Af-Am Your VOICE Your COMMUNITY OOIurN ComT muniOty News MagazinIe EW Your POINT OF V IEW wPww.afampov.com F V april 1, 2019 RACE MATTERS “I am among those who have lived long enough to know from experience that our current president is not the first modern Republican to embrace race as a political weapon in order to become president and to “BEST” OF sustain his presidency.” POV 2018 By Frederick A. Hurst – 5 PERFECT OUR WRITERS’ CHOICES “He is Ed Sheeran. And for the next two hours, he brings peace to the burdened. Acceptance to the dif - GIVE THE GIFT OF READING ferent. Love to the lonely. Neighborliness to strangers. Laughter. Compassion. Unity. Inspiration. By Sally Fuller, reprinted from January 1, 2018 And love to us all.” By Gianna Allentuck – 8 am still moved by the COLONOSCOPY IS A LIFESAVER… words that Frank Bruni wrote in the “Why did I say yes? I finally realized that I owed it New York Times in 2015. not only to myself, but to my family.” I I will share some quotes By Keith J. O’Connor, Baystate Medical Center –12 from his column here, WELL…IT’S COMPLICATED and hope that you will use BECAUSE… the link below to read his “This past December, I had the privilege to travel to whole column for your - Israel with other elected municipal officials from self. across Massachusetts and my life was changed.” The power of his By Michael P Zwirko – 14 words resonates espe - DONALD TRUMP IS A SYMPTOM… cially because I have said, “Structural racism, bigotry, and xenophobia are alive many times, that my and well in America; this fact is not new to African mother, a teacher of senior high school English for 45 I won’t call here for a New Year’s Resolution, because Americans who are resisting the “new norm.” years, gave me words. I have also said that when I first too often they are forgotten by early February. By Bishop Talbert W. Swan, II – 15 heard of the Hart-Risley study done 20 years ago which What I will call for is, as Bruni so eloquently wrote, RAPED: PUERTO RICAN DIARY identified the “30-million-word-gap,” I was immediately “The Gift of Reading.” Because… struck by the importance of parents and caregivers giving “A legacy of patriarchal white supremacist entitle - continues to page 9 ment condoned and encouraged an individual to bru - words to their children. Because words are free. tally violate me.” By Magdalena Gómez – 16 …FIGHT FOR IMMIGRANTS WE ARE PROUD! RIGHTS By Frederick A. Hurst “This strong rebuke of the Mayor’s anti-immigrant e were not planning to travel to Boston last views brings Springfield in line with a host of cities month to join our son Justin Hurst, Presi - and towns across Massachusetts…” By Harris Freeman – 23 dent of the Springfield City Council, as he COLLABORATING… Wreceived the Legislative Leadership Award from the Jewish Community Council of Greater Boston and the “I found it quite unsettling that a district that is com - Massachusetts Association of Jewish Federations. prised of 87% students of color has suggested litera - We simply didn’t realize the award was as signif - ture that caters to 11.2% of the total student population…” icant as it turned out to be. But when we learned of the By Beverly Guerrero-Porter – 28 distinguished company joining Justin in the honors – L to R: JCRC President Stacey Bloom, MA House Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker, Majority “THE HATE YOU GIVE…” of Representatives Majority Leader Ron Mariano, Leader of the Massachusetts House of Representatives “It’s not that her friend is openly racist, she just has MA Governor Charlie Baker, MA Senate Assistant the same intrinsic biases that I have seen in quite a Ron Mariano and Massachusetts Senate Assistant Ma - Majority Leader Joan B. Lovely, Springfield few people that I know.” jority Leader Joan B. Lovely – we knew we had to at - City Council President Justin Hurst and By Tristin Hurst – 29 continues to page 24 JCRC Executive Director Jeremy Burton. af-am point of view page two april 1, 2019 Congratulations to the 2019 BusinessWest Difference Makers Carla Cosenzi, Co-President, The Food Bank Of Western TommyCar Auto Group Massachusetts

This Essential She’s Been a Driving Agency Helps Force in Business and the Region Philanthropy Contend with a ‘New Normal’

Peter Gagliardi, President and Frederick and Marjorie Hurst CEO Of Way Finders

They’ve Shared a He’s Spent a Lifetime Working for Career Social Change Bringing Home the Power of Collaboration

Joe Peters, Vice Chairman, The Springfield Museums Former President, Universal Plastics Institution Has This Business Mastered Leader Has the Art and Made a Science of Career of Being Finding Ways to Entrepreneurial Give Back af-am point of view page three april 1, 2019 CLASSIFIED/REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONALS ...... 36 AN AFRICAN AMERICAN Point of View COMMUNITY 688 Boston Road, Springfield, MA 01119 Phone: (413) 796-1500 ● Fax: (413) 796-6100 Community Beat ...... 17 C E-mail: [email protected] ● Website: www.afampointofview.com Community Calendar ...... 37 www.facebook.com/ https://plus.google.com/ www.twitter.com/ AfAmPointofView +PointofViewSpringfield AfAmPOV Community Focus ...... 19, 35 Community Focus - CT ...... 22 Point of View is a monthly news journal with an African American orientation. It is distributed Community Information ...... 35 free to select locations in Hampden and Hampshire counties and in Connecticut. Letters, articles and comments appearing in the newspaper reflect the opinions of the contributors Community Perspectives ...... 15 O and do not constitute an endorsement by POV and are subject to editing. POV assumes no Congratulations Corner ...... 2, 38 responsibility for photos, articles, letters, press releases or unsolicited materials. Decisions Food for Thought ...... 19 as to the editing and publishing of material are based on space availability and the discretion From the State House ...... 14 of the publisher and editor. Distribution locations are listed on our web site. POV assumes no financial responsibility for failure to publish an advertisement, incorrect placement or ty - Good News ...... 34 pographical errors in its publication. Advertisers are solely responsible for the content of Latina Groove ...... 16 their advertising and claims and offers contained within their advertising. POV reserves the Law Notes ...... 23 N right to refuse advertising for any reason. No portion of this publication may be reproduced EDITORIAL without written permission. PUBLISHER: Frederick A. Hurst EDITOR: Marjorie J. Hurst AF-AM Newsbits ...... 4 CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: THIS ISSUE Letters to the Publisher ...... 25 Artist in Residence Renée Flowers Monife Marshall My View ...... Cover, 5 Children’s Book Corner Terri Schlichenmeyer Latina Groove Magdalena Gómez EDUCATION

Community Beat Ken Harris Law Notes Dr. Bridgette Baldwin, Editor T Community Calendar Jynai McDonald Prof. Harris Freeman Early Education & Care ...... 7 Community Focus Lucie K. Lewis, EdD Leadership Pioneer Valley Lora Wondolowski Education & Hope ...... 8 Theresa Bryant Let’s Connect Beverly Guerrero-Porter From the Superintendent’s Desk ...... 6 Community Perspectives Bishop Talbert W. Swan II Life’s Challenges Sweets H. Wilson, PhD CT - Community Focus Dwight Bachman Movie Review Tristin Hurst Parents & Community ...... 6 Early Education & Care Nicole Blais Education & Hope Gianna Allentuck Parents & Community Patricia Spradley Reading to Succeed (continues from cover) ...... 9 Pen & Ink Juanita Torrence-Thompson

Entertainment Review Yvonne Mendez Schools of Higher Education in the News ...... 9-11 E Feature RuthAnn Hamilton-Stutts Berdia M. Brown FEATURE Food for Thought Zaida Govan Kiara Torres From the Statehouse Rep. Carlos Gonzalez Reading to Succeed Sally Fuller Special to the Point of View ...... 14 From the Supt’s Desk Daniel J. Warwick Religious Point of View Rev. Dr. Atu White, Editor Mount Calvary Baptist Church: Celebrating 100 Years, Part II . .27 Good News Jay Griffin Schools of Higher Educ. HCC, STCC, Westfield State Univ. Got H.E.R.S. Latoya Bosworth, PhD Special to the POV Michael P. Zwirko In Memoriam ...... 33 Health Matters Doris Harris, Editor Your Health Keith J. O’Connor, Baystate Health 2019 Lenten Schedule ...... 38 Artistic/Multimedia Director - Marie Zanazanian ● Distribution Manager - Shawn Merriman HEALTH N Photographer - Ed Cohen Got H.E.R.S...... 13 LOCATE OUR ADVERTISERS Health Matters ...... 13 Alden Baptist Church ------27 New Jerusalem C.O.G.I.C. ------27 Your Health - Baystate Medical Center ...... 12 LIVING Alterations & Dress Making by Lewins ------6 Parent Villages ------11 Bright Futures Early Learning Center ------8 & 11 Progressive Community Baptist Church ------27 Let’s Connect ...... 28 Canaan Baptist Church of Christ ------27 Real Living Realty Prof. - Roberta B. Johnson -----36 Life’s Challenges ...... 28 T Center for Human Development (CHD) ------15 Revival Time Evangelistic Center ------27 PHOTO GALLERY ...... 20-21, 39 Century 21 - Aida Ruiz-Batiste ------36 Shiloh Seventh-Day Adventist Church ------27 RELIGION Ed Cohen Photography ------18 Solid Rock Community Baptist Church ------27 Religious Point of View ...... 26 Family Church ------27 Springfield Technical Community College ------7 Religious Directory ...... 27 Hall & Hall Siding ------36 STCC Diversity Series ------40 THE ARTS Home Inspections by Marco, Inc. ------36 St. John’s Congregational Church ------27

Artist in Residence ...... 31 S Hurst & Hurst, P.C. ------36 Stamps-Williams Family Realty ------36 L & A Fine Men’s Shop ------36 Third Baptist Church ------27 Book Review Feature ...... 30 Maplegate Rehab Inc. ------13 WEIB 106.3 Smooth FM ------32 Children’s Book Corner ...... 31 Mason Wright Senior Living ------17 Wesley United Methodist Church ------27 Entertainment Review ...... 32 Mount Calvary Baptist Church ------27 Westfield State University ------8 Movie Review ...... 29 Mt. Zion Baptist Church ------27 WTCC FM 90.7 ------34 Pen & Ink ...... 30 This issue, “BEST of POV 2018,” gives our regular contributing writ - ers an opportunity to select their favorite article from the pre - vious year to be reprinted and it gives you, our readers, an opportunity to reread and enjoy their choices once again. We have done this each year since 2015. Not every writer partici - pates since it is an individual decision but you can tell the ones who do by this sign: af-am point of view page four april 1, 2019 preserves the central role of the states I NEVER THOUGHT I WOULD in American life without sacrificing HEAR A WHITE MAN TALK AF-AM NEWS Bby Freidetrics k A. Hurst the principle of one-person, one- LIKE THAT JACKIE ROBINSON DAYS with 4,808 votes or 35% while his vote.” ( The Boston Globe , March 13, e is a pretty measured writer. I ARE OVER closest of four opponents received 2019) like him because I never quite kHnow what he will have to say about ussell Westbrook, a black player 4,567 votes or 33%. So Correia re - IMPRESSIVE! for the Oklahoma Thunder NBA mains under indictment and is still a topic until I read every word he cannot overstate how impressive it tReam, was playing with his team in mayor of Fall River. Politics is writes. He’s fair and thoughtful and is that Longmeadow has chosen Gi - Utah against the Utah Jazz when a strange. sometimes he makes me angry, which, aInna Allentuck as one of its four new White fan accosted him with racial in my estimation, makes him a very ELECTORAL COLLEGE school committee members. She is a epithets. As it turned out, it was not good writer. But I must admit, I didn’t NECESSARY: I’M INCLINED wonderful person and educator who the first time that the Oklahoma team think any White writer possessed the TO AGREE will only do good things for the stu - had encountered racial attacks from capacity or sensitivity or insight or dents of Longmeadow. I must admit Utah fans. Westbrook responded by eff Jacoby, a Boston Globe journal - courage to write what New York saying to the fan, “I’ll f-- you up, you ist who is not easily categorized, to being somewhat partial because she Time’s David Brooks wrote in his ar - and your wife.” And his out-of-char - mJade some interesting points about is one of my favorite Point of View ticle titled “Making the Case for acter emotional reaction and words the Electoral College that allowed two writers. Nonetheless, if Gianna is rep - Reparations” (as reprinted in The Re - were all caught on social media. West - Republicans (George W. Bush and resentative of the quality of the other publican , March 10, 2019). His intro - brook was fined $25,000 and the fan Donald Trump) to win the presidency six Longmeadow School Committee duction that followed his travels was ejected for life from the Utah sta - over two Democrats (Al Gore and members, Longmeadow students and around the country is provocative and, dium. The debate roars on as to Hillary Clinton) who won the popular their families and its school staff and I must say, accurate. He wrote: whether Westbrook should be held to vote. In his article he points out that, faculty have emerged from their re - “There’s been a haunting sensation a higher standard of behavior, mean - “Again and again, the Founders went cent crisis in good hands. the whole time that is hard to define. to great lengths to thwart blind major - It is that the racial divide doesn’t feel ing that some believe he should have COLIN KAEPERNICK ity rule, not wanting important na - like the other divides. There is a di - “sucked it up,” à la Jackie Robinson WINS BIG style. Jackie Robinson was a tional decisions to be driven by mension of depth to it that the other pathfinder who laid the trail for other unbridled public emotion, populist or nearly a year and a half, the divides don’t have. It is more central Black athletes to follow in an Ameri - demagoguery, or the passions of the NFL fought a grievance from to the American experience…. One can professional sports world that mob….Thanks to the Electoral Col - “(CoF lin) Kaepernick, who led the (San way to capture it is to say that the barred Black players simply because lege, it isn’t enough for presidential Francisco) 49ers to a Super Bowl, that other divides are born out of separa - they were Black. Robinson did what candidates merely to pile up votes in the league had colluded to keep him tion and inequality, but the racial di - he had to do to open the door while the few states where they are most from working: he was later joined by vide is born out of sin (emphasis Westbrook did what he had the right popular. In order to win, they must Eric Reid, who like his former team - added).” Brooks’ article continued to do and what his dignity demanded demonstrate appeal across numerous mate started kneeling during the na - with philosophical necessities that I’m of him while being willing to pay the states. And because electoral votes tional anthem in 2016 to protest for sure he felt would cushion the impact price in this day and age of “Trump - have almost always been awarded on social-justice causes. But on Feb. 15, of his major premise on White folks ism.” Good for him! a winner-take-all basis, candidates the NFL and attorneys for the athletes who might be expected to be intellec - have a powerful incentive to focus in announced that they had settled the tually traumatized by it. But he con - POLITICS IS STRANGE particular on “swing” states – they case. While the agreement is confi - tinued on by writing: “…while there all River Mayor Jasiel Correia lost work extra hard to carry states where dential, it’s easy to interpret: Kaeper - have been many types of discrimina - a recall election but won re-elec - the public is closely divided, because nick scored a big win.” ( Time , March tion in our history, the African-Amer - tFion in the same election. That’s right! the reward for doing so is signifi - 4, 2019) ican (and the Native American) Correia was under grand jury indict - cant….For a nation like ours – ideo - experiences are unique and different. HOW BIG? ment on fraud and tax evasion logically quarrelsome, geographically Theirs are not immigrant experiences charges. The Fall River City Council vast, socially diverse – the advantages aepernick still wants to play but involve a moral injury that simply attempted to remove him from office of the Electoral College far outweigh in the NFL. The owner of the isn’t there for other groups….Slavery but failed by a 5 to 4 vote. A citizens its drawback. It guarantees that no one N“ewK England Patriots has expressed and the continuing pattern of discrim - group organized a recall election but can become president without demon - support for the QB: the Carolina Pan - ination aren’t only an attempt to steal because of a quirk in the Fall River strating an appeal that crosses state, thers, who signed Reid in November, labor, they are an attempt to cover city charter, Correia was allowed to regional and communal lines. It also makes sense as a destination. The over a person’s soul, a whole people’s run for re-election on the same ballot makes victory all but impossible for league may still stonewall Kaeper - soul….That injury shows up today as that sought to recall him. The ballot candidates who write off whole con - nick. But having won a slew of hu - geographic segregation, the gigantic contained two questions: one asked stituencies of Americans – Mitt Rom - manitarian honors and fronted a wealth gap, the lack of a financial whether to recall Correia and the other ney’s “47 percent,” Hillary Clinton’s successful Nike ad campaign, Kaeper - safety net, but also the lack of the psy - asked who among five candidates, in - “basket of deplorables” – even if those nick has emerged from his football chological and moral safety net that cluding Correia, should be elected as candidates are intensely popular in a exile more influential than ever. He no comes when society has a history of the next mayor. Voters recalled Cor - few specific states or within a narrow longer really needs the game. That’s affirming: You belong. You are us. reia by a vote of 7,829 to 4,911. They demographic slice. Above all, it bal - his greatest victory of all.” ( Time , You are equal.” voted him back in on the same ballot ances federalism with democracy: It March 4, 2019) continues to page 25 af-am point of view page five april 1, 2019

