Af-Am Your VOICE OINT O IEW Your COMMUNITY P F V Your POINT OF VIEW www.afampov.com Our Community News Magazine november 1, 2019 OUR VOTE MATTERS… “I did not know how much power I had until I went to the voting poll station to cast my vote for candidates that live, breathe, and experience the same life that I do every day.” By Koralise Williams – 5 Giving Thanks MEMORIAL TO SPRINGFIELD’S FIRST AFRICAN AMERICAN PHILAN- THROPIST OPENS “His name is on a Springfield neighborhood (Mason “THANK YOU,” HOW FAITH BROUGHT Square) and on a building (Primus Mason Court), but nowhere until now is his story told in such a very public ME THROUGH KIDNEY place.” NOT ONCE, BUT TWICE By Alan T. Popp – 13 By Patricia Spradley FAILURE FOCUS ON BEING GRATEFUL his month’s article is dedicated to my mother and By Koralise Williams “Being thankful is a job that we should try to put first and foremost in our lives not only during the holiday mother-in-law. I had the great pleasure of having ’ve waited for this! season, but every day of the year.” Tthese women in my life for decades. And while it I’ve prayed for By Zaida Govan – 14 was devastating to have lost them both this year–within a Ithis! Cried out to WHY DEMAND ACCESS FOR ALL three-month span–I am blessed to have many cherished God for this! Many TO THE RAYMOND A. JORDAN SEN- memories. days I wanted to quit, IOR CENTER? to be over this, asking “…it’s for seniors like Doris (Jackson) that we are de- God to take me away manding the City of Springfield create a transportation plan to help all Springfield seniors ACCESS this new, from this, to just let it beautiful $12.8 million dollar building because the sen- be over. BUT GOD ior center is still out of reach for many Springfield sen- had another plan! iors. About a year By Mattie Lacewell – 18 after graduating high ACADEMY AWARD WINNER RUTH school, I was nineteen E. CARTER TELLS HARTFORD years old and my body GIRLS ROCK! … “Don’t worry about someone being better than you… began going through have confidence to be your authentic self. Authenticity changes. I believed it finds itself in your research. Research brings out some- was because I was ac- thing new within you that you did not even know you Rebecca Spradley and Viola McCarter had in yourself. Do the work, don’t worry about the tive and always on the competition.” There were similarities they shared: like cooking, go, so I didn’t pay it Koralise Williams, By Bobbi Brown (quoting Ruth Carter) – 22 being very direct, working in a hospital, raising five chil- much mind. I thought Westfield State STEVE PEMBERTON ENDS CANDI- dren, and never having obtained a driver’s license, that my feet being swollen University Student DACY… connected them in ways that made their telephone con- and retaining fluid was normal for someone who wasn’t “At the age of 3, I was taken away from my mother versations and interactions easy going. getting much sleep, but man was I wrong. never to see her again. Two years later, my father was The impact their transition had on my life has been killed in an act of gun violence. What followed was the It was a weekend trip with my aunt to go visit my lonely journey of a bi-racial foster child lost in the gaps and continues to be, in a word, amazing! I had absolutely cousin in North Carolina when everything began to come of a strained and burdened foster care system….with no idea how the test of my strength would be challenged. out. One morning I woke to find my face had doubled in my wife Tonya and our three teenage children – Quinn, To have both hospitalized on the very same day, I now size! My aunt demanded that I go to the doctors as soon Vaughn and Kennedy – we have broken the cycle. My know, was not coincidental since there are no accidents. children and their children will never have to face what we got back to Massachusetts. After multiple doctor vis- I did. It ends, and it has ended, with me.” Once the first gut punch occurred and He saw how I han- its, I was diagnosed with Membranous Nephropathy By Steve Pemberton – 25 continues to page 2 continues to page 2 RACISM. A WAY FORWARD “If religion or politics are conversation killers at a party, watch the reaction when race comes up.” By John Davis and Paul Robbins – 28

