), a faith‐based not‐for‐profit pur‐ organization for which she serves as president and CEO. Through this
posed to assist women and their families by procuring spiritual, physical, ministry, Bishop McCullough travels throughout the world ministering the
mental, emotional and economic wellness with a holistic approach. In Gospel of Jesus Christ and providing evangelistic tools such as books, CDs,
1998, she founded the Agape Tabernacle International Fellowship, head‐ and DVDs to hungry souls around the globe. A native of Kingston, Ja‐
quartered in the Canarsie section of Brooklyn with satellite locations in maica, Bishop McCullough also spearheads the WordAlive Medical Mis‐
Freeport, Harlem, Staten Island, Atlanta (GA), and Durham (NY). Since sion, which has provided free medical clinic services to over 30,000
its inception, she has dedicated herself to an international ministry of people in parishes throughout the island of Jamaica since 1997 and Mon‐
transformation, so that all nations are encouraged to cultivate a personal rovia, Liberia since 2010. She was consecrated to the bishopric in 201,
relationship with God, manifest destiny, and discern the purpose of God and serves as General Overseer of the Rapha Alliance, a fellowship of over
in every life experience. 20 churches nationally and internationally.

next page

P 20 August 19 - 31, 2018

WINSOME MCLEAN-DAVIS GERRI WARREN MERRICK
Winsome began her career in healthcare as a During almost three decades of dedi‐
hospital Social Worker after attending Howard cated leadership at the former Time
University. She has since risen through the Warner, Inc. companies, Gerri accom‐
healthcare community to become the admin‐ plished a successful career mastering sev‐
istrator for The Allure Group’s Harlem Center eral executive positions in global public
for Nursing and Rehabilitation. Her ability to policy, cable strategy, social responsibil‐
lead and inspire has helped transform the na‐ ity, philanthropy, and corporate commu‐
ture of sub‐acute care in the Harlem commu‐ nications. After completing a successful
nity. In 2016, Winsome was the recipient of corporate career, she launched WarrenMerrick Communications and cur‐
the American College of Health Care Adminis‐ rently serves as president, a role she creatively uses to help community‐
trators (ACHCA) Award of Leadership Excel‐ based organizations and corporations improve their effectiveness in
lence. ACHCA uses Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) communications strategy and social responsibility. Her tireless commit‐
data for the prior three years to identify top performing facilities nation‐ ment to community service over the years has resulted in past and pres‐
wide. Winsome was recognized by virtue of CMS quality indicators at her ent membership on boards of directors of numerous organizations that
facility, a direct reflection of her excellence in leadership. focus on enriching lives and strengthening communities.

WENDY CHARECE McCLINTON FATIMA KYARI MOHAMMED
A native daughter of NYC, Wendy jointed Fatima is a peace advocate and develop‐
the United States Army after high school ment consultant, and a senior expert
graduation and served for 10 years, includ‐ with West Africa Conflict and Security
ing during the Desert Storm Persian Gulf (WACAS). Trained in Peace, Security De‐
era. The leadership and management velopment and Conflict Transformation,
skills of this decorated veteran led to her she co‐founded the LikeMinds Project in
prolific role as President/CEO of Black Vet‐ 2006, an organization that promotes
erans for Social Justice. As a result of her peace, human security and development
sterling reputation for professionalism and in Nigeria. With the support of her team
devotion to duty, she was appointed as and a group of volunteers, the organiza‐
the National Commander for the National tion has set up several key programs
Association of Black Veterans (NABVETS). which promote community development and citizen engagement, advo‐
This challenging position encompasses the overall responsibility for fur‐ cate for the basic human rights of the most vulnerable, and mentor ac‐
thering the services of veterans while galvanizing and organizing veterans tivists from within the communities served. She is the new Permanent
throughout the Eastern Region of the United States. She currently serves Observer of the African Union to the United Nations.
on the Board of Directors of the National Coalitions for Homeless Veter‐
ans and the NYC Mayor’s Veterans Advisory Board. Viewed by many as VERA MOORE
the “go‐to person,” Wendy is a doting community servant who is quite This former actress turned entrepreneur
adept at organizing and motivating others. is President/CEO of the highly competi‐
tive family owned business, Vera Moore
ALLISON J. McLARTY, MD Cosmetics, which celebrates 40 years in
Dr. McLarty is a practicing Cardiothoracic Sur‐ business this year. Vera was contracted
geon in Stony Brook, NY. A graduate of Co‐ on national television as one of the first
lumbia Univeristy College of Physicians and Black actresses on the soap opera “An‐
Surgeons, she has been in practice for 30 other World” on NBC, where she por‐
years. She treats adults with acquired heart trayed “Linda Metcalf” for 10 years.
disease who require surgery, as well as those She immediately recognized the void in
with chest disease, including lung cancer. Her the market for quality products for women of color, specifically a natural
clinical interests include aortic surgery (par‐ looking foundation that didn’t rub off on your clothes. This gave birth to
ticularly minimally invasive endovascular Vera Moore Cosmetics. Her journey has led to national recognition on
stenting for aortic aneurysms) and surgical TV shows including Dr. Oz and Here & Now, and features in magazines in‐
treatment of aortic dissection. She is the sur‐ cluding Essence, People, and Black Enterprise. Vera is an active partici‐
gical director of the Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD) program, and pant in the community and numerous organizations, and she is a coveted
uses leading‐edge technology to treat severe heart failure with the new motivational speaker as a passionate advocate for women‐owned busi‐
implantable heart pump. She is active in the Women’s Heart Health pro‐ nesses. In 1982, Vera broke through the color barrier when her company
gram. became the first Black‐owned business to set up shop in the 50‐year his‐