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e By Frederick A. Hurst, reprinted from December 1, 2018 F d Y e r O F M control your “n——rs” if you em - to merge all of the elements together Sarno’s petulant behavior earlier be - power me as the sole representative into a decisive political block, the cause I feared the Caulton family o matter what anybody de - of the Black community.” I’m not re - current City Council serves as a func - would be caught in the middle at a clares to the contrary, race ferring to civil rights advocates tioning example of the possibilities time when they were still basking in matters. And no more so than whose responsibility it is to elevate inherent in true racial cooperation the glow of having received the Em - now when we have a president who N the issue of race. I’m referring to the that will determine the destiny of mett Till Award in honor of “Captain” openly exploits the issue to promote politicians and others who were paid Springfield. Mayor Sarno will either division in America and a racially in - Caulton. But I never intended to let off to keep the race issue quiet. It was embrace those possibilities or fall vic - the mayor’s behavior go unchal - sensitive local mayor. the old slavery straw boss theory at tim to them while stubbornly clinging I am among those who have lenged. One day he will discover that work in modern form. And it often to old ideas. his racist condescension carries con - lived long enough to know from ex - worked…albeit, some say as I do, to My bet is that he will fall victim perience that our current president is sequences along with his behavior to - the detriment of the Black commu - to them because, like our current not the first modern Republican to ward the homeless, immigrants and nity. president, Sarno is set in his ways and embrace race as a political weapon in the churches that provide them sanc - It was a power-for-peace makes decisions accordingly. A clas - order to become president and to sus - tuary and many more issues that pro - arrangement that is fading in the face sic example is his decision to appoint tain his presidency. It started in the of the current generation whose insiders to the top police job without voke him to unleash a juvenile 1968 election with Richard Nixon members are willing to openly con - a broad search or community consul - bellicosity unbecoming to a central and continued with every Republican front race issues and will not be led tation and his failure to see the con - city mayor. candidate down to the present reign or misled by propped up Black lead - nection between his choices and the My understanding is that the of Donald Trump. The only differ - ers, a stubborn fact that is confusing continuing racial problems emanating new police station is several years ence between Donald Trump and the so many traditional White politicians from Springfield’s “old White boy” away during which time Mayor Sarno others – George H. W. Bush, Ronald who have come to rely on them, police network that is costing the city can be certain we will be revisiting Reagan and George W. Bush – is that the naming issue in the public forum their appeal to race as a political which explains much of the frustra - a lot of money and has led to the Feds and at the ballot box. Maybe then he weapon was more covert. “More tion of our current mayor of Spring - taking over. In one sense, he is a clas - covert,” I say, because the racism of field who is dealing with a sic racist who thinks he knows what will have come to the understanding Republican presidential candidates double-edged racial sword – one side is best for us and that we should ac - that no one Black person represents has always been overt to Black folks Black, the other Hispanic, the combi - cept his judgment – even his poor the interests of the Black community and for those White folks who were nation of which constitutes a poten - judgment – over our own combined – not Jay Griffin, who used our willing to see. tial voting majority. judgment. names in a letter to the mayor re - But, even among some Black I can’t speak for the Hispanic A petty example is the mayor’s questing the Budd name for the po - folks, as we emerged out of the Civil community although we have His - naming of the proposed new Spring - lice station without asking many of Rights era into the late sixties, talking panic writers who can. But I can cer - field police station after the late Cap - us. And not Boston’s Attorney Wayne about race became anathema. For tainly speak for the Black community tain Joseph Budd. Some of us felt it Budd, a true citizen of Boston, who them it was a “Don’t-start-trouble- in Springfield as I have experienced should be named after the late “Cap - now has little more than an historical for-us reaction.” Many labored under it. And I can say categorically, the tain” Robert Caulton and made our connection to Springfield. “one n——r” days are over. And the feelings public in a very civil and the mistaken notion that talking about The Black community will de - sooner our mayor understands that, non-confrontational manner. The racism would make it worse and not cide who its leaders will be and they the better for him and the better for mayor reacted like a spoiled brat and talking about racism would help it to will not be the proverbial “one.” Springfield. And the longer it takes aired his feelings through a news re - go away. All their silence did was to My larger point, of course, is allow racism to fester unfettered and for him to understand Black leader - lease which, thanks to responsible that in this day and age, one would unattended. ship diversity and act on it, the more media, never reached the light of day have to be a mental troglodyte Other Black folks – especially tenuous will be his hold on power. because it was nasty, insensitive to the crop of Black politicians who de - The Black community in the Caulton family and, for the most trapped in an intellectual stone age to clared themselves the post Civil Springfield is politically stronger than part, untrue and decidedly conde - not know that race matters. Or, like Rights leaders of the Black commu - it has been in many years because of scending toward the Black commu - Trump and his Republican presiden - nity – much like our Republican pres - the diversity of its leadership, politi - nity whose members he assumed tial predecessors, one would have to idents, were very much aware of the cal and otherwise. It has made strong should not engage in legitimate de - be Machiavellian enough to pretend utility of race as an issue. Many dis - connections with the Hispanic com - bates over legitimate differences, but it doesn’t while exploiting it toward creetly used race as a personal, polit - munity and the White community. should defer to his sole judgment. promoting one’s own selfish ends. ical bargaining tool as in, “I will And although it continues to struggle I didn’t respond to Mayor Neither is acceptable. ■ af-am point of view page six april 1, 2019 E D U C A T I O N FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT’S DESK PARENTS & COMMUNITY Crossing Guards – Unsung Letting Go! heroes of our District and City By Patricia Spradley, reprinted from July 1, 2018 There’s the period of separation By Daniel J. Warwick, Superintendent Springfield Public Schools Patricia Spradley is anxiety when we leave them for the Chief Administrator for first time with the daycare provider. of dedicated employees who brave Parent and the elements of fall, winter, spring Community Then there’s the first day of school Daniel J. Warwick , Engagement, which is oftentimes more traumatic and summer to make sure our stu - Springfield Public Superintendent at the dents have a safe passage to and from for the parent than the child. But even Springfield Public Schools school. (413) 787-6597 if it isn’t, it’s a real transition time. Schools We’re then given twelve years to Our crossing guards face the re - hen we are blessed with a get them through grade school, build - ality of distracted drivers, rushed traf - bundle of joy, the feelings ing up for the first official “letting go” fic and oftentimes plain old rude are often overwhelming, system as large as Spring - motorists so that our students do not but filled with pride and even posses - phase, off to college! So why is it that field Public Schools has hun - have to. If you are like me, you see W with all this time and practice, so sion. Rarely, if at all, are you thinking dreds of moving parts. Of them every weekday as you go about of supporting your children, only to let many parents are still challenged with course, we focus on teaching and A your morning routine. They com - them go. However, parenthood is a letting go? It’s such a natural progres - learning but there is one thing that is mand their posts fully aware and process of doing just that, letting go. sion of life. present, smiles on faces and friendly In my opinion, our number one I believe strongly that if you have greetings for students. obligation is to prepare our children the right mental perspective, letting go I am so pleased that the School for the real world before we let them is a fantastic experience and one to be Committee recently approved a new go. That is no small task, but neces - embraced wholeheartedly! Let’s face curriculum called Barrows’ Buddies sary! And when done properly, gives it, parents enter the next journey of – Safe Routes to School. This initia - us a sense of peace and reward for a their lives with so much to look for - tive is named in honor of the late job well-done. ward to. Michelle Barrows, an SPS crossing During the infancy stages, our You get an automatic raise, being guard who was tragically struck and babies are totally dependent upon us. released of obligatory expenses. You killed in the line of duty this past We are at their beckon and call for can meet your mate all over again. summer. The program will focus on everything from feeding, to burping, You can travel to places that boldly providing students with guidelines to changing diapers, to playing nurse, promote “Adults ONLY”. You can go for pedestrian and bicycle safety. and putting them to sleep. Then we to bed and really sleep because you’re With more than 90 crossing move into the toddler stage. We are fo - not waiting up to make sure that cur - guards stationed throughout the city cused on helping them to crawl, walk few is met. You no longer need to hide on any given day, we can rest assured and even begin taking on some of your favorite snacks. You can choose that students have a responsible, reli - those basic roles that help them learn to babysit (or not). You can spoil able adult helping them arrive safely to fend for themselves―even if only Joseph Perry, Jr., grandchildren and gladly hand them at school and back at home. As a mo - to a small degree. Being able to feed Crossing Guard and torist, you have a responsibility also. themselves, with easy to maneuver back. You can sleep in late on Satur - Crossing Guard Trainer Yours is to obey crossing guards, items, allows us to multi-task, while days because you don’t have to bring even more important than that – the slow down as you approach their they develop some independence. anyone to practice. The list is endless. safety of our students and staff. One crossing area and And you can do it all, by simply let - group of employees who hold a great always expect ting go! deal of responsibility when it comes throngs of students Think of letting go as the ulti - to keeping our students safe is cross - to be crossing city mate reward for doing your very best ing guards. streets during at raising your children! Being able to As I pen this column, I am very school start and see your children be successful at rais - much looking forward to an appreci - stop times. ing their own families, at being gain - ation ceremony for crossing guards Working to - fully employed, having lucrative planned for March at Central High gether, we can careers and carrying on some of the School. Organized by the Department make sure our stu - traditions that you passed on to them, of Transportation, this Appreciation dents and crossing are just a few of the reasons that you Ceremony and Luncheon is our op - guards stay safe. ■ should relish letting go. Think of let - portunity to shine a light on a group ting go as exactly what He intended! af-am point of view page seven april 1, 2019 E D U C A T I O N EARLY EDUCATION & CARE

Nicole Blais is Director Give Your Child a Head Start of Community By Nicole Blais, reprinted from May 1, 2018 Engagement HCS Head Start, Inc. for Needy Families or SSI) are eligi - [email protected] ble regardless of income. On the other hand, Head Start programs may enroll up to 10% of children from pring has sprung and HCS families that have incomes above the Head Start is gearing up for the Poverty Guidelines. In order to see if upcoming school year. We will your family is eligible, it’s best to sit be actively recruiting and enrolling S down with an Enrollment Advisor. children birth to 5 over the next few In addition to family income, months so please help spread the HCS Head Start can enroll pregnant word. mothers and children birth to 5 years Head Start and Early Head Start old. There are a variety of classroom are federally funded programs which options ranging from 4 hours to 6 means there are eligibility require - hours to 10 hours per day. Class - ments. One such requirement is based rooms run either the school year cal - on family income that is at or below endar, September to June, or 52 the poverty level according to the weeks per year. The full day/full year Federal Poverty Guidelines. Children classrooms are for parents who are in foster care, homeless children, and working or going to school full time. children from families receiving pub - Head Start programs are also charged HCS Head Start at a Community Recruitment Event. lic assistance (Temporary Assistance with recruiting and enrolling children with special needs. Our mission is to provision of educational, health, provide children and their families nutritional, social and other serv - with a BEACON OF HOPE and ices to enrolled children and fam - source of support for a brighter fu - ilies. ture. The programs have an array of ● Migrant/Seasonal Head Start – services that are made available– is designed to meet the needs of which are geared to prepare children the children of migrant farm for kindergarten and support parents workers. The service delivery as their child’s 1 st teacher–from model allows for children as health and nutrition, mental health, young as four weeks old to re - family engagement activities, and ceive comprehensive Head Start STCC is your pathwwayay to a Career in Services while their parents labor Health Information TTechnology!echnology! limited transportation. A description of each program HCS Head Start, in the fields to harvest this na - GetGet youryour AAssociatessociate in SSSciencecciencience in Inc. offers is below: tion’s food supply. HealthHealth InformationInformation TTechnologyechnology ● Early Head Start – serves preg - ● Preschool Expansion Grant Apply today!today! Learn to proceessss and analyze health records nant moms and children birth to (PEG) – offers a full day/full year and data. early learning experience for 4 Admissions three in a home based or center year olds transitioning into kinder - ((413)413) 755-3333755-3333 • Manage electronic health records. based model. The goals of EHS • Integrate medical coding systems. are to promote healthy prenatal garten in the fall of 2018. Families • Ensure complete patient records. outcomes, promote healthy family must meet income eligibility re - functioning, and strengthen the quirements, live in either in overall development of infants Springfield or Holyoke and have limited preschool experience. LearnLearn more at: and toddlers. ● Head Start – promotes school Give your child a Head Start! To www.stcc.edu/explore/programswww.stcc.edu/explore/programs readiness by enhancing the social determine if you are eligi - and cognitive development of pre - ble, please call 413-788- school aged children through the 6522 and ask to speak to an Enrollment Advisor. ■

3/12/19 African American Point of View Ad size: 4.65”x 5.3” Email ads to: Mariiee Zanazanian; [email protected] Runs: April 2019 af-am point of view page eight april 1, 2019 E D U C A T I O N EDUCATION & HOPE Inspires awe. Makes us Gianna Allentuck is a Mother, Educator, and Perfect feel. Recognize we are human and Community Volunteer. connect in our humanity. In a perfect To connect with By Gianna Allentuck, reprinted from October 1, 2018 combination of lyrics and beat, rap, Gianna regarding Education and Hope sameness. In a stadium filled with shed from happiness, sadness, excite - rhythm, chorus, melody, and har - topics discussed herein, differences. ment… mony, music is a mystical force. Sim - please contact her at [email protected] . When Ed said sing, we did so Though she was across the sta - ple yet profound. with our voices full and bodies en - dium with her friend, I could sense Whether one man. Alone. On a ne man. Alone. On a gaged. When he said echo, we did so my daughter singing and dancing and stage. Or a chorus of thousands. stage. The glow of techn - with the joy of children yelling from having a blast. She had waited a year Author’s note : I am not mu - odisplay lights emanating a mountaintop. When he said clap, for this concert. I was crying grateful sically inclined. I can barely from behind creating a full-body we did so – filling the air with a pas - tears for her because her happiness is O clap along with my Principal halo. Highlighting the angel among sionate heartbeat. Fast and a treasure. I was crying desperate us. His only props – a microphone, steady. Slow and strong. The music tears for myself in a release of and students. But as a wife and guitar, his words and his voice. He poured from him. Into us. pain. My brother John was a DJ and mother working to better my - steps from the light into the shadows Through us. connoisseur of music. He would have self, and as a counselor de - of the stage, but we still see him. He Our senses alive. Seeing the loved this show. I miss him voted to helping others feel glows. From a warmth – from a light twinkle of phone lights reflecting a fiercely. And I was crying loving and process, I have come to – within… night filled with stars. Hearing the tears for my brother Todd and sister- trust music as a valuable tool. In his greeting to us, he raises words and lyrics that connect us. in-law Robin because they had made If possible, take a moment for his hands palm-up to the sky in salute Breathing in the scent of closeness Cecelia’s dream come true. Brought yourself right now; grab your and appreciation to his God or higher and togetherness. Touching each her happiness to fruition. So much iPod, phone, earbuds, juke power who has gifted him with the other’s hearts in a moment of com - emotion. And I was only one of sixty- box, or good ol’ fashioned grace, glory, and talent to unite us all mon understanding. Good still exists six thousand. record and go listen to some in music. In song. in this world. Tasting the salt of tears Music does this. music. Give yourself the op - His smile – pure joy. Character – portunity to feel; and in your charming. Heart – boundless. He feelings be free… lowers his hands and draws them in to his guitar. Readying to play. But before the first note is plucked and EnrollEnroll chord strummed, he captures all of our hearts – each of our hearts – filled YourYo u r ChildChi ld with our adoration – and infuses our energy into the instrument. He knows the magic of the moment is born from our spirit. Our souls. He is Ed Sheeran. And for the next two hours, he brings peace to the burdened. Acceptance to the dif - ferent. Love to the lonely. Neighbor - liness to strangers. Laughter. Compassion. Unity. Inspiration. And VIVIAN, SUSY AND DEANNA, BIOLOGY, love to us all. CLASS OF 2018, ENTERING THE STEM CallCall 423-423-734423-734-6300734-6300 Through music. FIELD WITH PRIDE AND CONFIDENCE. On the big screen, his boyish ChooseBrightFutures.orgChooseBrightFuturrees.org smile was pixeled with thousands of W e warmly care for infants through pre-K colors and lights. Each light a reflec - 2 XUVWDIIII KDV D FRPELQHG \HDUVFKLOG tion of the sixty-six thousand individ - Excellence is waiting. FDUHH[SHULHQFH uals in the audience. Black or 2 XUFXUULFXOXP LQFOXGHV LQWHUJHQHUDWLRQDO white. Tall or short. Young or old. activities Gay or straight. Shy or social. westfield.ma.edu : HDUH DQ DIIIIRUGDEOH QRQSURILW FHQWHU Bonded together to form the perfect :DOQXW6WUHHW6SULQJ¿HOG0$::DDOQXW 6WUHHW 6SULQJ¿HOG 0$ picture. A rare glimpse of a vision of ³$QDI¿OLDWHRIWKH0DVRQ:ULJKW)RXQGDWLRQ´³³$$QDII¿¿¿OOOLLDWH RI WWKKH 0DVRQ ::UUULLLJJJKKW )RXQGDWLLRRQ´ the essence of beauty. Of af-am point of view page nine april 1, 2019 E D U C A T I O N READING TO SUCCEED

Sally Fuller , retired Give The Gift of Reading community lead for Reading Success by 4th ligence and imagination, and if urable so they read still more,’ said nurture a habit, maybe even spark Grade, still committed! they don’t blaze well before el - Daniel Willingham, a professor of a passion. You never know where a ementary school, a child’s ed - psychology at the University of Vir - little reading might lead.” ucation – a child’s life – may continued from page 1 ginia and the author of ‘Raising Kids For the entire article, which high - be an endless game of catch “The list of what a child needs in who Read.’ ‘And kids who read well lights Reading Is Fundamental, a na - up. order to flourish is short but nonnego - don’t just do better in English class – tional nonprofit that provides it helps them in math, science and tiable. …Research suggests that during hundreds of thousands of free books every other class, too.’’ their earliest years, kids from disad - to children age 8 or younger, in par - ● Food. Shelter. Play. Love. Bruni says “I’d go even further. vantaged homes don’t hear as robust ticular those from economically dis - ● Something else, too, and it’s Reading tugs them outside of them - a variety of words as kids from priv - advantaged homes, where books are meted out in even less equal selves, connecting them to a wider ileged ones, and that’s the prelude to a greater luxury and in shorter supply, measure. a series of other gaps with bearing on world and filling it with wonder. It’s please go to ● Words. A child needs a forest their success in school and beyond. more than fundamental. It’s transfor - http://www.nytimes.com/2015/11/2 of words to wander through, a Early reading is one of the reme - mative.” sea of words to splash in. A dies. I also would highlight this quote, 5/opinion/the-gift-of- child needs to be read to, and a ‘Kids who read more get better at which shares a goal to which we reading.html?emc=edit_th_201511 child needs to read. reading, and because they are better should all aspire for our children: 25&nl=todaysheadlines&nlid=369 ● Reading fuels the fires of intel - at reading, it’s easier and more pleas - “The goal is to develop a muscle, 81446&_r=1 ■ SCHOOLS OF HIGHER EDUCATION IN THE NEWS HCC Professor Selected as ‘Engaged Scholar’ for 2019-2020

Gutierrez was one of 12 scholars Gutiérrez, who lives in Holyoke, ate an oral history around their expe - picked for the inaugural, 18-month is coordinator of HCC’s Foreign Lan - riences as immigrants and as farm program that includes academics from guage program, coordinator of the workers, with the end goal of estab - 11 other institutions from Maine to Center for Public Humanities at HCC lishing a repository for their stories,” Washington D.C., such as Lehigh Uni - and adviser to the HCC LISA Club he said. versity, Ithaca College, Swarthmore, (Latino International Students Associ - Gutiérrez was born in Mexico Dartmouth, Georgetown and Yale. ation). He also spearheaded the cre - and holds a bachelor’s degree in Span - Scholars were selected from a ation of a new LatinX Studies ish and a master’s degree in Hispanic highly competitive pool of candidates program at the college that will begin Studies from the University of Illinois nominated by college and university in the fall 2019 semester, and he at Chicago. presidents and chief academic officers. teaches Spanish literacy to migrant The 12 Engaged Scholars will “Campus Compact is thrilled to farm workers through Head Start in participate in an 18-month ongoing welcome the first cohort of the Eastern Springfield. learning and leadership process that Region Engaged Scholars Initiative,” “The idea behind the Engaged includes professional development, said Marisol Morales, vice president Scholars program is create a cohort of collaboration, and scholarship to help Raúl Gutiérrez for Network Leadership at Campus scholars focused on working in the the individual participants and the co - HOLYOKE, MA — Holyoke Com - Compact, the national network. “The community,” said Gutierrez. hort strengthen their scholarship, re - munity College assistant professor of interest in the program and the caliber His specific projects will focus search, and impact. Scholars will Spanish Raúl Gutiérrez has been se - and diversity of all the applicants was on two areas: building a civic-engage - participate in in-person and online lected as an “Engaged Scholar” for extraordinary. The goal of this pro - ment/service-learning component into learning opportunities, including re - 2019-2020 by the Eastern Region gram is to develop and support equity- the new Latinx Studies program and treats, regular meetings, and the na - Campus Compact, a regional partner - minded community engaged scholars continuing to work with migrant farm tional Campus Compact Conference ship of colleges and universities dedi - and practitioners who can shape the workers. March 25-27 in Providence, Rhode cated to promoting civic engagement. future of this field.” “I want to work with them to cre - Island. ■ af-am point of view page ten april 1, 2019 E D U C A T I O N SCHOOLS OF HIGHER EDUCATION IN THE NEWS

STCC Offers Affordable Smith College History Community Dental Care Professor to Speak at STCC on April 24 in the Journal of the Early Republic. Pryor will discuss the article dur - ing her appearance as well as her ex - perience growing up the child of a white Jewish woman and black man in the United States. She is daughter of the iconic late comedian Richard Pryor. Her first book, “Colored Travel - ers: Mobility and the Fight for Citizen - ship before the Civil War,” is a social Elizabeth Stordeur Pryor history of black activists, who, long SPRINGFIELD, MA before Rosa Parks, fought against seg - – Need a dental cleaning but don’t have insurance? The SPRINGFIELD, MA – Smith Col - regation on public transportation. Dental Hygiene program at Springfield Technical Community College offers lege professor Elizabeth Stordeur cleanings, examinations and more at affordable prices. Pryor, who specializes in 19 th -century Pryor originally was scheduled to Dental hygiene students, under the direction of licensed dental hygienists U.S. history and race, will speak at speak during Black History Month in and dentists, provide all treatment at the clinic in Building 20, Room 238. Springfield Technical Community February, but the event was postponed Basic dental cleaning service costs $35. College on April 24. until April 24 at 10:10 a.m. and The clinic hours are 8:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. on Mon - Pryor’s essay, “Etymology of 11:15 a.m. She will speak at STCC’s days, Tuesdays and Thursdays. On Fridays, the clinic is open 8:30 a.m. – 11:30 [the n-word]: Resistance, Language, Scibelli Hall Theater. a.m. The clinic is closed on Wednesdays. and the Politics of Freedom in the An - Part of the Ovations Educational STCC is dedicated to comprehensive oral health care and offers the fol - tebellum North,” won the Ralph D. and Cultural Event Series, Pryor’s talk lowing services: Gray Prize for the best article of 2016 is free and open to the public . · Medical/Dental history Other services include: · Vital Sign Assessment · Full Mouth Radiographs - $30 · Oral Examinations · Panoramic Radiograph - $30 · Dental Hygiene Diagnosis · Sealants (per tooth) - $10 · Dental Hygiene Treatment Care Plan · Arestin - per dose cartridge - $15 · Tooth Whitening · Tooth Whitening Kit - $85 · Coronal Polishing · Touch-Up Whitening Kit - $15 · Fluoride Treatments · Tooth Whitening Strips - $40 · Pit and Fissure Sealants · Mouthguard/Nightguard - $50 · X-rays/Radiographs · Mouthguard/Nightguard · Clean Removable Appliance and Prothesis · Oral Health Education · Root Planing/Debridement · Dietary Assessment/Nutritional Counseling · Tobacco Cessation Counseling Patients are required to pay for services at the time of their appointment. Springfield Police Officer Ahmad Sharif was recognized at a Spring - Personal check, cash, debit and credit cards are accepted. field School Committee meeting for his 13 years of working with To schedule an appointment, call (413 ) 755-4900. For more information, youths and for initiating the Old Hill Youths Sports and Mentoring visit www.stcc.edu/info/dental-care . Program at Elias Brookings School which serves over 200 youths. af-am point of view page eleven april 1, 2019 E D U C A T I O N SCHOOLS OF HIGHER EDUCATION IN THE NEWS

Westfield State University to Westfield State Receive $190,000 from Mass. University Appoints Department of Education Dr. Monique Lopez WESTFIELD, MA – Westfield State greater accessibility and demystified as Registrar University will receive an allocation pathways to a four-year degree.” of approximately $190,000 from the Now in its second year, the West - WESTFIELD, MA – Westfield State years,” Massachusetts Department of Higher field Promise enables local high University has appointed Dr. said Dean Education to support the University’s school juniors and seniors to earn up Monique Lopez as its registrar, fol - of Under - Westfield Promise program in calen - to 12 college credits by the time they lowing a nationwide search of candi - graduate Dr. Monique Lopez dar year 2019. graduate from high school, and pro - dates. Studies Designated as a Massachusetts vides preferred admission to West - Previously, Dr. Lopez held the Christina Swaidan, Ed.D. “We look Early College Program by the Board field State. The majority of the student position of assistant registrar and in - forward to her continued dedication of Higher Education and Board of El - participants are first generation col - terim registrar, among other positions to our students, faculty, and staff in ementary and Secondary Education lege students. This program provides held in the Office of the Registrar. her role as registrar.” Early College Joint Committee in the exposure and insight to help them vi - She has committed herself to the Uni - Dr. Lopez holds an Ed.D. in ed - summer of 2018, the Westfield Prom - sualize themselves as bachelor degree versity community for nearly two ucational leadership from the Univer - ise pairs Westfield State with public candidates. It also preserves the Uni - decades, including 10 years as the as - sity of Hartford as well as an M.S. in school systems in Westfield, Holyoke, versity’s commitment to accessibility sistant registrar. management from Cambridge Col - and Springfield to provide an early and our neighboring communities. ■ During her time at Westfield lege. ■ college experience for underserved State, Dr. Lopez has student populations. EEnrollnroll worked with students, fac - With some 180 high school stu - ulty, and staff to consis - dents currently enrolled in the pro - YourYo u r ChildChi ld tently identify and gram, Westfield State accounts for 21 alleviate issues affecting percent of the total student enrollment student success as well as across all Designated Massachusetts monitoring and reviewing Early College Programs among the the registration process. nine state universities. Westfield State She was additionally in - will receive 21 percent of the Com - fluential in the transition monwealth Dual Enrollment Plan of the Division of Aca - funding. demic Affairs’ 25 depart - “The early success of this pro - ments to a four-college gram is due to the hard work of our structure, from further im - facilitators and faculty members who CallCall 423-423-734423-734-6300734-6300 plementation of technol - have made this program a priority,” ogy and laying the said Westfield State President Ramon ChooseBrightFutures.orgChooseBrightFuturrees.org foundation for the Degree - S. Torrecilha, Ph.D., who explained W e warmly care for infants through pre-K works system, which uses that Westfield State faculty have wel - 2 XUVWDIIII KDV D FRPELQHG\HDUVFKLOG and distributes transcripts comed and integrated high school FDUHH[SHULHQFH electronically. seniors into their courses on the Uni - 2 XUFXUULFXOXP LQFOXGHV LQWHUJHQHUDWLRQDO “Westfield State has versity’s campus and have co-taught activities had the good fortune to stretch courses to juniors in the three : HDUH DQ DIIIIRUGDEOHQRQSURILW FHQWHU benefit from the experi - public high school settings. “This im - ence and devotion of Dr. portant collaboration between second - :DOQXW6WUHHW6SULQJ¿HOG0$::DDOQXW 6WUHHW 6SULQJ¿HOG 0$ ³$QDI¿OLDWHRIWKH0DVRQ:ULJKW)RXQGDWLRQ´³³$$QDII¿¿¿OOOLLDWHRI WWKKH 0DVRQ::UUULLLJJJKKW )RXQGDWLLRRQ´ Lopez for nearly 20 ary and higher education provides af-am point of view page twelve april 1, 2019 H E A L T H YOUR HEALTH

guy. Nothing wrong with potatoes, unless, of precancerous growths in the colon and rectum. Screening course, you need to stay away from carbs because Risk factors include: age – older than 50 (I’m 65), you have type 2 diabetes as I do. But, that’s another family history of colorectal cancer or polyps, a per - Colonoscopy Is A story. sonal history of intestinal polyps or inflammatory What led to the colonoscopy finally? To be bowel disease, a diet high in red and processed Lifesaver, But More frank, I was having a hemorrhoid problem. They meats (that’s me), obesity (that’s me, too, although were really bothering me on this particular day, and I just lost 12 pounds), heavy alcohol use, smoking, Than Half of Those while I was walking through Baystate Medical type 2 diabetes (me again), and physical inactivity Center after attending a meeting, I found myself (that’s me and most Americans today). Eligible Haven’t hoping that I would pass Kelly Tyler along the way. So, it’s easy to see why I was so nervous. Dr. Tyler is our chief of Colorectal Surgery , whom Christmas, my favorite time of the year, came I have worked with many times over the years in and went and all I could think about from Jan. 1 Been Screened my capacity as a member of the Public Affairs team onward was my upcoming colonoscopy. I’d be at Baystate Health . Lo and behold, as I rounded the working in the office or resting at home and I’d (What follows is a first-person corner, there she was. It’s really true. find myself worrying about what they might find. Would I have cancer? I dwelled upon it for days journey into overcoming the fears of Not only is Dr. Tyler a great surgeon, but a compassionate human being. And I had no problem leading up to the procedure. I even called Kelly having a colonoscopy and what they sharing my concerns with her over something that from my office a week before the procedure for a might find, by Keith J. O’Connor) is embarrassing to talk about. “Keith, I’m a doc - pep talk. It helped and she said, “Now, don’t cancel tor,” I remember her telling me. And we sat down on me.” I told her “I wouldn’t,” and meant it. on a bench to talk about the problem. She told me “I was really worried Keith wouldn’t go if the hemorrhoids didn’t get better, to make an ap - through with the colonoscopy, and I have seen too many people who put it off, only to find out there pointment to see her. And, when they started to is a large polyp or cancer that now needs to be dealt bother me again, I made that appointment. with. Keith is a colleague and friend and I didn’t I remember sitting in her waiting room, a bun - want him to be one of those people,” said Dr. Tyler. dle of nerves, worrying it would be something Before I knew it, Monday, Jan. 14, had ar - much worse than just hemorrhoids. I was okay, but rived, the day before my colonoscopy, when you Kelly knew I had never had a colonoscopy and I must begin the bowel prep before your procedure. don’t think she was going to let me out of the room Kelly admits the bowel preparation for a without saying, “Yes.” I asked her if she would do colonoscopy ”is not pleasant” and involves passing the procedure for me. When she said, “Yes,” then a lot of bowel movements to get the lining clean, I said, “Yes.” Gastroenterologists typically perform which is necessary so that the doctor who does colonoscopy screenings, however, colorectal sur - your colonoscopy can inspect it properly. Dr. Kelly Tyler and Keith J. O’Connor geons like Kelly will do a colonoscopy for patients Most people will tell you the worst part of the already presenting with symptoms. SPRINGFIELD, MA whole experience is the bowel prep, because when – Fear kept me from getting Why did I say yes? I finally realized that I you go in for the colonoscopy you are put to sleep a colonoscopy all these years, that is, until now. I owed it not only to myself, but to my family. And, and feel nothing. had my first colonoscopy on Jan. 15 and as I like how could I say “No” to someone I have the great - There are many different options when it to joke, “It’s all behind me now.” est trust in. comes to the bowel prep. I’m here to tell you that Seriously, I should have had the screening 15 Kelly gave me the rationale for screening my bowel prep, as far as I was concerned, was years ago when I turned 50. And, if you take into colonoscopy, which I already knew and have writ - nothing either. Mine involved drinking 8 eight- account the new American Cancer Society guide - ten about many times in news releases for the hos - ounce glasses of Powerade Zero (no calorie sports lines that look at beginning colonoscopy now at 45, pital. drink) mixed with Miralax (a laxative) over a two- I was 20 years late. “You’ll be fine, but if we do find something, hour time period. Not great if you don’t like sports As for the fear, since I work in healthcare I then it’s better that we catch it early when your drinks, and I don’t. But, not terrible. What follows knew what to expect. It was the fear of the un - chances for successful treatment are better,” she isn’t pleasant. However, if you’ve ever had a bad known, the fact that they might find something… said. stomach virus including lots of diarrhea, then you …a cancer in my colon. I had no symptoms to It’s the “if” in that reassurance that bothered know what to expect next. worry over, other than the fact I’m overweight and me. like a good Irishman, I’m a red meat and potatoes Most colon cancers develop from polyps – continues to page 18 af-am point of view page thirteen april 1, 2019 H E A L T H HEALTH MATTERS GOT H.E.R.S. Yoga for Healing Check Up from the Neck Up By Monife Marshall, reprinted from November 1, 2018 By Latoya Bosworth, PhD on the bottom of our to-do list, if at ment or rushing. It’s important for all Dr. Latoya Bosworth all. Being black and female often yoga teachers to make classes easily dubbed herself carries the burden being automati - Doris Sexton-Harris , accessible, safe, and not make people Brenda’s Child in cally crowned a “Strong Black Health Consultant, feel alienated due to limitations. honor of her late mother. She is an edu - Woman.” And we do not wish to dis - Doris can be Modifications are always acceptable contacted at cator, author, speaker, appoint. Instead we push our feelings and should be suggested by a teacher [email protected] and self-esteem expert. to the side, or drown them in façade, while practicing. www.brendaschild.com food, drink, work, or worse–social Yoga is an approach to health - ow are you? So often we are media–to the detriment of ourselves. f you’re seeking to address issues care that promotes the harmonious asked or ask that question, We make sure that even if we shop that include body aches, balance, combination and connection of the already anticipating an auto - at the thrift store or color our hair on depression, sleep issues and body, mind and spirit and when prac - matic response of “fine” or “good” our own that we look good no matter stress, yoga might be what your inner ticed regularly a growing number of H I because it’s the polite thing to say. what, but we don’t do that for our in - being prescribes. men and women are acquiring and After all, we can’t just spill our guts side. I used to be so guilty of it my - maintaining higher Monife Marshall to everyone. I mean what if I an - self for years, but I am no longer levels of health. swered, “Awful. Menopause is weighed down by the armor of the Older people who killing me. I wake up in sweats, and Superwoman title. For me, mental do not want to risk I can’t wear any of my winter health checkups make me a better injury by practicing sweaters because I’ll die if I have a mother, employee, and friend. high impact aero - hot flash.” Awkward, right? Having church, friends and bics, prefer a Sometimes we can work family to support you is a wonderful kinder, gentler, yet through things on our own or over thing. However, confiding in them effective form of dinner with our girlfriends. Other sometimes means you will be judged exercise. Yoga is times, we need professional guid - (aloud, in their heads, or behind your ideal to prevent ance from a therapist. That’s right, a back). And once you divulge drama arthritis, high blood therapist. Just as it’s important to get about your significant other, then pressure, failing vi - a yearly mammogram or a choles - you can count on them to hold a sion, depression, terol check, it’s equally important to Yoga, for years, was connected grudge even if you don’t. Friends osteoporosis and more. get a mental and emotional assess - with thin, young, educated, white and family can’t always offer the ob - Many of the useful lessons ment. However, the National Al - women and that presumption left a jective lenses needed to address taught in a yoga class can be applied liance on Mental Illness reports that whole lot of people from the benefits some issues and may project their to everyday living. Honoring your only 25 percent of African-Ameri - of practicing yoga. Today, you’ll find fears and experiences on you. A li - mind and body, conserve energy cans will seek therapy, even though yoga offered at many community censed therapist, on the other hand, rather than squandering energy and we are 20 percent more likely to ex - centers, with many of those classes continues to page 17 paying attention to early symptoms of perience mental health is - available at rates so affordable that changing health are just a few. sues. Our reticence is a you’ll often find people from various Practicing yoga allows you to result of our warranted ethnicities, ages and athletic levels understand your body on an intimate distrust of medical pro - taking advantage of the benefits. level. This daily mindfulness is great fessionals, misconcep - Many try yoga for various rea - for creating a calming and controlling tions about mental health, sons: some seeking physical and way of life, and let’s us protect our - and the cultural and reli - mental health benefits, some for ex - selves from the stresses of everyday gious belief that praying ercise or stress reduction, some for life. about it will fix it. The re - peace of mind and better self-aware - ality is, it is time to take ness. A growing number of profes - charge of our mental sional athletes use yoga to prevent Monife Marshall has been teaching health because it directly injuries. in the DC/MD/VA area for 12 years. impacts every aspect of Yoga is therapeutic when prac - For more information, check out our lives. ticed with the mind and body con - www.YogaByMonife.com or follow Black women tend nected, and without feelings of her on Facebook at Live Luv Con - to put mental health care frustration, competitiveness, judg - cepts, LLC. af-am point of view page fourteen april 1, 2019 C O M M U N I T Y POLITICAL HAPPENINGS - SPECIAL TO POINT OF VIEW “Well. . .It’s Complicated Because. . . By Michael P. Zwirko, Alderman-at-Large, Melrose, MA f someone were to tell you that 10 of ground, days would change your life, mileage wise. chances are you’d laugh back at But after the first tIhem in response. This past Decem - day it was clear ber, I had the privilege to travel to Is - we would never rael with other elected municipal be able to cover Michael P. Zwirko officials from across Massachusetts all of the cultural and historical and my life was changed. mileage we would encounter. In Is - I had only met a couple of my rael, you quickly learn that when you fellow adventurers at a very brief ori - ask a question the answer begins with entation a month prior to departure. “Well...it’s complicated because…” Being elected officials, most of us are Everything is complicated because not shy individuals by trade, so we you are trying to understand three of were all very chatty at the airport. the world’s major religions, changing Chatty, yes. Substantive, no. It was a cultures over thousands of years, hun - late departure and an 11-hour flight, dreds of wars and a lot of treaties. It’s so the expectations were more fo - a lot to unpack. cused on sleep than substance. Once After each stop, after each site, we landed, however, the trip began after each conversation with those that From L to R: Aaron Agulnek, Elizabeth Pimentel, Fredie Kay, and didn’t stop for nine more days. we’d met, we would head back to our Justin Hurst, Mayor Nicole LaChapelle, Kim Janey, And we didn’t leave each other’s side. bus and talk more with each other. Andrea Campbell, Marjorie Ross Decter, Eli Cohn-Postell, Israel is about the size of New We’d try to understand what we had and Michael Zwirko Jersey, so we were able to cover a lot continues to page 25 POLITICAL HAPPENINGS - FROM THE STATE HOUSE Caucus Meeting with the Department of Correction Leads to Visitation Policy Change BOSTON, MA — The Massachusetts Black and list could only be amended twice per year and was stated, “Successful prisoner Latino Legislative Caucus joined Executive Office limited to 5, 8, or 10 visitors depending on the se - reentry back into their commu - of Public Safety and Security Secretary Thomas curity level of the facility. While discussing the lim - nities has a direct positive im - Turco III, Department of Correction (DOC) Com - itations, members noted that some inmates have pact on public safety. These missioner Carol Mici, and staff recently at their Mil - large families as well as many friends whom they updates to the visiting policy Carlos Gonzalez ford headquarters to discuss a range of matters, see as brothers, sisters, and uncles and who may not will certainly help inmates to maintain positive com - including the Department’s visitation policy imple - fit the traditional definition of a relative. The De - munity ties.” Department of Correction Commis - mented under 103 CMR 483. With Black and His - partment of Correction does allow for exceptions sioner Carol Mici stated, “The Department panic inmates accounting for approximately 50% of under special circumstances. recognizes the importance visitors have on an in - the DOC prison population according to a 2017 re - The policy change agreed to by DOC, at the re - mate’s well-being and successful reentry into the port, the Caucus has made a renewed effort to col - quest of the MBLLC, will now allow inmates to up - community, and on the encouragement of family re - laborate with the DOC for the betterment of the date their preapproved list of visitors every 120 days unification. These updates will offer additional vis - populations they serve. and will increase the number of authorized preap - iting privileges to inmates while still maintaining Caucus Chairman Representative Carlos proved visitors per inmate from 5 to 8 at maximum our commitment to ensuring the safety of all public, González (D – Springfield) stated, “Our discussions security prisons. staff, visitors and inmates throughout the Massachu - have been fruitful. We are encouraged by and thank - Meeting attendees also discussed inmate clas - setts Department of Correction.” sification, an important matter for Caucus member ful for the collaboration between our Caucus, Sec - The Massachusetts Black and Latino Legislative retary Turco, and Commissioner Mici as we work Representative Andy Vargas (D – Haverhill). Mov - Caucus is a group of state legislators seeking to de - to make changes that may have a substantial impact ing forward Rep. Vargas will represent the Caucus fine, highlight and analyze those issues and con - on rehabilitation.” as a stakeholder in ongoing discussions on how to cerns affecting people of color in the Inmates must seek preapproval of their visitors update the classification policy. Commonwealth. For more information, please visit: under 103 CMR 483. Originally, that preapproved Secretary of Public Safety Thomas Turco www.mablacklatinocaucus.com af-am point of view page fifteen april 1, 2019 C O M M U N I T Y COMMUNITY PERSPECTIVES Donald Trump is a Symptom Bishop Talbert W. Swan, II is Pastor of The Spring of a Pre-existing Condition Of Hope Church Of By Bishop Talbert W. Swan, II, M.Div. God In Christ by police, legalized lynchings of un - serve the creation of a hashtag gener - brought about by Trump’s rise to armed Blacks , and gross disparities ation: #TrayvonMartin, #EricGar - power. However, as former President ho would have thought in the criminal justice system for ner, #SandraBland, #MichaelBrown, Barack Obama stated at a speech at that the improbable elec - most of their adult lives prior to #RekiaBoyd, and so many others, the University of Illinois, Donald tion of a real estate devel - Trump’s election. which sparked the rise of the Black Trump “is a symptom, not the cause” oper turned reality television W Over the past generation, far too Lives Matter movement and a new of political unrest and discrimination. personality would inspire a resistance many were uninterested in resisting generation of Black activists. While Trump’s behavior and rhetoric movement across racial, gender, and when George H.W. Bush pushed a Perhaps it’s his in-your-face cultural lines? Donald Trump’s elec - are crude and disgusting, his policies racist war on drugs. Resistance was confrontational style or his brash po - differ little from past presidents. tion catalyzed the 2017 Women’s nonexistent when Bill Clinton cham - litical rhetoric that caused such con - March and numerous mass demon - Trump’s presidency is not the root pioned welfare reform legislation that sternation. Or, maybe it’s because cause of America’s racial crisis. It is strations around the globe which are removed thousands of Black children he’s a crass bully who has a penchant credited with the Democratic the culmination of centuries of struc - from the welfare rolls, thus endanger - for the inappropriate that caused them tural racism. takeover of the House of Representa - ing them. Little resistance was of - to be incredulous over the Oval Of - There is nothing that antago - tives. fered when the Clinton Crime Bill fice being occupied by a man so un - nizes us about Trump that we haven’t We must ask ourselves what ex - cemented the rise of the privatized worthy to hold the office of president. seen before. He colluded with Russia; actly is being resisted in this current prison industrial complex through the Whatever it was, it created the delu - moment. The most common answers mass incarceration of Black bodies. sion that the climate of racial division perhaps, but Reagan colluded with range from Trump’s racism and xeno - So many anti-Trump resisters were in America and the incivility in our Iran. Trump wants to mass deport im - phobic views, to his erratic and ques - content to sit on the sidelines and ob - public discourse is a phenomenon migrants, and he separates children tionable behavior, to the corruption of from their parents at the border. True, his administration, to his overall in - but Clinton deported12 million, Bush competence. The latter has raised 10 million, and Obama 5 million. Al - questions among his staff on whether beit in smaller numbers, separating the 25th Amendment should be used children from their parents started to remove him from office. But if under the Obama administration. racism is among the many concerns Trump coddles racists, called Nazis regarding this president, we must also “very fine people,” African nations ask why it took so long for so many “s—holes,” and Black athletes “sons impassioned activists to join in on of bitches.” True again, but Reagan “The Resistance.” referred to Black women as Cadillac One would think that many pro - driving “welfare queens” and Black gressives were oblivious to the reali - men as “strapping bucks” buying T- ties of racism and white supremacy in bone steaks with food stamps. America. Trump’s election was a Trump is an obscene, obnox - wake-up call. Structural racism, big - ious, racist liar. However, we cannot otry, and xenophobia are alive and allow his tone and style to dupe us well in America; this fact is not new to African Americans who are resist - into losing focus on the fact that ing the “new norm.” racism is an American problem much From their arrival, African older and more complex than the Americans have always challenged Trump presidency. We must chal - racism and discrimination in every lenge our newfound allies to work facet of American life. While “The collaboratively with us on the diffi - Resistance” is now a ubiquitous term cult long-term goal of eradicating for any anti-Trump activity, emotion, racism from the American body or intention, it ignores a tradition of politic — not just on the short-term Black protest that preceded it. Ironi - objective of challenging the presi - cally, many new resisters are content dency of Donald Trump. He is, after to avoid, ignore, excuse, or justify the all, only a symptom of a pre-existing social ills of state-sanctioned violence condition. ■ af-am point of view page sixteen april 1, 2019 C O M M U N I T Y LATIN@ GROOVE Magdalena Gómez is the Co-founder and Raped: Puerto Rican Diary Artistic Director of Springfield’s first and By Magdalena Gómez, reprinted from March 1, 2018 only Latin@theater, Teatro V!da. as a human being. He was privileged, called “educated” in the U.S., we are Ms. Gómez has been a always well dressed in suits and ties, referred to as immigrants. A recent teaching artist for over 35 years. studying medicine and law. He made New York Times article revealed re - sure I knew that women, “even the lit - cent polling results that only 54% of ears ago I was asked by a uni - tle old ladies,” found him irresistible “Americans” know that Puerto Ricans versity history professor, a and that any woman who did not wel - are U.S. citizens. In terms of mass very dear friend of mine, to come his sexual advances must surely public perception and sneering atti - speak with his class on the internment Y be a “lizzie”, his southern drawl slang tudes towards Puerto Ricans, little has (incarceration) of Japanese Americans for lesbian. When I tried to get away, changed. Our global celebrities, in that began in March of 1942, by way he put a gun to my head and told me, particular those who are politically of Executive Order 9066, signed in “Darlin’ who’s going to take the word safe and lighter on the melanin scale, February of that year by President of a spic washing dishes for a living Franklin D. Roosevelt. Fellow Amer - are doing very well. My thanks to over a man like me? I could kill you those who are giving from their abun - ican citizens permitted it, just as we right here, leave you in the stairwell continue to permit the egregious Jones dance. My respect to those for whom and everyone in this building will their giving is an act of love and sac - Act. Not all internments come with blame it on a junkie. You’re in my rifice. barbed wire. apartment, that makes you just an - The rapist viewed the totality of I showed students an old cartoon other Puerto Rican whore.” my life as a soulless, meaningless that was watched by children in 1942; We knew each other from body easy to dismiss, to brutally vio - one of many released that espoused school. He invited me over for lunch. Photo by Thomas Arhelger late and just as easy to kill. Now, hatred of the Japanese people. In it, We lived a few blocks apart. I knew “#MeToo” added by author Puerto Rico gets the same treatment, the character of Popeye the Sailor my neighbors; those were days of time. In fact, most of my friends at with special abuse and neglect in lo - sang an excerpt from the popular Car - daily face-to-face interactions with that time were men, and several of cations where Afro-Boricuas, the poor son Robison song: “We’re Gonna the people we made it our business to them are still in my life as dear and and elderly reside. Puerto Rico has Have to Slap the Dirty Little Jap.” The know. Cooking meals together, talk - loyal friends. No matter, I was then, been raped since 1898, it’s just now in students were stunned. This history ing politics, remembering birthdays and to many still am, considered a was previously unknown to them. and celebrating significant milestones spic. wider public view and the rapist Like it or not, the political is per - was an organic part of our lives. The rapist was right; he could comes with supporters who are look - sonal, and reverberates through all of In all of my previous interactions kill me and get away with it. I was a ing the other way, silent, except for our lives. A legacy of patriarchal with this man, which were public, he nobody in the eyes of a society where forcing on us their “Merry Christ - white supremacist entitlement con - had always behaved like a “gentle - religion had cursed women as “instu - mas,” two words that disguise a deep doned and encouraged an individual man.” He held a well-paying job as a menti diaboli” and Puerto Ricans disdain and disregard for difference; to brutally violate me. That same en - phlebotomist, aspired to a career were represented in media as junkies, two words coined to obscure Pagan titlement on a broader scale, con - where he could combine his interests dealers, whores, welfare cheats and, beliefs and that have evolved into tributes to the unchecked violation of in law and medicine, and was the “all in general, a worthless criminal ele - commercial expedience. There is no our civil liberties and human rights by American (white) boy.” In my ment. Our globally relevant achieve - Christ in Christmas; there never was. an increasingly despotic government. naiveté, I perceived no threat, felt no ments in all fields, our vast literary Puerto Rico, Rich Port. Port for No “leader of the free world” has ever sexual attraction, and simply believed contributions, inventions, arts, and the Rich. The rapist changed my name acted entirely on his own. In 1939, I would be spending a quiet afternoon s/heroes were denied, erased or buried too. He called me Madeline. This 20,000 U.S. Nazis gathered in ha - enjoying intelligent conversation with and the very mention of “Puerto Ri - Magdalena is Borikua. The island of tred’s full regalia at Madison Square someone raised in a world very differ - cans” in films, conversation, in the my mother’s birth is Borikén. Garden in New York City. I’ve at - ent from mine, who promised to make news, was nearly always tinged with We are not in debt. We are owed tached the link to the footage below at his specialty of Biryani rice. the underscore of a disgusted sneer or everything, beginning with our name. the end of this article. It was the 1970s and rape was filthy joke. It was a time when we had When I was twenty-three years still seen as the victim’s fault, espe - the lowest per capita income of any https://www.theatlantic.com/video/i old, I was held by an acquaintance cially one who went to a man’s home. “hispanic” group, but scarce public ndex/542499/marshall-curry-nazi- against my will, raped and tortured for I would have been considered a “hot dialogue about the predatory colonial rally-madison-square-garden-1939/ eighteen gruesome hours. The man blooded Latin” who most certainly relationship forced by the United Magdalena may be reached via who did this to me lacked empathy, must have “asked for it.” I had male States that caused it. her website: www.magdale - compassion or any ability to see me and female friends I visited all of the To date, even among the so- nagomez.com ■ af-am point of view page seventeen april 1, 2019 C O M M U N I T Y COMMUNITY BEAT