August 19 - 31, 2018 P 21

tory at the Green Acres Mall in Valley Stream, Long Island. Her products in the restaurant. She also participated in various neighborhood program,
are used on stage, screen and television. Vera continues to reach for such as sponsoring children in a YMCA after school program, providing
“moore” as she goes national with Duane Read/Walgreens – her products college scholarship assistance to two girls, and supporting Police Athletic
can be found in their upscale high‐end environment “LOOK boutique” League programs and the activities of various churches. This involvement
has not only led to a better relationship with the community and helped
CYNTHIA NIXON her business grow, but it has changed the perception of Harlem by many
A native New Yorker, Cynthia Nixon is an of her Korean friends. Known for its food bar of southern style dishes,
Emmy and Tony Award winning actress Manna’s has survived and expanded, even as economic factors pus a na‐
best known for her role as Miranda tional focus on nutrition have torpedoed several longtime competitors.
Hobbes on the TV series “Sex and the
City.” This past March, she announced BISHOP NANCY ROSARIO
that she would challenge incumbent New In 1990, Bishop Rosario co‐founded the
York Governor Andrew Cuomo in the up‐ Church of God’s Children in Co‐Op City
coming Democratic primary. She is a (Bronx). A bi‐vocational minister until
long‐time advocate for public education 2017 when she retired after 33 years of
and support of women’s health, and her campaign platform is described employment with the Riverbay Corpora‐
as focusing on income inequality, renewable energy, establishing universal tion, the management company for Co‐Op
health care, stopping mass incarceration in the United States, and pro‐ City, she was the first Hispanic female di‐
tecting undocumented children from deportation. She has also been rector of the largest department in Co‐Op
nominated as the gubernatorial candidate of the Working Families Party. City, overseeing the maintenance and
grounds keeping of 35 hi‐rise buildings and 40 acres of land, and manag‐
REV. DR. VALERIE OLIVER-DURRAH ing the budget and day‐to‐day operations for 200 employees. She is cur‐
Rev. Dr. Durrah has made a career of phil‐ rently a full‐time senior pastor for the ministry, overseeing operations,
anthropic advisement and non‐profit teaching and discipleship of the church and its members. She is very ac‐
management, and she is a communica‐ tive in her community as a member of Bronx Community Board 10 and
tion strategist and innovative human ar‐ Chair of the Health & Huma Services Committee. She is the Clergy Liaison
chitect who fosters unique partnerships for the NYPD’s Grandmothers Love Over Violence Program, which meets
involving a wide variety of diverse ethnic monthly with over 60 grandmothers raising their grandchildren. She is a
populations and organizations. As conference speaker with a mission to hep women prosper spiritually
founder, president, and chief executive through knowledge of the Word, focusing on breaking generational
officer of the Neighborhood Technical As‐ curses, and workshops for stress, fear and health management. Bishop
sistance Clinic (NTAC), she utilizes a well‐ Nancy has always been a dedicated and hardworking servant of the God,
developed, executive skillset in support of organizations and leaders who a companion in ministry with her husband, Bishop Angelo Rosario.
seek to address the needs of underserved people and communities.
Adept at helping grassroots service providers develop effective programs HELEN SHELTON
and navigate the challenging terrain of human, fund, and resource devel‐
opment, Dr. Durrah has aided hundreds of organizations in securing the Helen is a communications strategist
economic and technical resources they need to flourish in difficult eco‐
nomic times. Known as a bridge builder and connector, Dr. Durrah has with particular expertise in creating im‐
earned the trust of foundations and grant seekers alike, providing con‐
sultation and technical assistance to individuals, teams, large groups, cor‐ pactful platforms and programs that ad‐
porate entities, philanthropic leaders and governmental agencies.
dress the needs and interests of diverse
BETTY PARK
Coming from Korea, Ms. Park had heard audiences. A Senior Partner at Finn Part‐
that Harlem was a good place to start a
business but that it would be challenging. ners, she oversees the agency’s Diversity
The Harlem community was not initially
welcoming of the Korean influx and the Ko‐ and Inclusion program, Partners for Di‐
rean business people were almost totally
uninvolved with the community. Betty versity, while also developing volume‐
opened her first Manna’s Restaurant,
named for the biblical reference to food driving, consumer‐engaging campaigns in the health and wellness,
falling from the sky, in Harlem in 1983, and made a decision to become
involved with the community by hiring people who lived there to work lifestyle, entertainment, retail and media sectors. Helen has worked tire‐