Ken Harris is a former Special Police Officer A Poet with a Purpose and Corrections Officer. He is a By Ken Harris, reprinted from September 1, 2018 graduate of STCC. her harrowing experience to help oth - She has channeled her energy Follow him at ers who feel confined mentally or into making a difference in the lives shadowedu.blogspot.com physically bound to an array of set - of others who feel confined and need hat is the backs. a light of hope for the future. first thing Against the odds, she has written Since 2014, Laura has been suc - that crosses 6,000 pieces of poetry and published cessfully using her gifts as a motiva - your mind when you two books of selected poems detailing tional speaker speaking to inmates in W her profound love of nature and spir - hear someone is legally many facilities throughout the Com - blind, a quadriplegic, and has a trau - ituality. I feel fortunate to have my monwealth, including the Hampden matic brain injury? Dreadful pity with hands on her latest series, “Accepting County Sheriff’s Office Victim Im - low expectations of such an individual the Waltz.” I was taken aback by her pact Program, Worcester County making a contribution to society? joyous, creative expression. House of Corrections, Hampshire Having met Laura and Tom County Jail and so many others. She Damoulakis, her soulmate and friend sees the incarceration of detainees as of the past 18 years, I was astounded a challenge similar to her own physi - around the issue of confinement. to learn of the lively collaboration be - cal disabilities. When Laura speaks at Laura Chagnon is without a tween the two in fulfilling her poetic doubt a poet with a passion to help the many jails she visits, she strives to passion. You see, Laura is unable to change the world. Her books of poetry encourage the inmates to not look write her thoughts down so she speaks can be found at http://www.civin - back, but to look ahead for the bright and Tom writes down her ideas. Word mediarelations.com/ and on Amazon by word, sentence by sentence, they possibilities for the future. She has at http://a.co/9KeTGTn . ■ have self-published some 40 books of touched the hearts of many detainees Laura’s poetry in addition to the two books mentioned above that were published by traditional publishers. Laura does not spend her time depressed or reliving the horrific as - Laura Chagnon sault by the unknown perpetrators Not so for a remarkable woman who left her on the sidewalk to suc - (MMVYKHISL(ZZPZ[LK3P]PUNHUK4LTVY`*HYLS ni! named Laura Chagnon. cumb to her savage injuries until a po - Medicaid and MassHealth based programs Chagnon, a resident of West lice officer miraculously stumbled are available for those who qualify! Springfield, is a successful poet and upon her. Memories of the encounter motivational speaker. She is living life are hazy. She does not harbor anger in with a passion and purpose despite her her heart for the men responsible for disabilities. Looking past a savage at - her ordeal which left her in a five- tack in Boston in 1989 on her birthday week coma before she finally by unknown assailants that nearly emerged and was able to give the An Affordable Senior Community claimed her life, Laura uses her love phone number of her parents to a 74 Walnut Street y:WYPUNÄLSK4(yyTHZVU^YPNO[VYN of writing poetry and the relating of nurse. GOT H.E.R.S. Check Up from the Neck Up (MMVYKHISL0U/VTL*HYL Medicaid and MassHealth based programs continued from page 13 need to), schedule a checkup for are available for those who qualify! doesn’t hold grudges, instead they let 2019. Check with your health insur - you talk and ask you the type of lead - ance providers about finding a fit for you. There may be a problem you ing questions that compel you to fig - Affordable Care for Seniors ure out how to handle your situation, aren’t aware of lurking in your sub - 74 Walnut Street y:WYPUNÄLSK4(yy colonycareathome.com or if additional support is needed. conscious. Then again, everything Even if you don’t go regularly (be - might be fine. But you won’t know Always hiring CNAs and Licensed Aides! cause honestly there may not be a unless you go. ■ af-am point of view page eighteen april 1, 2019 YOUR HEALTH

Screening Colonoscopy Is A Lifesaver continued from page 12 in three years for a follow-up good that you will be OK like me. dure invasive procedures and treat - Tuesday morning finally arrived. colonoscopy. But, it is important to remember that ments for colon cancer. Because of My procedure wasn’t until 1:45 p.m., But, Kelly found something men and women have a 4-5% risk of major advances in technology, we can so I sat on our couch at home and more than polyps. Not to worry, developing colorectal cancer. Col - often offer patients surgery for colon caught up on television episodes I had though. It’s called diverticulosis, often orectal cancer has become the second and rectal cancer with minimally in - missed of my favorite shows, “Black - found during a colonoscopy and com - leading cause of cancer deaths. It is vasive techniques which allow for list” and “Manifest,” both on NBC. I mon as people age – about half of all known that the earlier a cancer is de - smaller incisions and improved recov - must have looked very scared and people over age 60 have it. Doctors tected, the better chance it will be ery. Even patients who may require nervous (and I was) because my wife, believe the main cause is a low-fiber cured, and colonoscopy is a big part more extensive surgery are experienc - Liz, said to me, “You look like a diet. Diverticula are small pouches of that. ing improved outcomes and survival ghost.” that bulge outward through the colon, It is believed that if everyone age from colon cancer with adequate med - Fortunately, it was all “much ado or large intestine. If you have these 50 and older were screened regularly, ical and surgical treatment,” said Dr. about nothing.” pouches, you have a condition called 6 out of 10 deaths from colorectal Tyler. Liz accompanied me to diverticulosis. Most people with di - cancer could be prevented. Given “Our colorectal surgeons recog - Baystate’s Chestnut Surgery Center, verticulosis don’t have symptoms. those facts and figures, it makes sense nize the importance of sphincter-spar - where the procedure was conducted. Sometimes it causes mild cramps, to have a colonoscopy. However, ing treatments that allow most You can’t go alone because you will bloating or constipation. some half of those eligible for screen - colorectal cancer patients to heal after not be allowed to leave the building After years of wondering if I ing still have not had one. surgery with the ability to pass bowel unless someone is there to drive you might have colon cancer every time I There are also alternative screen - movements naturally without an os - home after undergoing anesthesia had a stomach pain, a large weight has ing tests if colonoscopy just isn’t pos - tomy bag. Doctors have also learned (even if you are an employee and your now been lifted off my shoulders. I sible. These tests don’t allow for what makes colorectal surgery more office is just across the street, you have a new lease on life, and an addi - removal of polyps or biopsies, but successful, such as being sure to re - can’t finesse your way out of it). tional incentive to get my weight they are better than nothing. They move enough lymph nodes during the The screening takes about a half under control and eat healthy and ex - often lead to the recommendation to procedure, and developing recovery hour, and as soon as I was put to sleep, ercise more. I want to live to enjoy my have a colonoscopy if the results are pathways that allow for less compli - I found myself waking up with the family and those three adorable little positive. Some are radiology tests and cations and better outcomes,” she colonoscopy finished. I don’t even grandchildren of ours. others test your stool for different sub - added. think my eyes were quite open yet, but So, I’m here now to tell you to stances. These tests can give a clue The thing that Dr. Tyler and I my first words were, “Am I OK?” get a colonoscopy when the time that there is an abnormality. want you to remember most from our “Yes,” I heard someone say. And all I comes. Don’t wait like I did and risk A colonoscopy is the only test to di - story is not to let fear take away your could think was, “Thank God.” the chance of having a polyp turn into rectly see and diagnose a polyp or chance to impact your ability to live a “ Keith, like most people, drifted cancer. I was lucky to be cancer-free cancer. long and healthy life. Colon polyps off to sleep with sedation and didn’t after having waited so long. And, the If cancer is found, Dr. Tyler and cancer are becoming more com - have discomfort or any significant procedure is really nothing if you can noted surgery for colon cancer is mon and getting screened now gives memory of the procedure. He did get over the fear factor of the un - much more manageable than one you the upper hand. have small polyps, which are very known like I had. Most people won’t might imagine. Get that upper hand. If it’s your common, and about 25% of people be found to have a cancer during “People often have a fear of the time for screening, talk to your pri - who decide to undergo colonoscopy colonoscopy, and that makes the odds unknown and a fear of having to en - mary care doctor about clearing you will have polyps. Smaller polyps can for a colonoscopy. I guarantee you be removed during the colonoscopy Advertising, Brochures, will rest easier knowing you don’t with special instruments that fit Construction, Weddings, Portraits, have colon cancer. through the scope. This stops these To learn more about gastroen - polyps in their tracks preventing them Products, Digital Photography, etc... terology at Baystate, or to schedule a from becoming cancers,” said Dr. colonoscopy after your primary care Tyler. Ed Cohen physician has cleared you for the The rule of thumb is that if you screening, visit gastroenterology have only one or two small polyps, Photography under the “services” section on you might not have to return for an - baystatehealth.org . Or to learn more other colonoscopy for 5-10 years. If 413-244-1344 about colorectal surgery, visit colorec - you have at least several polyps and tal surgery under the “services” sec - they are larger, you may have to return [email protected] tion on baystatehealth.org . ■ af-am point of view page nineteen april 1, 2019 C O M M U N I T Y COMMUNITY FOCUS FOOD FOR THOUGHT Mason Square Health Task Don’t Worry─We’ve Force Celebrates its Been Here Before 10th Anniversary By Zaida Govan, reprinted from January 1, 2018 me to keep my sanity. As a stressed By Lucie K. Lewis , Ed.D Zaida Govan is a native of Springfield society in fear of a nuclear bomb via Puerto Rico with Family Services at that time, ex - a passion for coming here, among other things we plained that “there would be four improving the need to make sure that we do good community she “pillars” that the Mason Square serves. She can be self-care. So that’s what I want to Health Task Force would focus its ef - reached at 413.301. 2533 or write about. We have to make sure we forts on:” [email protected] take the time to de-stress; we need n recognition of Public Health 1. Focusing on the quality of life t is a new year and I am really skills and techniques to find hope in Month in April, Martin Luther that includes bringing attention to glad 2017 is over. It did not start a hopeless situation. King Jr. Family Services is cele - th environmental conditions in our off very well for me with the in - brating the 10 anniversary of the I posted on Facebook a while I community that prevents healthy auguration of 45 in DC. But the next ago, “Don’t worry, we’ve been here Mason Square Health Task Force that I behaviors such as exercise, com - day I marched on Washington with was initially funded through seed before.” We, as people of color, are munity mobility, and socializa - millions of women across the world money provided by Baystate Health. resilient. We have been colonized, op - tion. in protest. That gave me hope. My During these 10 years of service to faith in God keeps me hopeful. I read pressed by slavery, and our ancestors the community, the Task Force has 2. Engaging our youth between Revelations and I know we are in the were killed off. More recently, we continued to be devoted to addressing the ages of 14 and 18 as peer end times, for real. went through the era of trickle-down the concerns embraced in their state - health advocates to develop a to - We started the year off with an economics that Reagan thought was ment of purpose published in 2009 by bacco resistance campaign. accused sexual predator with court a great idea. We went through the war Zaida Govan: 3. Developing partnerships that cases pending claiming the White on drugs that Clinton put in place. The Mason Square Health Task are critical to maximizing the im - House and we ended the year with None of these things helped us but in - powerful men falling to accusations Force (MSHTF) is a broad based pact of the work of the Mason stead they actively hurt us. But we of sexual harassment and assault. Not community Task Force formed to Square Health Task Force will be survived and we know we can sur - represent the voice of the commu - all of them fell, some are still in of - an intentional focus of our com - vive what is happening right now nity and to address health con - munity outreach efforts. fice, some still believe they can run cerns and issues of residents who for office and some will continue to even though it seems we will have to live in the Upper Hill, Old Hill, 4. Supporting the needs of our keep their powerful positions in Hol - do what Martin Luther King Jr. did all Bay and McKnight neighborhoods community that cannot be accom - lywood, corporations and other over again. of Mason Square. The MSHTF plished without direct input from places. We have been set back a few shall work in collaboration with our neighbors’ places community The childish banter coming from decades. In some states they seem to residents, agencies, businesses engagement at the forefront of the the White House on Twitter with have been set back centuries when work that lies ahead. North Korea is terrorizing. The terror - and faith based organizations to you hear politicians say “Blacks have ist acts of mass shootings seem to optimize health opportunities, https://www.masslive.com/news/2 too many rights.” So how do we stay health care, eliminate environ - have increased yet we can’t decide to 016/05/photos_mlk_family_ser - calm and have hope during this time? mental barriers and build capac - ban assault weapons in this country vices_in.html nd ity associated with creating a because of the 2 Amendment. At the I pray. I stop watching the national st healthy community. The Task Force’s commitment same time, the 1 Amendment is news. I get off of Facebook some - (http://springfieldhealthdispari - to these four pillars has remained being attacked by 45 regarding the times. I go up to the mountains by tiesproject.pbworks.com/w/page/ consistent, successfully impacting the media when something he doesn’t myself to enjoy the peace and quiet. I 17864197/Mason%20Square%2 lives of the community residents. One like is reported. go to one of the local libraries and 0Health%20Task%20Force ) example is its participation in the This has been a very stressful walk around all the books and watch year for me. It seems that white su - Martin Luther King Jr. Family Serv - people. I crochet. I spend time with In 2016, the Mason Square Task ices weekly Emergency Food Pantry premacists have been given permis - friends and family. Little things like Force came under the operational that creates not only avenues for ac - sion to come out of their closets like umbrella of Martin Luther King. Jr. cess to food but critical wellness at Westfield State University. My sen - this help me to do self-care and I Family Services. Samantha Hamil - checks and information on nutrition sibilities and community organizing would urge you to find something to ton, director of Public Health Initia - skills have been tested. My skills as a take good care of yourself during tives for Martin Luther King Jr. continues to page 3 5 social worker and Christian helped these stressful times. ■ af-am point of view page twenty april 1, 2019 Around Town & . . .

Beauté Within Salon and Day Spa held a Ruth Carter Oscar The Greater Springfield YMCA in cooperation with the Dunbar Watch Party for the Springfield native and excited supporters Community Center held a community Soul Food luncheon at the celebrated her win as the first African American Woman to win end of February. an Oscar for Costume Design for the Black Panther movie.

On the first Friday of the month at the Dunbar Community Center, The martial arts group Northeast Kajukembo performed a volunteers from the Urban League of Springfield Foster Grandpar - demonstration at the Unity Market Place at ents program and participants in the Brown Bag Program gather. Muhammad’s Mosque #13 recently.

Springfield College Director of YMCA Relations Erin Friedman; student Charlene Adutwum; Office of Multicultural Affairs Direc - Members of the Black Men of Greater Springfield and the DuBois tor Felicia Lundquist; Alum Lucia Osman; students Imani Vellon Academy attended the Constructing King Male Youth Summit and K’Yiah Flynn; and event organizer Charisse Delvecchio gather which took place recently at Springfield College. at the Fourth Annual Women’s Tea at Springfield College. af-am point of view page twenty-one april 1, 2019 . . . In The Community

Daejana Crawford (left) and the dance company (right) from The Youthful Expressions Dance company performed at the International Women’s Festival at Boland School which was presented by AfriKque Limited under the direction of Karina Dise.

Khalif Neville on bass and Talyn Neville on percussion from the Students from the Springfield Conservatory of the Arts recently New England Nevilles performed at the Bing Arts Center. taped a segment of the program Presencia at WGBY.

The Springfield Central High School Golden Eagles Girls The Putnam Academy High School Beavers Boys Basketball Team Basketball Team won the Division One Girls Basketball Western won the Division One Boys Basketball Western Mass Championship. Mass Championship. af-am point of view page twenty-two april 1, 2019 C O M M U N I T Y CONNECTICUT - COMMUNITY FOCUS Eastern Helps Hartford Deltas Celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday! By Dwight Bachman onnecticut Breakfast at the Connecticut Conven - Governor tion Center. Dr. King would have Ned Lam - been 90 years old this year. Cont, Lt. Governor Since 1984, the Deltas have pro - Susan Bysiewicz, vided scholarships totaling $365,000 State Treasurer to 148 African American female high Shawn Wooden, school students who have gone on to Left to Right, Dwight Bachman, Eastern’s public relations officer; Senators Richard matriculate at a 4-year institution of Kayla Rose Thomas, a senior from Windsor majoring in communi - Dwight Bachman Blumenthal and higher learning! cations; Morgan Russell, a senior from Hartford majoring in politi - Christopher Murphy and Johana Lamont promised the packed cal science; CT. Governor Ned Lamont; Stacey Close, Eastern’s Hayes, the first African American ballroom that he would create a di - associate vice president for equity and diversity; Katherine Atkin - woman from Connecticut elected to verse cabinet and government that son, M.S. and administrative assistant to Close and Eastern Presi - Congress, were among the many dig - would work to make Dr. King’s dent Elsa Nunez; Chelsy Popo, a senior from Manchester majoring nitaries attending the Delta Sigma dream a reality. He visited the Eastern in political science; Hanna Antoine, freshman from Eastern Hart - Theta Sorority, Inc.’s 34 Annual Dr. Connecticut State University table ford majoring in health sciences; and Alyssa Lawrence, a freshman Martin Luther King Jr. Scholarship and had a wonderful chat with, from East Hartford majoring in sociology. Eastern Presents Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Distinguished Service Awards WILLIMANTIC, CT (02/28/2019) – Political Sci - on organizing numerous major diversity programs ence major Morgane Russell ‘19; Isabel Logan, as - within our office and off campus . . . Morgane is the sistant professor of social work; and Leah Ralls, embodiment of a peaceful agape warrior for jus - president of the NAACP Windham/Willimantic tice!” Branch, received Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Distin - Logan’s passion for issues of social justice and guished Service Awards at Eastern Connecticut equality began in 1996, when she was a social State University’s annual award reception on Feb. worker for the Connecticut Division of Public De - 27. fender Services in the New Haven Superior Court In her sophomore and junior years, Russell and Superior Court for Juvenile Matters at Hartford. was president of the Black Student Union, a role in In 2001, American University selected her to assist Leah Ralls (left), president of the NAACP which she saw that she needed to gain more knowl - with the development of the cultural competency Windham/Willimantic Branch; Isabel edge of policies affecting minority populations. As curricula for drug court professionals. Logan (middle, front), assistant professor a result, she changed her major from Business Ad - Logan’s research has led to policy implemen - of social work; and political science major ministration to Political Science. Russell is currently tation and a continued cultural competence move - Morgane Russell '19 (right) received MLK the president of the campus NAACP chapter and an ment within the Connecticut Judicial System. She awards at Eastern's annual ceremony. Keith intern in the Connecticut General Assembly. As she also assisted the Connecticut Court Support Service Beauchamp (middle, back), a documentary gains first-hand experience in the legislative Division with the development of its cultural com - producer, delivered the keynote address process, she is learning more about public policy. petence curriculum. necticut, Public Defender Division. She started her She aspires to serve as a legislative representative “Dr. Logan’s support of restorative justice mir - career working in a local substance abuse agency while gaining insight into issues affecting margin - rors the message of Dr. King,” said Eunice helping people deal with homelessness, substance alized communities around her. Matthews-Armstead, professor of social work and abuse, mental illness and other chronic medical con - “Morgane is a team player who carries out all program coordinator of Eastern’s Social Work Pro - ditions. She now works with the same population of her duties professionally and with high quality gram. “She is an organizer, teacher, leader and con - but in a legal environment, where the consequences and distinction,” said Stacey Close, associate vice summate fighter for justice, freedom and equality.” are greater for clients because they are facing incar - president of equity and diversity. “She took the lead Ralls is a social worker for the State of Con - continues to page 23 af-am point of view page twenty-three april 1, 2019 COMMUNITY EDUCATION LAW NOTES

Dr. Bridgette Baldwin is a Professor of Law at West - Going Local to Fight for ern New England Univer - sity School of Law with areas of interest in crimi - Immigrant Rights nal law and procedure, in - ternational criminal law, By Harris Freeman, Professor of Legal Research and Writing evidence, critical race the - ory, cybercrime and wel - fare law. tion system. elsewhere, work to create a legal bar - resident Trump brazenly prom - On January 14, the City Council rier that prevents local public safety ised to prolong the federal gov - enacted a Trust Ordinance to make and law enforcement from acting in Harris Freeman is a Professor of Legal Re - service to the misguided detention ernment shutdown unless Springfield a welcoming community search and Writing at Western New Eng - and deportation process that is at the land University School of Law and Congress would pluck down five bil - for all immigrants regardless of their P legal status. After a third vote of the center of our broken immigration sys - part-time faculty at the Labor Center at the lion tax dollars for a massive border tem. University of Massachusetts, Amherst. He wall and a xenophobic immigration Council in favor of the Trust Ordi - The Trust Ordinance has two is one of the founders of the ACLU’s Im - policy opposed by most Americans. nance (only one councilperson voted purposes. First, it promotes trust be - migrant Protection Project of Western Mas - The pain caused by the unemploy - no), the councilors were able to se - sachusetts. tween Springfield city employees and ment of federal workers and depriva - cure an over-ride of Mayor Sarno’s all members of the community, irre - enacted, the Trump administration tion of government services was veto of the law. spective of citizenship or immigra - would withdraw federal funding from heaped on top of the humanitarian This strong rebuke of the tion status. Second, the Trust Springfield. Not true. Federal courts crisis spawned by a regressive and Mayor’s anti-immigrant views brings Ordinance facilitates effective law have quashed Trump’s arm-twisting brutal immigration system. Springfield in line with a host of enforcement and public safety. So, effort to make local governments cul - Yet signs of a different approach cities and towns across Massachu - how does the law accomplish these pable enforcers of a broken, unpopu - can be found closer to home. Take, setts and the U.S. that have indeed goals? lar immigration system. According to for example, the Springfield City built walls – but not to keep immi - The law mandates that city em - these rulings, safe community laws – Council, who has a better idea on grants out. Rather, the Trust Ordi - ployees are not to question persons like the Trust Ordinance – are in no how to address our broken immigra - nance and similar laws enacted they encounter about their immigra - way unlawful and the federal govern - CONNECTICUT - COMMUNITY FOCUS tion status, unless required by state or ment can’t withhold local funding federal law. This assures that local of - when local government stands with Dr. MLK, Jr. Distinguished Service Awards ficials will not waste local resources immigrants. continued from page 22 of Mrs. Ralls, our NAACP Wind - and stray from their job of law en - The campaign to pass the Trust Ordinance was truly an exercise in ceration. ham/Willimantic Branch has run forcement, public safety, or code en - forcement. This is so because grassroots democracy. Each time the Ralls has a passion for advocat - community conversations on race immigration status is largely irrele - Trust Ordinance was up for vote, ing for those less fortunate in the and addressed individual and institu - vant to the enforcement of state or scores of immigrants and their allies community. As president of the tional examples of racism in our area local laws. flooded the City Council chamber. NAACP Windham/Willimantic with a combination of education and By blocking inquiry into immi - Activists from community groups, Branch, she brings that same com - legal action,” said Cassandra Mar - gration status, all residents can rest faith-based institutions, and organiza - passion and energy in fighting for tineau, university assistant in East - assured that reporting a crime or call - tions that support immigrant rights civil rights. In her remarks, Ralls ern’s Pride Center. “She has worked ing the fire department will not result continued to stand with immigrants thanked members of the local with community leaders, schools and in irrelevant probing questions about who make vital and vibrant contribu - NAACP branch for their activism, other institutions to raise awareness immigration status that winds up in a tions to the economy and culture of and said Dr. King had the “tenacity to of racial disparity, helping ex-inmates police report. By law, such reports are the Pioneer Valley. help those who were voiceless.” find employment, and brought available to Immigration and Cus - Ward 1 City Councilor Adam Three years ago, the branch was African American History to schools toms Enforcement (ICE) agents. In Gomez is especially notable for in reactivation status and needed 50 and libraries in the area.” this way, the Trust Ordinance curtails spearheading the legislative victory active members to reestablish opera - an unfortunate, but routine part of im - by rallying fellow City Councilors tions. Under Rall’s leadership, the Keith Beauchamp, producer of the documentary “The Untold Story migrant life in America. Inquiries by and marshalling the broad-based branch has grown to more than 120 local officials can lead to the dreaded community campaign that has added of Emmett Louis Till,” delivered the members. She and branch members knock at the door by federal ICE Springfield to a growing list of mu - keynote address. He is the executive have worked hard to start a conversa - agents or a humiliating detention on nicipalities that are saying NO to tion and increase awareness and ap - producer and host of Investigation the public streets while taking your Trump’s immigration policies. In the preciation of Black History and civil Discovery’s crime reality series, “The children to school. process, such local campaigns make rights in the local community. “In the Injustice Files” and the producer of In an effort to stop the Trust Or - their communities more welcoming past two years, under the leadership the upcoming feature film “Till.” ■ dinance, Mayor Sarno claims that, if and safer for all. ■ af-am point of view page twenty-four april 1, 2019 E D I T O R I A L FROM THE PUBLISHER’S DESK

t T s

r WE ARE PROUD! u W N I H

E .