lessly in the industry not only to responsibly promote products but also

to advance important causes, including adult education and housing, arts

and culture, voter registration, disparate unemployment and disease

awareness initiatives. A native New Yorker, she is a board member of the

Public Relations Society of America’s New York Chapter, where she has

served as VP of Marketing for two consecutive years. She is a recipient

of a PR Week Award for Multicultural Marketing Campaign of the Year

for her work in conceiving and managing Believe in Healthy BP, a national

hypertension awareness program featuring Grammy‐winning recording

gospel artist Yolanda Adams. next page

P 22 August 19 - 31, 2018

ZEPHYR TEACHOUT group sales, multicultural press and promotional. Her company has de‐
Zephyr Teachout is a political activist and as‐ veloped a brand reputation among performing art patrons of exposing
sociate professor of Law at Fordham Univer‐ them to high‐quality productions and unique experiences in a way that
sity. In 2014, she ran for the Democratic exceeds audience members’ and clients’ expectations alike. She is cur‐
Party nomination for governor of New York; rently consulting as Senior Advisor, Community Engagement at New Jer‐
she lost to incumbent Andrew Cuomo, re‐ sey Performing Arts Center, charged with developing and deepening
ceiving 34% of the primary vote. She volun‐ relationships with targeted communities through partnerships, special
teered at Occupy Wall Street, where she events and group sales.
encouraged the movement to focus on the
importance of decentralized power and DR. VALLI Y. WALTON
worked to educate activists in corporate law Dr. Walton has more than 42 years in
and policy. She was a death penalty defense lawyer at the Center for ministry service and 28 years of experi‐
Death Penalty Litigation in North Carolina, and co‐founded a non‐profit ence in financial services and law. Her
dedicated to providing trial experience to new law school graduates. She work in leadership development training
is known for her pioneering work in internet organizing. She is currently and empowerment and international
a candidate for NYS Attorney General. missions among the indigenous has
earned her the title “Mother of India.”
OPAL TOMETI She began her spiritual journey and
A New York based Nigerian American knowledge of the word of God at an
writer, strategist and community organ‐ early age; while an undergraduate stu‐
izer, Ms. Tometi is a co‐funder of dent, she did volunteer work at an inner
#BlackLivesMatter.The historic political city church in Roxbury, MA. Compelled
project was launched in the wake of to help the less fortunate, she returned
the murder of Trayvon Martin in order to her native Long Island and founded a youth ministry group to encour‐
to explicitly combat implicit bias and age young people in the faith. Her interest and successful work in
anti‐Black racism and to protect and af‐ Christina Education earned her an appointment as District Director of
firm the beauty and dignity of all Black Children for three Methodist churches in New York. To sustain and sup‐
lives. Ms. Tometi is credited with cre‐ port herself financially, she was employed by several financial services
ating the online platforms and initiating organizations where she was known as a dedicated professional with a
the social media strategy during the project’s early days; the campaign record of awards for achievement. In January 1998, she and her husband,
has grown into a national network of approximately 40 chapters. She is Rev. Haywood Walton, Sr., and a small group of believers founded Spirit
currently at the helm of the country’s leading Black organization for im‐ of Life Fellowship, a non‐denominational church which has impacted hun‐
migrant rights, the Black Alliance for Just Immigration (BAJI), founded in dreds of ministries in Africa, India, the Philippines, the Caribbean, Greece,