I By Frederick A. Hurst A O

k V c P

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e parents is surely an understatement. Springfield for the 6:00 event at 2:30 and they are often in my thoughts. F d Y e r

O Some of the folks in the audi - to avoid the crazy Boston rush hour Their success, their frustrations, their F M ence were in the group that recently traffic. As it turned out, we had plenty dreams, are all mine as well. It didn’t visited Israel with Justin. They had an of spare time to relax, talk, have a take me 40 years to wake up; it only continued from page 4 opportunity to get to know him and, drink and enjoy the fantastic view took me ten days.” tend. In addition, a good Hurst family to a person, spoke to us so highly of from 32 floors up. Several others who joined Justin friend, State Treasurer Deb Goldberg, their interactions with him and of the Michael arrived about a half on the Israel trip came from Boston was one of the speakers. bonds they had formed that we had to hour ahead of time and sat with us and surrounding communities to Each recipient stood alone at the marvel over how our rebellious and spoke about his 10-day trip to Is - Springfield to celebrate his swearing podium and spoke. It was such an youngster had morphed over the rael with Justin and the others and in as President of Springfield’s City honor and a point of pride for us to be years into a man of the world. It was how much it had changed him as a Council and they all have committed seated in the audience watching our quite a thing to see. person. He has since written an article to maintain the bonds established on youngest take the podium in front of One of those folks we met was published on page 14 of this issue of the trip. this distinguished audience in the 40-year-old Michael P. Zwirko, Mel - Point of View in which he com - It is encouraging and promising company of such distinguished recip - rose, Massachusetts Alderman-at- mented: “My life was changed on the to see the type of cross-cultural inter - ients and comfortably express his ap - Large and possible future mayoral Israel trip. My life was improved be - action that can only make the future preciation with a smoothness that candidate. We met him in the recep - cause of it. I have friends that are as of Springfield, the state and the world suggests he has truly matured as a tion area of the UMass Club where close to me now as brothers and sis - a better place and we are proud that public leader. To say we were proud we had arrived early because we left ters. We continue to talk all the time our son is a part of it. ■

GOVERNOR SENATOR REPRESENTATIVE COUNCILOR CHARLIE BAKER JOAN B. LOVELY RON MARIANO JUSTIN HURST Governor, Assistant Majority Majority Leader, President, Commonwealth of Leader, MA House of Springfield Massachusetts MA Senate Representatives City Council af-am point of view page twenty-five april 1, 2019 SPECIAL TO POINT OF VIEW LETTERS TO THE PUBLISHER

“Well. . .It’s Complicated Because. . . s a former resident of the city, I would like to first thank Ms. Irma Foster, a long time force in the City for sending your paper to us. She is my continued from page 14 It is often said, but rarely prac - just experienced and make analogies ticed, that one can learn much by sim - mother-in-law. I would like to speak about a person who was, and still to link it back home. Our dinners were ply talking to someone. Not is, the most influential person to me, Ms. Daisy L. Powers, the great, great grand - where we would discuss the day fur - pleasantries; real talk. Being uncom - Adaughter of Mrs. Harriet Powers, the quilt-maker, born November 24, 1919 in ther and open up with each other. With fortable in those conversations, truly one of the confederate states, Georgia. Ms. Powers was only able to finish sixth each day, our knowledge was increas - coming to understand the depths of grade during these times, working in cotton fields. With the rest of her family, ing both of Israel and ourselves. their experiences. Sharing in the emo - she would feign headaches to her grandfather. He in turn would have her sit What amazed me the most about tions that are displayed before you al - under a tree. She told me she wasn’t about to be out in the sun! this group was how quickly we be - lows for a genuine connection. During Growing up in segregation, your choices are already laid out. She became came comfortable with each other. I my time in Israel, I felt more con - a nanny for a Jewish family and, just like the movies, the children called her think a large part of it was witnessing nected to others than I have ever felt mammy. To put a close to this part of mom’s life, I will end with a funny story. the challenges faced in this region and in my entire life. And it occurred After many meals made, collards (greens) were often on the menu, all cooked in knowing that some of us have also halfway across the globe in December butter. Prior to World War II, mom had already made up her mind to enlist in faced similar challenges with race and of 2018, when it had been in front of the army. The last meal made with collards was cooked with fatback and grease. me for 40 years. religion back home. For me, I have The pot was destroyed!! The family asked was it a new recipe. When she told lived a very fortunate life. A life of My life was changed on the Is - them how she cooked it, she was fired but she had already quit. privilege. As a white man, I was born rael trip. My life was improved be - Ms. Powers served with the Tuskegee Airmen under General Benjamin O. with a leg up. Sure, I’ve had some cause of it. I have friends that are as challenges, but none as tough as those close to me now as brothers and sis - Davis who was a ladies’ man who asked my mom out!! After World War II she migrated to New York City, working in the garment district around 34 th Street with whom I traveled. My own per - ters. We continue to talk all the time th th sonal growth on this trip, was in direct and they are often in my thoughts. between 7 and 8 then she went into costume jewelry. Junkies, winos, or people relation to learning of their experi - Their success, their frustrations, their down on their luck all knew her. We would all ask her why? She would always ences and coming to an understanding dreams, are all mine as well. It didn’t say they or their situation could be you. Putting yourself last and having sym - of their world view. Which, in turn, take me 40 years to wake up, it only pathy and empathy for everyone was just some of what made her the best! changed mine. took me ten days. ■ continues to page 38 get to know him until long after he folks feel more comfortable and se - was assassinated, like Frederick Dou - cure. They feared Malcolm and, in AF-AM NEWS Byb Fredierticks A. Hurst glass, he became my life-long hero some sense, still snub him and his his - continued from page 4 has its own narrative and the narra - and model. I also have the deepest re - torical contributions which is why I “MAKING THE CASE FOR tives are generally resentment narra - spect for Martin Luther King, Jr. and agree with The Boston Globe writer, REPARATIONS” tives. The African-American his passive resistance philosophy. Renee Graham, who is calling for a Malcolm was just as committed as monument to Malcolm in Boston rooks refers in his article on experience is somehow at the core of King was but he would “never turn where a monument to King is in the reparations to an article by Ta- this fragmentation, the original sin the other cheek” and nor would I and making. She wrote: “Born in Omaha BNehisi Coates on reparations in The that hardens the heart, separates nor would many others who were just in 1925, Malcolm grew up in Wiscon - Atlantic . Brooks did not agree with Americans from one another and as involved in the Civil Rights strug - sin and Michigan. In his early teens, Coates until his revelatory trip around serves as the model and fuel for other gle. Fredrick Douglass, in one of his he spent a few summers in Boston the country. He wrote: “Coates’ essay injustices….The need now is to con - great speeches, declared that “If there visiting his beloved half-sister, Ella seems right now, especially this part, solidate all the different narratives is no struggle there is no progress.” Little-Collins. After she gained legal “And so we must imagine a new and make them reconciliation and He also said, “Who would be free, custody of him, Malcolm moved into country. Reparations – by which I possibility narratives, in which all feel themselves must strike the blow.” her Roxbury home when he was 15… mean the full acceptance of our col - known. That requires direct action, a And he said, “Power concedes noth - Boston wasn’t just another stop on lective biography and its conse - concrete gesture of respect that makes ing without a demand. It never did Malcolm’s road to manhood. It was quences – is the price we must pay to possible the beginning of a new chap - see ourselves squarely. What I’m talk - ter in our common life. Reparations and it never will.” And he said, the city where he first discovered ing about is more than recompense are a drastic policy and hard to exe - “Those who profess to favor freedom black achievement. He took a wrong for past injustices – more than a hand - cute, but the very act of talking about and yet deprecate agitation are men turn, but ultimately chose a path of out, a payoff, hush money, or a reluc - and designing them heals a wound who want crops without plowing up grace and service to his people and tant bribe. What I’m talking about is and opens a new story.” ( The New the ground; they want rain without his country. A monument marking his a national reckoning that would lead York Times as reprinted in The Repub - thunder and lightning. They want the significance is long overdue. Mal - to spiritual renewal.” Now inspired lican , March 10, 2019) ocean without the awful roar of its colm always understood what the city many waters.” The philosophy of my meant to him; Boston needs to show, by Coates, Brooks goes on to write: MONUMENT TO MALCOLM “We’re a nation coming apart at the original hero, Frederick Douglass, en - prominently and unabashedly, what seams, a nation in which each tribe have the deepest respect for Mal - compasses that of both Malcolm and Malcolm X means to this city.” Icolm X. Even though I didn’t really King, although King made White (March 10, 2019) ■ af-am point of view page twenty-six april 1, 2019 R E L I G I O N RELIGIOUS POINT OF VIEW tive while learning a true lesson. Eli - Dr. Atu White , Editor, serves as Pastor of the Part II jah, even in his transparent prayer, Mt. Zion Baptist Church, Are You Ok? - discloses that God is still alive in him. 33 Oak Street, Springfield, Practicing good Soul-care means MA and as First Vice By Rev. Dr. Atu White, reprinted from September 1, 2018 President of the United to be deliberate with your peace. Baptist Convention of Massachusetts, Rhode book, “Soul Talk,” writes, “Your soul won an epic battle and that lead to the When life happens, recognize your Island, and New Hampshire. limitations and God’s power. For [email protected] is the part of you God held last before King wanting to terminate Elijah’s releasing your free flight to the life. Elijah is on the run. While he is those things that are out of your con - t is extremely im - world.” He further writes, “Your soul physically exhausted, mentally trol, you can take comfort in God’s portant for us to is the God-most part of you that has drained, and spiritually in limbo, he unlimited ability. Live your best life. practice good Self- never known and will never know states, “I have had enough, LORD.” Soul-care is embracing peace and liv - care. It is equally im - I fear. Your soul is God’s everlasting He said, “Take my life, for I am no ing in that truth. Soul-care is continu - portant for us to practice good laughter in you.” better than my ancestors who have al - ing to invest in your relationship with Soul-care. Soul-care gives us the for - Life happens to all of us regard - ready died (1 Kings 19:4 NLT).” Even God. Peace also means that God ties titude to implement regular visits with less of how strong we are or how our great biblical characters contem - everything together. When we feel a licensed therapist, to exercise, to faithful we are to God. All of our plated suicide, wrestled with being in - undone and hopeless, God ties it all consume plenty of water, to eat a souls will reach the place where our adequate, and slipped into together for our benefit and our good. proper diet, and to get adequate rest. laughter is reduced to tears and our hopelessness. It is natural for life to Soul-care works in harmony with Paul explains it this way, “Then bright hope is stifled by fears. This lead us to this place but building a Self-care. you will experience God’s peace, leads to hopelessness. house on ‘hopeless boulevard’ and I believe our souls are precious which exceeds anything we can un - Elijah, an Old Testament moving in is up to you. You can gifts from God and our souls return to derstand. His peace will guard your Prophet, experienced great triumph choose to stay there, or you can pass God. Dr. Kirk Byron Jones, in his hearts and minds as you live in Christ followed by pronounced tragedy. He through there with a healthy perspec - Jesus (Philippians 4:7 NLT).” ■ CELEBRATING 100 YEARS and the Chancel Choir. Rev. Rasberry resigned in The History of 1973. Rev. Gordon C. O’Neal, Jr. became the sixth Mount Calvary Pastor of Mount Calvary in August, 1974. Under his leadership, the sanctuary was expanded, the rear of the church was renovated and many other improve - Baptist Church, ments were made to the church. During his 19 years at Mount Calvary, Rev. O’Neal was instrumental in Part II reorganizing the Nurse’s Unit, organizing a Men’s By RuthAnn Hamilton-Stutts Chorus, instituting Children’s Call during Sunday morning worship, purchasing of a minivan, organ - Radiance Ruby and Solomon David joined us here s I shared the first 34 years of Mount Cal - izing the Celestrial Choir, a Senior Citizens group, from New York. Our theme is “One on Solomon’s vary Baptist Church history, I am sure there a bowling league, mortgage burning of the church are many people in and around the City of parsonage, and many other accomplishments during Portico,” Acts 5:12b. Springfield who remember the walk from its former his tenure. Rev. O’Neal resigned in 1993. Many families who lived on the North End A prior to Urban Renewal went to Mount Calvary location on Grays Avenue in June, 1953 to its pres - Rev. Walter Silva Thompson, Jr. became the ent location at 17 John Street, under the leadership seventh Pastor of Mount Calvary in 1994. During Baptist Church. When families started moving to of Rev. Herbert Sumpter. Rev. Sumpter resigned in his tenure, he was responsible for air conditioning other parts of the City, they started attending 1955. being installed in the church. Rev. Thompson re - Churches closer to their homes. As Pastor Flowers In 1955, Rev. D. Edward Wells became the signed in 2002. says, “Out of one comes many.” As a result, we fourth Pastor of Mount Calvary. He was instrumen - Rev. Dr. Johnny M. Wilson, Jr. preached his would like to invite you to celebrate with us 100 tal in organizing the Nurses Unit, Children’s Junior first sermon as Pastor of Mount Calvary in April, years of serving the community physically and spir - Church, many activities for youth in the church and 2003. During his three years at Mount Calvary, Rev. itually. community, and the burning of the first mortgage of Wilson was responsible for the repainting of the We will begin with a Prayer Service on Fri - rd the church. Rev. Wells died as Pastor of Mount Cal - sanctuary. A lighted steeple was donated by Dea - day, May 3 at 6:45 pm; a Soiree on Thursday, th vary Baptist Church on September 7, 1964. coness Wadie Caudle and installed in April, 2004. May 16 at 6:00 pm at Tower Square Hotel (tick - The next Pastor, Rev. Robert Rasberry, came to Rev. Wilson resigned in July, 2006. ets needed), and Morning and Afternoon Service Mount Calvary in 1965. Ministries started under his Our current Pastor, Rev. Dr. Mark E. Flowers, on Sunday, May 19 th . For more information, administration were the Women’s Ensemble organ - was called by God to Mount Calvary Baptist Church please call (413) 737-9583 or go to www.mcbc - ized by Mrs. Minda Wright, the Youth Choraleers in August, 2008. He, his wife Renee and children, springfield.org . ■ af-am point of view page twenty-seven april 1, 2019 RELIGIOUS DIRECTORY Alden Baptist Church Wesley United Methodist Church 649 State Street “Open Hearts. Open Minds. Open Doors.” Springfield, MA 01109 To place your 413-736-5997 741 State Street Springfield, MA 01109 “We believe God has called us to be a vital sign Religious of faith at work in the community. This vision is 413-734-3233 actualized through our Ministries.” Office & Fax Directory ad, Sunday School : WesleyUMCSpringfield 9:00 a.m. Email: [email protected] please email Sunday Prayer & Sundays Meditation Service Rev. Catharine A. Sunday School (all ages) 9:30 a.m. us at 10:15 - 10:30 a.m. Cummings, Pastor Morning Worship Service 11:00 a.m. [email protected] Sunday Morning Worship Service or call us at Dr. L.A. Love 10:30 a.m. Canaan Baptist 413-796-1500 Bible Study Youth Ministry Church of Christ Tuesdays Fridays 1430 Carew Street 6:00 - 7:00 p.m. 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. Springfield, MA 01104 413-739-5053

Shiloh Seventh-Day PROGRESSIVE Rev. Dr. W. C. Sundays COMMUNITY BAPTIST Sunday School (all ages) ------9:15a.m. Adventist Church COMMUNITY BAPTIST Watson, Jr., Pastor CHURCH Morning Worship Service ----10:45a.m. 797 State St., Springfield, MA Church Life Wednesdays 413-734-0103 599 State Street Worship, Prayer, Mid-day Prayer & Praise--12:00-1:00p.m. [email protected] Springfield, Massachusetts Praise & Study Bible Study ------7:00 p.m. Sabbath School 9:00a.m. (413) 736-8844 Sabbath Services: (Saturdays) “A Church Determined To Follow Christ” Divine Worship g{|Üw UtÑà|áà V{âÜv{ 11:00a.m. 149 Walnut Street Adventist Youth Services P.O. Box 91166 6:00pm Rev. Joe C. Springfield, MA 01139 Adventist Long Jr., 413-734-4143 Community Service Jenks Brutus, Pastor Join us for our Worship Services Pastor Mondays & Tuesdays Sunday School Sunday Worship Service 10:00a.m. — 1:00p.m. 9:30 a.m. 10:00 a.m. Reverend Nathaniel Prayer Meeting Prayer Meeting & Bible Study The Church Wednesdays Smith, Sr., Pastor Sunday Worship - 10:00 a.m. Thursday 6:00 p.m. In The Heart 7:00p.m. Sunday Bible School - 9:00 a.m. of The City Church School (SSAJA) Âg{x YÜ|xÇwÄç V{âÜv{Ê f|Çvx DKIL Monday — Friday Bible Study - Wednesday - 6:30 p.m. Where all who enter may be blessed