2006 to educate and advocate to further immigrant rights and racial jus‐ Pakistan, Spain and the United Kingdom with a main focus on evangelism,
tice together with African American, Afro Latino, African and Caribbean church planting, medical missions and discipleship training (mentorship)
immigrant communities. The organization’s most recent campaign among the indigenous.
helped win family reunification visas for Haitians displaced by the 2010
earthquake. BISHOP MICHEL WHITE-HAYNES
Bishop White‐Haynes is the founder and
DONNA WALKER-KUHNE pastor of the Cathedral at Greater Faith
Acknowledged as the nation’s foremost ex‐ Temple in the Bronx. She is a covering for
pert in Audience Development by the Arts a number of ministries under the Fresh
& Business Council, Ms. Walker‐Kuhne has Winds Ministry Alliance, and is extremely
devoted her professional career to increas‐ interested in uniting the Kingdom
ing access to the arts. She calls the process through her tireless efforts to assist new
of engaging audiences “a journey of life.” ministries, young ministries, and all min‐
Throughout her career of 35‐plus years, she istries whenever she’s called upon to min‐
has relied on deep sincerity and under‐ ister, teach and encourage. She is also
standing of the diversity of cultures, reli‐ multi‐talented and has been favored with
gions, lifestyles, race and ethnicities as keys a tremendous music ministry that in‐
to creating new audiences for the 21st Cen‐ cludes singing, training choirs, choir directing and playing various instru‐
tury. She is founder of Walker International ments. She was consecrated to the sacred office of Bishop in the Lord’s
Communications Group, Inc., a boutique church in 2014, and in 2015 was elevated to the office of First Assistant
marketing, press and audience development consulting agency. Her team to the Presiding Prelate of the Churches of the Living God, her brother,
has over 45 years of experiences specializing in multicultural marketing, Apostle Robert E. Girtman.

August 19 - 31, 2018 P 23

Separate and
Equal: Theatre
Production
Blends Jazz and
Basketball

The University of Alabama, in partnership with the

Birmingham Civil Rights Institute and Birmingham

Metro NAACP, presents SEPARATE AND EQUAL, written

and directed by Seth Panitch, from September 5 thru

30.

This dynamic production blends basketball and

modern dance moves performed to an original jazz

soundtrack. Inspired by compelling personal recollec‐

tions from the Oral History Project at the Birmingham

Civil Rights Museum, SEPARATE AND EQUAL is a

provocative new theatrical experience that explores the

emotional violence of segregation through the

playing of a forbidden basketball game between The
Black and White teens in the pressure cooker of

1950’s Jim Crow Alabama. To enrich this visceral MEMORIAL BAPTIST CHURCH
experience, the movements of the “game” are
told through a dynamic hybrid of basketball and

modern dance, performed to an original Jazz Family
soundtrack composed specifically for this produc‐

tion. Instead of focusing on major players and mo‐

mentous historical turning points in the civil rights Congratulates our beloved Pastor
struggle, SEPARATE AND EQUAL follows those on

the very cusp of adulthood, not yet consumed by The Reverend Dr.
the prejudices of their parents, as they struggle
to break free from the repetitious cycle we strug‐

gle with today. Renee F. Washington Gardner
Tickets for the performance ranges from $25

to $35, and can be seen at 59E59 Theatres, which

is located at 59 E. 59th Street, between Park and on being named one of
Madison.

2-for-1 Broadway Tix for forty-four women transforming the world.

Broadway Week, Sept. 3 -16 For more than 30 years, you have been faithful in
sharing Christ, so that those in the world might be

Tickets are now on sale to the public for transformed by the renewing of their minds.