ÂT W|äxÜáx cxÉÑÄx ã{É tÜx Solid Rock Community Baptist Church bÇx ÉÇ fÉÄÉÅÉÇËá cÉÜà|vÉÊ 821 Liberty Street Acts 5:12b Springfield, MA 01104 Telephone (413) 734-5441 Fax (413) 734-5438 Transportation (413) 575-4035 Sunday Morning Worship – 10:30 am Sunday Worship — 10:45 AM Weekly Bible Study/Prayer Service Sunday School — 9:00 AM Bishop Curtis L. Wednesday —“Noonday Hour of Shaird, Pastor Tuesday 7:00 pm Power” With Lunch Wednesday — Prayer Meeting Reverend Harold P. Dixson, Assistant Pastor — Bible Study — 6:30PM 17 John Street, New Jerusalem C.O.G.I.C. Springfield, MA 01104 “Enter into His Gates with Thanksgiving” Psalm 100:4 (413) 737-9583 Dr. Mark E. Flowers, Senior Pastor 209 Quincy Street Mountcalvarybaptistchurchspringfield.org Springfield, MA 01109 ~ (413) 737– 6772 Elder Timothy Bouknight, Pastor Pastors, Ministers, Professors and Theologians, please submit Sunday School: 10:00 a.m. your articles for the “Religious Point of View” to Sunday Morning Worship 11:30 a.m. Prayer & Bible Band-Tuesday 7:30 p.m. Rev. Dr. Atu White at: [email protected] Pastoral Teaching -Friday 7:30 p.m. af-am point of view page twenty-eight april 1, 2019 L I V I N G LIFE’S CHALLENGES LET’S CONNECT What is Emotional Shock? Collaborating with our By Sweets H. Wilson, PhD, reprinted from May 1, 2018 Children’s Teachers outcome to see how much residual ef - Dr. Sweets S. Wilson is a Christian life purpose fect an upsetting event is having on By Beverly Guerrero-Porter, reprinted from September 1, 2018 coach, motivational our life, relationships, and overall chool is already in session for titles did not make speaker and CEO of functioning. most grade levels. In a few short my child’s reading Inspire ME, LLC. Our emotions are one of the most days, I will reach the parenting list. wilson.sweets@ common ways in which trauma mani - gmail.com or milestone of sending my first child off Our children fests itself. Some common emotional S 860-869-8067 to preschool. During the summer, we are constantly symptoms of trauma include depres - received a packet that included a sug - bombarded with FROM HARTFORD, sion, spontaneous crying, anxiety, gested reading list for my preschooler. pictures on adver - CONNECTICUT panic attacks, compulsive and obses - I immediately requested all available tisements, pack - Beverly hen the rela - sive behaviors, feeling out of control, books on the list from my local library. ages and Guerrero-Porter tionship that denial, anger, sadness, irritability, and While at the library, I engaged in services―from diapers to toys―that you thought emotional outbursts. Individuals suf - a brief conversation with one of the do not bear images that look like them. was going to be forever fering from trauma may redirect the employees about the importance of There is subliminal messaging that is W overwhelming emotions they are ex - has just fallen apart, you are unable to reading to our children. We agreed that communicated with these images that cope. The employer you trusted has periencing towards other sources, such parents are indeed the first teacher in begins to get imbedded in their minds just fired you from the work you loved as family and friends. a child’s life. He stated that parents as they develop and learn more about without provocation. Or maybe you While many sources of trauma have the tendency to expect their chil - the world around them and their sense were in a car crash, and you tell your - are physically violent in nature, others dren’s teachers to shoulder the respon - of value. self that you were not physically hurt, are emotional. Here are some signs sibility that they should be responsible I was reminded of psychologists so it was nothing. You keep trying to that you may be suffering from emo - for in their children’s education. I pon - Kenneth and Mamie Clark’s “Doll rationalize what happened, to tell tional shock: dered that statement while heading Tests” and how then (1940) and even yourself to get over it. Life will change ● You feel like and are acting like home. more recently (2010), children of color and things will get better with time. someone else entirely Later that evening I noticed that who participated in the test chose dolls You may be asking yourself why ● You feel strangely exhausted every book I had been given except that did not reflect themselves, as you are unable to snap out of it, why ● You cannot think straight one had illustrations of white charac - being more beautiful and intelligent, are you exhausted, unable to think ● Your distress is so much bigger ters. I am not sure whether summer confirming that we are still living in a straight, and why you do not feel like than makes logical sense reading lists are generated for the dif - society where white things are valued your usual self anymore? It may be ● Your thoughts are all over the place ferent grade levels by the school dis - as better. That thought will continue to that you are experiencing emotional ● You feel afraid trict or if it is left up to the individual be reinforced unless we advocate for shock. Emotional shock is a form of ● You are experiencing physical side schools. However, I found it quite un - our children to be properly represented trauma that is caused by overwhelm - effects settling that a district that is comprised at every level of their academic jour - ing negative events that cause a lasting Traditional approaches to treating ney. impact on your mental and psycholog - of 87% students of color has suggested emotional trauma include talk therapy, We must work collaboratively ical stability. literature that caters to 11.2% of the Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) with their teachers to ensure that they Emotional trauma is how the total student population―at least that are valued as students and as human mind responds to mental injury. Men - geared intentionally on changing one’s was the case for this particular pre-k beings. That there is a demonstrated tal trauma involves painful feelings thoughts and actions, and Eye Move - reading list for this particular school. and frightening thoughts invoked by ment Desensitization/Reprocessing As a parent, I have been very effort to create lessons and use learn - witnessing or experiencing a traumatic (EMDR), which includes elements of conscientious about reading a variety ing materials that reflect the diversity event. While most people process and eye movements or other forms of of books to my children that reflect the of the student population even if, and deal with these feelings after a short rhythmical stimulation to reduce reac - diversity of our nation because I want especially if, it is not reflected in the time, some people are unable to do so. tivity to a traumatic stressor. Although them to grow up celebrating the rich - population of educators within the dis - Trauma is stress untreated. Stress one might not be aware of the linger - ness of the many cultures that influ - trict. I am not writing this article to deregulates our nervous system, but ing effects of emotional shock or may ence American culture. I want the point blame but rather to encourage a for only a short period of time. Within believe that the traumatic event has school that my children attend to ac - call to action for parents and teachers a few days or weeks, our nervous sys - been put behind them, the body could knowledge them and celebrate them to support each other in providing a tem calms down and we revert to a be clinging to unresolved issues. The not just for Latin American Heritage full, balanced and multiculturally in - normal state of equilibrium. This re - important thing with emotional shock month or Kwanzaa or Black History clusive educational experience. These turn to normalcy is not the case when is to be gentle and not judge yourself. month, but always. There is so much simple actions will draw us closer to we have been traumatized. One way to What matters is that you allow your - literature available now with multicul - one day fulfilling the Latin phrase and tell the difference between stress and self the time to heal and get help if tural protagonists that there really is no U.S. motto: “E Pluribus Unum” (Out emotional trauma is by looking at the needed. ■ justifiable reason why some of those of Many, One). ■ af-am point of view page twenty-nine april 1, 2019 T H E A R T S MOVIE REVIEW “The Hate U Give Little Infants F---s Everybody” By Tristin Hurst, reprinted from November 1, 2018 ditching school because “black lives stand on this mat - matter,” and the next she’s feeling ter. It’s not like bad for the cop because “cops’ lives peaceful protests matter too.” It’s not that her friend is aren’t an option; Tristin Hurst openly racist, she just has the same there have been intrinsic biases that I have seen in many civil rights activists who have quite a few people that I know. protested peacefully. But, as in this The writers do not hold back movie, sometimes protests aren’t when they talk about the neighbor - meant to be violent, but escalate hood gangs and drug dealers known quickly due to the actions of just a as “The King Lords.” So many black few. While I do believe there are bet - men are drawn into gangs to support ter ways, in this movie, some of the their families. Starr’s father, Maver - violence had to happen to get the ick, used to be the right hand man of world to pay attention. Which is the leader, King, but he was able to ironic because the world still didn’t get past it after serving time, and sup - change. A still photo from the movie “The Hate U Give” (L to R:) Russell port his wife and family with a corner Even the title of the movie is Hornsby, Regina Hall, Amandla Stenberg and Common store. Before seeing this movie, I did filled with symbolism. The title (Photo taken from AlamoDrafthouse Cinema) not have the sympathy for drug deal - comes from Tupac (the victim’s fa - o be honest, while Starr tries to remain calm. ers that I do now. Some people have vorite rapper). It’s part of a longer when I began While the officer checks Khalil’s doc - to go into it to support their families acronym: THUG LIFE. The hate u writing this arti - uments, Khalil reaches for a hair even though they really hate what give little infants f—-s everybody . Tcle, I didn’t know brush. It was dark outside and the of - they’re doing. It’s tragic that a kid as The climax involves a riveting mo - where to begin. There ficer mistook the hairbrush for a gun. young as seventeen, with his mother ment with a ten-year-old and a gun. was so much going on in this movie Just like that, Khalill was dead. on drugs and his grandmother diag - There are so many themes: po - in such a short amount of time, it took The main character, Starr, lives nosed with cancer, had to start deal - lice brutality, bi-racial discrimination, me a long time to sort through it. This between two worlds. She lives in a ing to support them. And while I do family, snitching, speaking up, speak - was so much more than a movie poor, black neighborhood, Garden still see drug dealing as a crime, this ing out, white, black, poor, and rich. about police shootings. It offered dif - Heights. But her mom doesn’t want movie brought out a new perspective I could go on and on and on about ferent perspectives and biases on con - her going to the public school like I had previously never considered. this movie but I’m going to end with troversies that have existed as long as most of the other kids in her neigh - On the other hand, what some of the this: If you haven’t seen it, you really anyone can remember. The Hate U borhood. Instead, she attends a pre - drug dealers did was extremely dis - need to see The Hate U Give . ■ Give is not just your typical Sunday dominantly white private school. turbing. One of them shot a ten-year- movie that you watch, tell someone Starr tries to hide her “blackness” old girl, Starr’s childhood best friend. you liked, and move on. It deals with when she’s at her school so she’s not The leader set a store on fire in an at - many heavy topics that put me, a referred to as from the ghetto. It’s not tempt to murder two teens who were twelve-year-old kid, on the edge of that she’s insecure about herself. It’s a threat to him not going to prison. my seat multiple times. And to this that she doesn’t want to be put into This movie did not hold back on date, The Hate U Give is the only the box labeled poor black person. depicting riots and protests. From cit - movie that made me cry three times It’s so sad that she can’t even confide izens punching the police, to people within a two-hour time period. in her two white best friends, Hailey smashing police car windows, to the While the movie is mainly about and Maya, because they can’t begin police bombing the citizens with tear a black, unarmed teen who gets shot to understand what she’s going gas. One thing I couldn’t help but no - by a white police officer, it addresses through. Hailey, one of her best tice was that each side wasn’t com - many other themes. The main plot be - friends, reveals several intrinsic bi - pletely just one color. There were gins with a teenage girl, Starr Carter, ases throughout this story―like when white protesters and black police of - in a car with her childhood best she told Starr to go at a basketball like ficers. At age twelve, I had never seen friend, Khalil Harris. At a traffic stop, it’s fried chicken, which she covered something this violent. Though I they are pulled over by a police offi - up with the fact that they had it for don’t believe in war or violence as a cer. He made Khalil get out of the car lunch that day. One minute Hailey’s solution, I’m not really sure where I af-am point of view page thirty april 1, 2019 T H E A R T S PEN & INK

JUANITA TORRENCE-THOMPSON: Pushcart nominee. Playwright. Pub - lished fiction, children’s stories, feature articles, hundreds of her award-winning poems in dozens of U.S. and international journals, nearly 30 anthologies, 9 books including “When Morning Comes” (2016). Writes print & online news - Peace Truly Comes paper poetry columns; produces poetry salons and reads internationally. Former Editor-in-Chief and Publisher of award winning Mobius, The Poetry Magazine. Her poetry is translated into 15 foreign languages. Talking With Stanley Kunitz From Within and New York and African Tapestries were best pick by Small Press Review. Mobius, The Poetry Magazine, best pick 2007 thru 2012 www.poetrytown.com By Berdia M. Brown Berdia M. Brown What Year Is This? Or Déjà Vu adly, many go through their lives searching for something that’s already Sthere. By Juanita Torrence-Thompson They may feel broken, alone, as if no one really cares. efore I moved to England as a teenager to live with my mother and Clear your minds of the negative inclinations, which will destroy the person psychiatrist stepfather, my father, stepmother and in-laws bought a you are destined to be. 19-room house in upscale Brookline, Massachusetts where the We’re all created with a purpose in life, and equipped with special gifts from Kennedys owned property, but not on our street. We were on Gardner Road B God to be shared unselfishly. where the supposedly upper classes drove Cadillacs, Lincoln Continentals and Mercedes, while we had our Buicks. Whatever it is you’re searching for, lies within. Don’t fall prey to the thought of what could have been. Our neighbors in their white houses were not happy when we were, I believe, Cast all negative thoughts to the wind. the first African American family to move to Brookline, Massachusetts. To make us move, they consistently threw garbage on our well-manicured lawn Take time for yourselves to simply steal away; away from the negativity, or which graced our well-maintained chocolate brown mansion. anything that hinders your growth and clouds the mind. While I was living in England, my family sold our Brookline home to a Cau - When you do, whatever you strive for in life will come to pass, at the right time. casian family and we guessed that the neighbors would be happy then. Listen to the voice which dwells inside. When I returned to the U.S. and married, my husband Hugh and I drove by Let that calm voice be your guide. our former beautiful homestead in Brookline to find it overgrown with weeds We’re born with a purpose. Don’t dwindle time away with gossip, blame, being and our house a ramshackle. A few years later we drove by there again and judgmental, regrets, envy, and strife. our house had been demolished and a large nursing home stood in its place. As we only have one life, live life being the very best that you can be Fast forward to 2014, after Hugh has passed away, and I was living alone in And whatever you strive for in life will come naturally. Kew Gardens Hills, (New York). Russian immigrants are renting the house next door and hold weekly wild parties and people throw garbage on my prop - Life is a gift from God. erty. So I look out of my window and blink when I see white plastic spoons Be kind, giving, humble, thankful, and relish each moment with a smile, and smattered with frosting, watermelon rinds and coffee splattered on my yard grin. from neighbors or their guests and wonder what year is this? Déjà vu. When you do, you’ll find that peace truly comes from within.

Copyright 2019 by Juanita Torrence-Thompson All Rights Reserved A Vivid Dream By Kiara Torres

Tonight I saw my brother sitting with God; I saw my brother sitting with God. As they listened closely to my prayers, a mixture of laughter and tears being shed. I heard him speak a subtle whisper: “Hold your head little sister, always hold your head. We are here beside you; we are here above; know that we are proud of the woman you’ve become.” An image like a movie swept through vividly and bright, his beautiful smile in passing is just as quickly out of sight. How I long to sit just one more time and tell him all about my days, tell him that I miss him and ask if we can pray. Just one more time to thank God for all of the memories we’ve shared, to hold him tight and thank him for always being there. I start to cry and hear, “I’m so sorry” through a voice known as my own. “Don’t be,” I hear in return, “for you won’t ever be alone.” Tonight I saw my brother sitting with God; happy and smiling, I saw my brother sitting with God.

(Kiara is a 21-year old writer. This poem is about her 27-year-old brother who unfortunately took his own life two years ago. He suffered from PTSD due to having served in the Army since 2003.) af-am point of view page thirty-one april 1, 2019 T H E A R T S CHILDREN’S BOOK CORNER ARTIST IN RESIDENCE

“Meet Miss Fancy” Renée Flowers is Every month Point of View’s Artist By Irene Latham, Illustrated by John Holyfield different paintings in Residence. You can c.2019, G.P. Putnam’s Sons $17.99 / $23.99 Canada 32 pages created by contact her directly at Reviewed by Terri Schlichenmeyer (413) 209-9882 to Renée Flowers they did. They did! arrange a private are displayed at The Bookworm is Terri On the day that Miss Fancy fi - Schlichenmeyer . Terri has viewing of her work. Point of View been reading since she nally arrived, Frank was there to wel - was 3 years old and she come her. She was ENORMOUS and never goes anywhere with - loud and he couldn’t wait to meet her out a book. She lives on a in person, but as Frank followed the hill in Wisconsin with two dogs and 11,000 books. crowd into Avondale Park, he was stopped by a small sign at the en - ver since you were a little kid, trance. you’ve had a great big wish. “No Colored Allowed.” And that You’ve always wanted that meant Frank. one thing . You’ve schemed and asked, E But that couldn’t be! How was begged and plotted, but you still don’t he supposed to feed peanuts to Miss have it. As in the new book “Meet Fancy if he couldn’t go to the park? Miss Fancy” by Irene Latham, il - Mama said it was the law, but that lustrated by John Holyfield , what - ever’s stopping you just isn’t fair. didn’t make Frank feel any better, and so he did his second-best: he tossed peanuts over the fence to his big friend while he thought. There had to be a way inside, ART FOR THE SOUL right? Miss Fancy had escaped from a park a time or two – and if an ele - phant can get out of a park, why couldn’t Frank get in? Alas, even that was impossible so Frank had to face facts: he simply wasn’t ever going to meet Miss Fancy – but then, Miss Fancy had other ideas… Have you ever wanted some - thing so much that it consumes you, Artist Dane Tilghman only to see it just out of reach for the and Art for the Soul worst of reasons? That frustration is Gallery Executive More than anything in the world, what your child will find inside “Meet Director Rosemary Tracy Frank adored elephants. Miss Fancy.” Woods at “Just Talking, He loved everything about them: Based lightly on a true story An Exhibit featuring the their big long trunks, their “flap-flap about a real elephant in Birmingham’s Art of Dane Tilghman” ears,” and the way their feet looked Avondale Park, this book is a real at Art for the Soul like the bottom of a tree. He thought double-delight. Author Irene Latham Gallery in Tower Square about them, drew them on paper, and brings a big tale to kids who admire in Springfield. imagined what they might feel like. pachyderms but have no access to Frank loved elephants but he’d never them, and to those who are just start - seen a real-life one. ing on a path toward understanding That’s why he became super-ex - Black history. Indeed, this tale shows colorful and packed with fun action good animal story with a happy end - cited when his mother mentioned a small side of injustice, but in a gen - and plenty of detail. Don’t be sur - ing will sit still for this one. You’ll Miss Fancy, how she was retiring tle way that even little children can prised if you find your child paging love its afterword, too. For you and from the circus, and that the city was grasp. through this book later, just to look at hoping its schoolchildren might raise The other side of the delight is those pictures within. for your child, “Meet Miss Fancy” is the money to afford to buy her. And the artwork by John Holyfield; it’s Any 5-to-8-year-old who loves a a big attention-getter. ■ af-am point of view page thirty-two april 1, 2019 T H E A R T S ENTERTAINMENT REVIEW

Yvonne Mendez is the Director of Education & STRETCH MUSIC: Christian Scott aTunde Adjuah Engagement at the UMass Fine Arts Center. She By Yvonne Mendez produces events for the Valley Jazz Network, and also works with the Springfield Jazz and Roots Festival. e enters the room wearing large gold jewelry and metal hair ties around his neatly cHropped locks, and a long jacket made of woven fabric. His look is com - manding. Christian Scott aTunde Ad - juah is not just a two time Grammy-nominated trumpeter, but an activist and the creator of a new inno - vation called “stretch music.” Stretch music is jazz. But it isn’t rhythms from each of those cultures ries of learning to play the trumpet, jazz. The music is the amalgamation inside stretch music, that each person and all the people he met along the h

a of music from all over the world. can recognize and relate to.” And way, including Wynton Marsalis, Max u j

d “Every person, from every culture since Christian is well-versed in jazz, Roach, Nnenna Freelon, all reveal his A should find something, some beat that stretch music uses the blues and jazz dedication to jazz music, and the peo - e

d they can relate to inside this music.” tradition as a basic foundation. He ple behind the music. Now he is trans - n u Christian professes that there are sim - comes from a proud New Orleans tra - lating that into something new. T a

ilarities, overlaps and parallelisms in dition, his uncle being famed trum - “Music in America is highly t t

o the beats and rhythms of every cul - peter Donald Harrison and his racialized,” he said during his resi - c S

tural and musical tradition. grandfather Donald Harrison Sr. – the dency at UMass Amherst this Febru - n

a “If someone is from the Middle only Big Chief to preside over four ary. “If I asked you to visualize a i t

s East, Poland, or Africa, there are tribes in New Orleans. Even his sto -

i continues to page 34 r h C

“I dress the way I do to purpose - fully attract attention,” Christian ex - plains. He says that as a Black man in America, there are many assumptions made of him upon first sight. But be - cause of the way he dresses, people don’t make assumptions. They actu - ally step forward and they speak to him, they ask questions. “It has a hu - manizing effect,” he says. af-am point of view page thirty-three april 1, 2019 COMMUNITY FOCUS In Memoriam

By Marjorie J. Hurst February 28, 2019 I can defi - nitely attest to that! Antonette ach year I join the family of Leonard A. Corbin, who and I served for was “Lenny” to some but “Donald” to me, at the cer - eight years to - emony held at the Mason Square Fire Station which gether and for Ehonors him as Springfield’s first African American fire - six of those fighter. Mayor Sarno is always there and vividly shares his eight years, we Leonard A. Corbin fond memories of Lenny with those who gather for the bell had our differ - 1946 - 2008 tolling and the wreath laying. His brother, Eddie Corbin, ences. Actually, reminds those as - ours was a tu - sembled that being multuous rela - a firefighter was tionship where, Photo by Marjorie J. Hurst all Donald ever more often than wanted to be as a not, we each aggressively staked out positions on opposite sides of the issues. child and he Then along came Antonette’s push for school uniforms. Although I didn’t briefly gives us an want to support her, it was an issue in which I also believed. So the two of us inkling of what formed a tentative alliance as we worked for a common goal. And through Donald had to en - the long process that it took to get a school uniform policy passed, we became dure as the “first.” friends. Our friendship So I was happy to greet Russ, the love of Antonette’s life, of whom she goes back to when was so proud, at Putnam where a plaque in her name was installed outside the we were kids and Photo by Marjorie J. Hurst sheet metal room, at the reconstructed high school from which Russell grad - Rick ( POV’s pub - uated. Antonette will always be remembered as a fierce advocate for whatever lisher ) and their cousin, Dennis Terry, were best friends and later I was added. she believed in and someone totally committed to the children of Springfield. Their family became our family and we became an integral part of their family. So no matter what my plans are, each year when I receive the call from Eddie nd Michael P. Rodgers was the same, totally commit - reminding me of the ceremony, I clear my schedule and go and represent our ted to the children of Springfield. Ours was always a family. This year the ceremony happened to be on Donald’s birthday and when Afriendly, collegial relationship. Former City Councilor the Mayor and the Fire Commissioner found that out, they declared that Feb - Timothy Rooke, a close friend, described Mike as “a great ruary 28th will be the date of the annual ceremony from this point on. man, a great dad, a loving husband, and a lunatic with me.” I guess it’s poetic justice that the Mason Square Fire Station where Donald Although I was not privy to the “lunatic with me” descrip - spent the majority of his career stands on part of the land where Buckingham tor, it was clear it was a term of endearment. Jr. High School, our old junior high, stood. As Commissioner Calvi makes his And that’s how everyone who knew Mike felt about closing remarks acknowledging Lenny’s legacy to the fire department and the Michael P. Rodgers him. He was a great guy, easy to like, fun to be around and 1959 - 2012 city of Springfield, I look around at the fire fighters gathered with respect in great to work with. He was passionate about helping kids his honor, black and white together, and I remember Donald’s unwavering and whenever his smile and silently thank him for his bravery. wife Dawn, a school counselor, ex - March 11, 2019 pressed that a stu - dent had a need, it served with both Antonette E. Pepe and Michael P. was Mike to the res - Rodgers on the Springfield School Committee and was cue. pleased to be among the many family and friends of Mike had a lot who gathered at Putnam Vocational-Technical Academy of connections both I locally and for a plaque dedication ceremony in their honor. School Committee vice chairman Christopher statewide and he Antonette E. Pepe 1941 - 2015 Collins spoke about his long history with Antonette from played an important Photo by Marjorie J. Hurst her days as president of the Springfield Paraprofessionals part in the planning Union to serving with her on the school committee. He summed up his com - and building of the new Putnam so it was appropriate that a plaque in his name ments by saying, “She was no shrinking violet,” eliciting an outbreak of know - was installed outside of the Media Center in acknowledgement of his contin - ing laughter from the crowd. uous support and his total commitment to the Springfield Public Schools. af-am point of view page thirty-four april 1, 2019 C O M M U N I T Y GOOD NEWS - APRIL 2019 ENTERTAINMENT REVIEW Helen Caulton-Harris. Stone Soul Jay Griffin , Living History Project – Peter Christian Scott aTunde Adjuah Stone Soul Festival Brace Brigade received a plaque continued from page 32 was so affected by the music. It was Program Chairman reflecting the need to acknowl - affecting him inside his bones, right in [email protected] classical musician, then a rap artist edge contributions of the Black his heart, inside his ancestral mem - Tel: 413-636-3881 and then a hip hop artist, you would ory.” Ancestral Recall uses those or men and women which have been have a very clear image in your mind 413-739-2947 hidden until now; Karon Tyler, of those three people that was engi - rhythms to affect you right inside yourself, and you’re not sure why you Stone Soul President, received the neered for you by society.” There are assMutual has initiated a com - are laughing or crying or dancing. His certificate. many preconceived notions of race munity support program, new self-produced album was re - ● Congratulations to Bishop Talbert that we accept subliminally. As well, wMhich focuses on a specified neigh - leased last month. W. Swan, II for being appointed there are rhythms and memories that borhood/community. This project is a to MGM Springfield’s Commu - Stretch music is still defined by live within us—connecting us to our replica of Live Mutual Project in col - nity Advisory Committee. race, but how the races and the original cultures and each other. laboration with New North Citizens’ ● Congratulation to Robert “Cee” rhythms overlap and relate to each Christian’s new album, called Ances - Council, MassMutual, Way Finders, Jackson , recipient of the inaugu - other. The focus is unity in the music: tral Recall is based on that notion. He and Baystate Health, etc. ral Springfield College Diversity, a new framework spearheaded by a tells this story, “One of our crew Equity and Inclusion Award, generation of musicians whose focus n Tuesday, March 12, 2019, we members is White American, and his which is well deserved for the is on collaborating and creating music met at the Mason Square Li - family is from Germany. He was many unsolicited contributions that incorporates and honors various bOrary as a preliminary meeting to dis - somewhat disconnected from his cul - that he has made to community cultures and beats. cuss 2020, which will focus on programs and individuals. ture. But while on tour visiting Ger - It’s an exciting time to see what Mason Square and Old Hill neighbor - Afro-Am new ad size 8/14 ● Congratulations to State Rep. many, we were at an event where they the future is for music, not just jazz hoods. This is a promising project WTCC 4.65”x5.3” Carlos Gonzalez on becoming the began to play some traditional Ger - music, but music across the world. which will give voice to the commu - new chairman of the Black and man folk music. This person was vis - For a more in-depth version of nity and neighborhoods. Latino Legislative Caucus. ibly affected by the music, on the this article, visit yvonnesmusic - CONGRATULATIONS! verge of tears. He had no idea why he scene.com ■ Belated — Happy th ● We want to congratulate Richard 75 Birthday to Johnson for maintaining the C-3 Jerald “Jay” Griffin Community Project consistently (March 20, 2019) with more than 30 community serv - ice providers and concerned citizens along with the po - lice and District Attorney’s office. ● Congratulations to Tony Bass of NABVETS for an outstanding ac - knowledgement of WTCC is your source for music - from jazz to R&R oldies, 400 years of gospel to salsa, R&B to blues, Motown and more, Blacks in the Mil - as well as Caribbean, Portuguese, Latino, Polish, Greek, itary protecting Native American and Italian programming - America. They re - plus talk shows with local hosts discussing local issues. ceived citations from Mayor Domenic Sarno, Your all-volunteer community radio station State Rep. Bud Williams, and broadcasting 24/7 from the campus of STCC Springfield Health & Human Service Commissioner www.wtccfm.org af-am point of view page thirty-five april 1, 2019 C O M M U N I T Y COMMUNITY FOCUS The Difference a Year Makes Mason Square Health Task Force th By Theresa Bryant Celebrates its 10 Anniversary LANA Educators ( African, ALANA in its national online publi - continued from page 19 tobacco products may be purchased Latino, Asian, Native, cation. Recently, ALANA was fea - as well as opportunities to engage in to 21 and are now providing educa - American) is a seed that has tured in the NEA monthly news physical activity. tion and advocacy around the rising grown out of a period of activism and magazine social justice series. Additionally, in collaboration youth epidemic of E-cigarette/Vap - A ing. The current cohort will partici - grassroots efforts that has organized ALANA’s accomplishments to with Baystate Health, the Task Force educators of color within the Spring - date are many. To name a few: works to facilitate more positive pate in summer internships at Mercy Medical Center and recruitment for a field Public Schools (SPS). The ALANA has met with three of the healthy behaviors amongst men by new 2019-2020 cohort will begin in group’s origin began when a Massa - six-member School Committee: Bar - increasing awareness concerning June. These Peer Health Advocates chusetts Teachers Association (MTA) bara Gresham, Denise Hurst and La - men’s health issues. organizer, George Luse, was given The Task Force has also success - will speak at the April 1 st Public Tonia Naylor. ALANA’s concerns the task to reach out to the Spring - fully worked to train Peer Health Ad - Health Kickoff Event. have led to the recent formation of field Education Association’s leader - vocates to develop its Pillar 2 tobacco The Task Force continues to ex - the School Committee Diversity ship to connect with and empower resistance campaign. Members of the plore opportunities to address the Subcommittee. Several ALANA educators of color through the MTA’s past two successful cohorts actively health issues faced in its target com - members are participants on the All In campaign. advocated for the recent policy munities through a holistic approach As described by Audrey Murph MTA Statewide Task Force on Race. change that raised the age at which to health. ■ Brown, a 27-year-member of the In January 2019, ALANA met with SEA, the events that occurred in the Superintendent Daniel Warwick and COMMUNITY INFORMATION 2017-2018 school year were that of members of his leadership team. “a perfect storm.” Much like the cat - In celebration of Black History astrophic storms that have resulted Month, ALANA met with retired from global warming, ALANA’s SPS educators to discuss lessons storm was the result of many years of learned in raising awareness of sys - institutional biases, nepotism, and fa - temic biases, nepotism, and fa - voritism that prevented many highly voritism found in the SPS. qualified educators of color from lat - As ALANA approaches its two- eral promotions and leadership op - year anniversary, work toward three portunities. In addition, the retention goals continues: A Community Scholarship for High of educators of color and the inci - dences of cultural insensitivity were 1. Transparency of job postings. School Graduates and Adult Learners driving many early educators out of the school system. 2. Retention of educators of color. SPRINGFIELD, MA -Springfield scholarships of $1000 each were ALANA’s mission is to create a Partners for Community Action is the awarded to high school graduates and 3. The creation of Effective Educa - supportive, dynamic and collective community action agency serving adult learners at our Community union focused on building a diverse tor Coaches to support educators Greater Springfield. The organization Scholarship Breakfast. This year we and culturally proficient environment of color. has been operating for 55 years, suc - are aiming to present more at our cessfully guiding residents of in Community Action Award’s dinner for African, Latino, Asian, Native, ALANA believes that the col - American Educators in the Spring - Springfield and Hampden County to - on Thursday, June 13, 2019 to cele - lective voices of educators of color field Public Schools while empower - wards self-sufficiency, economic sta - brate the scholarship recipients and and a passion for our students will be ing ALANA Educators. bility, and a better quality of life. For all those who work to make our city the force that achieves a culturally In December 2017, ALANA the past 16 years, Springfield Partners a better place to live. presented in Chicago at the National conscious public school system. for Community Action has awarded Scholarship applications will Council of Urban Educators Associ - ALANA continues to organize its and helped both high school gradu - be accepted up until Monday, April ation, as well as the Race Equity members, never losing sight of cre - ates and adult learners go to school 22 nd . All material and information to Conference held in Boston, Massa - ating the schools our children de - and earn their degree in a field or pro - apply can be found at www.spring - chusetts. Members attended the Na - serve. Educators of color as well as gram they are passionate about. fieldpartnersinc.com/whatwedo/sc tional Education Association Black allies committed to issues of social Springfield Partners for holarshipsprogram/ . For more in - Caucus Conference in Baltimore, justice are invited to join ALANA Community Action has awarded 208 formation you can also contact Maryland. In July 2018, the National meetings at the Springfield Educa - recipients $1000 scholarships, so far Tabitha Desplaines at 413-263-6500 Education Association featured tion Association. ■ amounting to $204,600. Last year, 13 EXT. 6521. ■ af-am point of view page thirty-six april 1, 2019 C L A S S I F I E D S BUY NEW ENGLAND CLASSIFIED AD NETWORK REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONALS ROMOTE YOuR PRODuCT, SERVICE OR BuSINESS TO 1.8 MILLION HOuSEHOLDS THROuGHOuT NEW ENG - LAND. REACH 4 MILLION POTENTIAL READERS quICKLY AND INEXPENSIVELY WITH GREAT RESuLTS. uSE THE BuY NEW ENGLAND CLASSIFIED AD NETWORK BY CALLING 413-796-1500. DO THEY WORK? YOu ARE READING ONE OF OuR ADS NOW!! VISIT OuR WEBSITE TO SEE WHERE YOuR ADS RuN FREE COMMuNITY PAPERS OPF NEW ENGLAND WWW.FCPNE.COM HEALTH & FITNESS LIFE ALERT. 24/7. 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Specializing in Siding, Repairs on siding, Insulation, Windows, Roofing, Drywall, Flooring, Painting and much more! af-am point of view page thirty-seven april 1, 2019 COMMUNITY CALENDAR ▬ APRIL 2019 Where: Chez Josef April 13 (Saturday) April 1-5 Jynai McDonald, 176 Shoemaker Lane, Young Scholars Academy presents: A Kindergarten Enrollment Week POV Community Agawam, MA Hidden Figures Ceremony! Hosted by Springfield Public Schools Calendar Editor When: 11:30AM ─ Tickets: $75 Where: Boys & Girls Club Where: Parent and Community Please submit your events with attn: Jynai in the Info: 413-746-3655 ext 127 Family Center Engagement Center ______subject line to 100 Acorn St., Spfld., MA 91 School St., Springfield, MA [email protected] April 6 (Saturday) When: 10AM ─12PM When: 8AM ─4PM (Mon, Wed, Fri) Easter Bunny Breakfast Tickets: $10 at www.venmo.com/ 8AM ─6PM (Tue, Thu) April 3 (Wednesday) Where: 329 Main St., Holyoke, MA youngscolarsacademy Info: 413-787-6959 or Righting Wrongs: The Role of Apol - When: 10AM ─12PM ______boreckid@springfieldpubilic ogy and Reparations for Slavery Tickets: $15/child, $10/adults April 24 (Wednesday) schools.com Where: Edwards Church of Info: [email protected] Smith College History Professor ______Northampton Speaks at STCC April 1 – June 4 April 6 (Saturday) 297 Main Street Where: Springfield Technical Blackjack Dealer Classes Natural Hair, Beauty & Wellness Northampton, MA Community College, Offered by the Massachusetts Casino Expo When: 7PM ─9PM Scibelli Theater (Bldg. 2) Career Training Institute Class ______Where: Holyoke Community College 1 Armory St., Springfield, MA Cost: $199-$399 April 4 (Thursday) 303 Homestead Avenue When: 10AM ─ FREE (scholarships available) 5th Annual Restaurant Week Launch Holyoke, MA Info: [email protected] or Info: www.mccti.org Party When: 10AM ─3PM 413-755-4812 ______Where: Smiths Billiards Tickets: $5/Early bird, $10/General ______Tuesdays 207 Worthington Street Admission, $20/VIP April 25 (Thursday) Adult Basic Education & SNAP Path Springfield, MA www.brownskinwomen.com Common Threads 2019 to Work Enrollment (GED/HiSET ______When: 5PM ─8PM Where: Sheraton Springfield Classes) April 7 (Sunday) Tickets: $20 (includes food and one Monarch Hotel Where: Training Resources of Westfield State University offers pour of the 5th annual One Monarch Place, America Duke Ellington Jazz Workshops restaurant week beer) at Springfield, MA 32-34 Hampden St., Gnd Lvl Youth Ensemble www.eventbrite.com When: 5:30PM ─8:30PM Springfield, MA Where: Westfield State university ______Tickets: www.eventbrite.com When: 11AM ─ FREE 57 Western Avenue April 5 (Friday) Info: [email protected] or Info: 413-732-2223 or 100 Women of Color & Awards Westfield, MA 413-755-4812 [email protected] Where: The Bushnell Theater When: 10AM ─12PM *Registration fee ______166 Capitol Ave., Hartford, CT Info: 413-572-5523 or April 27 (Saturday) May 2-4 When: 8PM [email protected] or Poetry Reading by Rosa M. Bailey’s STCC College Theatre Workshop to Tickets: www.bushnell.org www.westfield.ma.edu/jazzworkshop new book “Straight From The Heart” stage “Motherhood Out Loud” ______Where: Springfield Technical Info: 860-987-5900 April 8 (Monday) Where: Olive Tree Books-n-Voices ______Community College Westfield State University offers 97 Hancock St., Spfld., MA April 6 (Saturday) Scibelli Theater (Bldg. 2) Duke Ellington Jazz Workshops When: 4PM ─ FREE Women’s Power Breakfast 1 Amory St., Springfield, MA Adult Ensemble Info: www.olivetreebooksonline.com Where: Wesley united When: 11AM (Thur) ; 7PM (Fri) Where: Westfield State university or 413-737-6400 Methodist Church ______7PM (Sat) 57 Western Avenue 741 State St., Springfield, MA April 27 (Saturday) Tickets: $8/adults, $5/students Westfield, MA When: 9:30AM ─ FREE Parent Villages Organizational & seniors ______When: 6PM ─8PM *Registration fee Meeting Info: 413-755-4233 or April 6 (Saturday) Info: 413-572-5523 or Where: Mason Square [email protected] or First Time Homebuyers Workshop [email protected] or Community Library [email protected] Hosted by Springfield Neighborhood www.westfield.ma.edu/jazzworkshop 765 State St., Springfield, MA Housing Services ______April 12 (Friday) When: 12PM ─1:30PM Where: Springfield College Locklin Hall 15th Annual Baystate Home Health Pizza and beverages provided 263 Alden St., Spfld., MA Wine & Beer Tasting Info: [email protected] For more events When: 9AM ─5PM – *Registration fee ______Wines from Around the World and Info: 413-739-4737 ext. 100 or April 27 (Saturday) happening in the www.springfieldnhs.org Seasonal Beers on Tap Yearly Great American Clean-Up ______Where: Tekoa Country Club Where: Across the City of Springfield community, please April 6 (Saturday) 459 Russell Rd., Westfield, MA When: 8AM ─12PM “Justice Above Self” Social Justice When: 6PM ─9PM ______visit our website at Award Ceremony Tickets: $30/advance, $35/at door www.afampov.com Hosted by Martin Luther King Jr. Fam - Info: 413-794-6414 or ily Services www.baystatehealth.org/winetasting af-am point of view page thirty-eight april 1, 2019 2019 Lenten Service C C O O N N G G R R A A T T U U L L A A T T I I O O N N S S

2019 - 2020 Leadership Rev. J.P. Morgan, Jr., President Bishop Andrew Daubon, Vice President Rev. Paula Alexander, Secretary Rev. Stephen Williams, Treasurer Rev. Dr. Barbara Headley, Asst. Treasurer Bishop Robert Jones, Chaplain

LETTERS TO THE PUBLISHER continued from page 25 Bringing us to Springfield in 1972 and finally owning her own home at 21 Wellesley Street in 1974, I count every day I was able to be her son as being in The Kingdom!!!! My mom touched many. My tears still come without warn - ings after over 4017 days and counting since she left, January22, 2006 at 3:30 a.m.!!

In closing, thank you for your paper. Mr. Ian D. Powers and Family (2/2/2019) af-am point of view page thirty-nine april 1, 2019 . . . More In The Community Lift Every Voice Speaker Series 9th Annual First Lady’s Luncheon

Bishop Talbert Swan II; Guest Speaker Whitney Battle Baptiste, Mistress of Ceremony Ciara Speller, WWLP Channel 22 News; UMass W.E.B. Du Bois Center Director; Mistress of Ceremony St. John’s Congregational Church First Lady Jamina Scippio Waleska Lugo-DeJesus, Healing Racism Institute of Pioneer Valley McFadden, Guest Speaker acclaimed actress and activist Lynn Director; and Rev. J.P. Morgan Jr. Whitfield; Springfield Commissioner of Health and Human Services Helen Caulton-Harris, and A Woman Changing the World recipient Dr. Yolanda Lenzy at Chez Josef

Mistress of Ceremony Ayanna Crawford; Guest Speaker Nadhege Ptah, actress, writer, and filmmaker; and Bishop Talbert Swan II. Members of the Xi Xi Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority pose for a photo with Guest Speaker and AKA soror, actress Lynn Whitfield.

Mistress of Ceremony Saibo Ndluvo; Bishop Talbert Swan II; Guest Speaker Karen Hunter, Pulitzer Prize winning journalist, author and talk show host; and Community Award recipient, former State Rep. Ben Swan, Sr. af-am point of view page forty april 1, 2019