NYC Broadway Week, which will run --------------------
September 3 thru 16. This is the oppor‐
tunity to purchase two‐for‐one tickets We invite all to join us in worship each Sunday at 11am
to more than 20 Broadway shows. Tick‐
ets for NYC Broadway Week can be pur‐ MEMORIAL
chased at nycgo.com/broadwayweek.
is located at 141 Bishop Preston R. Washington Sr. Pl (W. 115thSt.)
www.mbcvisionharlem.org

P 24 August 19 - 31, 2018

DIASPORA MEETING with

Our Historical Pioneers

By Herb Boyd
It was a special day in Harlem, and fifty was the

magic number when the same number of notable
New Yorkers and our historic pioneers were re‐
spectfully invited, by co‐hosts Rev. Al Sharpton and
Lloyd Williams, to a 50th Anniversary breakfast
summit of memory and celebration. It has been a
long time since Sylvia’s restaurant was packed with
such a coterie of dignitaries, each reflecting on per‐
sonal and collective experiences at the core of the
New York’s urban history.

“While all of the attendees are, unto themselves,

well‐known,” said Williams, “everyone is so busy – you’d
be surprised how little they truly know each other. They
may know the name but can’t recall the face, and vice
versa.”

After Williams called the meeting to order, Rev. Sharp‐
ton gave some powerful remarks on the meeting’s pur‐
pose. Sharpton addressed the times we currently live in
– Trump, Supreme Court appointments, children being
separated on the Mexican border only to find that hun‐
dreds of the children have been placed in Harlem shelters
just a few blocks away from Sylvia’s. And he addressed
the need for the clergy to step up and provide the vision‐
ary leadership and direction badly needed. Sharpton and
Williams thanked Skip Dillard, WBLS.FM, for co‐sponsoring
the breakfast.

This city‐wide diverse assembly of business persons,
elected officials and former iconic office holders, civic
leaders, entrepreneurs, community activists, clergy, edu‐
cators, media and arts and culture mavens came together
representing a cross section of New York’s Diaspora
(Caribbean, Puerto Rican, Dominican, African and African‐
American). It was not only an opportunity for them to
know each better but also to recount a few of the hall‐
marks of their illustrious careers over the past half cen‐
tury.

A gallery of stunned and amused expressions were
often seen as a rosary of memories spilled from the par‐
ticipants—they learned by turns a little bit more about the
political ascendance of former NYC Mayor David Dinkins,
former US Rep. Charles Rangel, civil rights legend Hazel
Dukes, former NYS Gov. David Paterson, and how former
NYS Comptroller H. Carl McCall handled more than $120
billion in the pension fund as the state’s first African Amer‐
ican comptroller.

The two hours allocated were well spent and went by

August 19 - 31, 2018 P 25

quickly. The comments and remarks from Several in attendance echoed a call
the elders—Rangel, Dinkins, Dukes, Mc‐ for follow up meetings in order to
Call and Paterson—were representative of continue the fruitful dialogue. “I
Diaspora pioneers in attendance from want to thank Lloyd and Rev. Al for
Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Man‐ giving us a day where we have the
hattan. The room was bubbling over with opportunity to discuss where we
history, most of it informative, humorous were, where we are now, and where
and inspirational, particularly for some of we need to go from here,” said Rep.
the younger members in the audience. Rangel. He said another meeting was
necessary “for us to lay out agendas.”
And the remarks combined all of the
above values when Mayor Dinkins, recall‐ Williams summoned the memory
ing the importance of the people who of Percy Sutton at the close, invoking
helped him to become the city’s first Black the great man’s word “common.” “By
mayor, cited a piece of folklore about how
a turtle at the top of a ten foot pole got next page
there. “He certainly didn’t get there by
himself,” Dinkins quipped.

In his reflection on the last half century,
Rep. Rangel fondly remembered his pred‐
ecessor, Rev. Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. “If
you read the book ‘King of the Cats,’ you
will get some idea of how influential Adam
was on international and domestic issues,”
he said. “That’s why it took months even
before people knew my name.”

Former Gov. Paterson said he was in
grade school fifty years ago, and remem‐
bered that after Dr. King was assassinated,
his father, (the late great) Basil Paterson,
when seeing how difficult it was going to
be to attend Dr. King’s funeral service at
Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta, GA,
decided to go to Memphis and participate
in a King memorial march called by the
same sanitation workers who Dr. King was
supporting at the time of his assassination
in Memphis. Later he would elaborate on
Harlem’s legendary Gang of Four, agreeing
with Bishop Herbert Daughtry that the
late Herman Denny Farrell was in fact, an
original member, not Percy E. Sutton.

Dr. Hazel Dukes regaled the gathering
with wit and memory, recounting how she
broke the racial barrier in Nassau County
and became a stalwart in the NAACP.
“Two people were instrumental in my po‐
litical development,” Dukes began, “my
‘dad,’ Basil Paterson and my ‘big brother,’
Percy Sutton. They convinced me that I
could be a leader.”

McCall also had fervent personal mem‐
ories of Percy Sutton, recalling that he was
among the first members of the commu‐
nity “to reach out to me” when he arrived
here from Boston. “That, and working
with David Dinkins on voting registration,
meant a lot to me and facilitated my
growth and development.”

P 26 August 19 - 31, 2018

continued from p. 25 once more get a chance to solidify founder of Essence Magazine, Rev. Elinor Tatum, Rev. Michael Walrond,
realizing what we have in common and ensure that the Diaspora will Jacques DeGraff and others wise Hon. C. Virginia Fields, Rev. Calvin
we can become communal. If we not be uninformed. Then there will enough to wait their turn to add Butts III, Councilman Bill Perkins,
are communal we will communi‐ be time to hear from cultural maven their voices to an increasingly im‐ Brooklyn BP Eric Adams, Walter Ed‐
cate, and when we communicate Vy Higginsen, Assembly Member portant historic conversation ‐ and wards, Barbara Askins, and Rev.
we will become a united commu‐ Inez Dickens, Representatives Adri‐ more are needed. Marvin Moss.
nity.” ano Espaillat and Gregory Meeks,
Bronx Borough President Ruben Other prominent invitees who, Throughout the Diaspora of New
When the second meeting as‐ Diaz, Jr. and Arva Rice, president of because of long standing schedule York, all are waiting for the next
sembles in September, that “com‐ the NY Urban League, Ed Lewis, co‐ conflicts, could not be in atten‐ meeting which will be called in Sep‐
mon to community” concept will dance and were missed, including tember. We’ll keep you posted.

Scholarship America Now
Accepting Applications for 2019

Dream Award Scholarships

Scholarship America, the nation's largest non‐
profit scholarship and education support organiza‐
tion, is accepting applications for the 2019
Scholarship America Dream Award now through
Monday, Oct. 15, 2018.

In its sixth year, the Dream Award is Scholarship
America's unique renewable scholarship program for
students with financial need who have overcome bar‐
riers and successfully started their college education.
Awards are made to students from across the nation
who are entering their second year or higher of edu‐
cation beyond high school; the scholarships are both
renewable and increase in amount each year. In the
last five years, Scholarship America has awarded over
$1 million to 54 students, with scholarships ranging
from $5,000 to $15,000 based on financial need.

Eligible students can apply by visiting
https://scholarshipamerica.org/dreamaward. Appli‐
cations close on Monday, Oct. 15, 2018.

Dr. Martha Kanter, Executive Director of the Col‐
lege Promise Campaign and a Senior Fellow, Stein‐
hardt Institute for Higher Education Policy at New
York University, chairs Scholarship America’s Dream
Award Selection Committee comprised of respected
business and educational leaders along with Scholar‐
ship America’s President and CEO, Robert C. Ballard.
The 2019 Scholarship America Dream Award recipi‐
ents will be announced in February and celebrated
at the May 15, 2019 Dreams to Success National
Awards Dinner in Washington, D.C.

“I am so grateful to be a 2018 Dream Award
scholar. I never thought I’d be able to reach my
dreams,” says Jamisen Moore, who is studying bio‐
logical anthropology at the University of North Car‐
olina at Greensboro. “To know someone outside of
my family believes in me…means more than the uni‐
verse to me. I won’t let you down!”

Fundraising to support Scholarship America's
Dream Award was spurred by an initial donation of
$350,000 from Katie Couric in 2011. Visit
https://scholarshipamerica.org/dreamaward for ad‐
ditional information.

August 19 - 31, 2018 P 27