GIVE THANKS “We have become a society, a people, a world that thinks that we are entitled – entitled to have food on our tables and a roof over our heads.” By Rev. Maxine Moore – 26 af-am point of view page two november 1, 2019 SPECIAL TO POINT OF VIEW FAITH THROUGH KIDNEY FAILURE “Thank You,” Not Once, But Twice able to keep going. until she got better, so she never even continued from page 1 Patricia Spradley is (MN). This is a disease that affects the I felt as if everything was fine Chief Administrator for knew she was in Hospice. All I could kidney filters and functions. In terms and I was waiting for God to work a Parent and do was look up and say, “Thank You” the doctor would never say, I had a miracle in my favor but in October Community yet again. type of cancer of the kidney. 2014, I was told that I would have to Engagement, As I watched the strength of my start dialysis because my kidneys Springfield Public mothers during this process, I also ex- I was young and couldn’t believe Schools that this could be happening to me, so could no longer hold out. I felt as if (413) 787-6597 perienced the range of emotions − at first I wasn’t fully compliant with this was the end. I just knew God had anxiety, unawareness, uncertainty, and continued from page 1 the doctors and the orders I was given. forgotten about me and I fell into a peacefulness, that they went through. dled it, He obviously thought I was I was in a state of denial. Who could small depression. I was attending Because I was pretty much operating primed for the second punch. And ever believe at the age of nineteen that Holyoke Community College and I on autopilot, I didn’t realize that I was while I was still standing, I quickly re- I would be dealing with a kidney dis- dropped out. I felt there was no need traveling through those emotions right alized that it was only because He was ease. After a while, I became submis- to do anything because my life was along with them. I had been wonder- over, but it was during my time at holding me up! Thank you, not once, ing when it was all going to hit me. As sive to the doctor, but I still didn’t but twice. believe it was as bad as it was―that dialysis that God began to work in my is always the case, He had my back! life. Encouragement came from Thinking you have strength just is until I had to do my first round of As I am now on the other side of everywhere, and my depression was because people have labeled you as chemo treatments. For six months I it, I better understand the “WHY.” The lifted. strong, is arrogant. Asking for strength had to take a round of chemo and then transition and timing of these two Through many prayers and the because you know the kind of strength a series of hardcore steroids. great mothers afforded me the oppor- encouragement I received, I signed required can only come from Him, is I remember one night lying in tunity to be available to help others back up for school and graduated exercising faith. He heard me when I bed after a chemo treatment praying through similar experiences. It from Springfield Technical Commu- said, “I Need You Now.” Little did I and asking God, “Why me? I’m only strengthened me in ways that I am still nity College, all while being a full know how much it was going to be in my twenties. I shouldn’t have to go experiencing. It causes me to smile, time dialysis patient. It was not easy needed, as I was informed that they through this. Why me?” God whis- when others are left wondering how but with God and faith, I was able to would both be in Hospice. Thank you pered in my ear, “Stop saying why for each of them having the best Hos- or why. It encourages me to be my make it, and began to attend classes at and start saying thank you!” I didn’t pice Teams that anyone could have best, because that’s what they gave to Westfield State University in the fall asked for! me. THANK YOU, not once but understand but I started saying thank of 2018. I even made the Dean’s list. When my mother arrived at the twice, to Viola McCarter and Rebecca you! I didn’t mean it but I said thank I grew accustomed to my life as nursing home and acted as though she Spradley. ■ you! After each chemo treatment, I it was and stopped wondering when I was at a country club (I guess being said thank you. After every pain, I was going to be healed. I let God do greeted by offspring of some of her said thank you. On the mornings I what He was going to do. On June 25, EnEnrollroll very good friends didn’t hurt), I knew woke up sick from the treatment and 2019, His next step came to fruition it was only His grace and mercy… couldn’t keep anything down, I said when I got a call from Baystate Med- Yo u r ChiChil ldd Her spirit and demeanor overwhelmed thank you. It was in my obedience ical Center saying they had a kidney that I began to believe that I would be me! My siblings and I had agreed to for me! I didn’t believe it. I almost let let her think that she was only there okay. Many do not believe me when I fear grab me but I knew I had to be- say that during this time of chemo, I lieve God! Ten years of dealing with for almost five years. For the times I did not lose one strand of hair. In fact, no, no, no from the doctor finally be- felt like I could no longer make it, that my hair doubled in thickness and came a YES from God! length during treatment due to of the I don’t know who’s reading this this was the end. For every sickness, prayers of my leader, Bishop Eliza- that might be going through some- tear shed, prayers lifted, for every beth Williams, and Pastor Debra thing, sickness, poverty, divorce, but ache and pain, for every needle stick, James. if you trust God, He will come I am grateful. I’m grateful that God I would go to doctors’ appoint- through for you! “God is not a man, CallCall 423423-734-63007347 66300 chose me to be the vessel He used to ments and my kidney levels would be that he should lie; neither the son of ChooseBrightFutures.orgChooseBrightFutures.org low. Every test they did would come man, that he should repent: hath he go through this task, because I can

We warmly care for infants through pre-K back with a negative result, yet the said, and shall he not do it? or hath share with people that it will not al- doctors could not understand how I he spoken, and shall he not make it ways be dark, but the sun will begin

     


  
 was still walking around, going to good?” (Numbers 23:19 KJV) to shine. school, being an active member in my Now I am grateful for all the

  
No matter your age, I hope this activities church, all while my kidney function days and nights I was in too much was at six percent. They began to call pain to do anything. For the early encourages you that no matter what

       me the Miracle Girl. I was so proud to mornings for waking up before dawn you are going through, God can and      say that it was because of God I was to travel to dialysis three days a week will make it better. He did for me! ■          
        
af-am point of view page three november 1, 2019

AN AFRICAN AMERICAN Point of View CLASSIFIED/REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONALS...... 36 688 Boston Road, Springfield, MA 01119 COMMUNITY

Phone: (413) 796-1500 ● Fax: (413) 796-6100 CONTENT E-mail: [email protected] ● Website: www.afampointofview.com Community Beat...... 17 www.facebook.com/ https://plus.google.com/ www.twitter.com/ Community Calendar...... 37 AfAmPointofView +PointofViewSpringfield AfAmPOV Community Focus...... 13,16,18 Point of View is a monthly news journal with an African American orientation. It is distributed Community Focus - Connecticut...... 22 free to select locations in Hampden and Hampshire counties and in Connecticut. Letters, Community Perspectives ...... 15 articles and comments appearing in the newspaper reflect the opinions of the contributors and do not constitute an endorsement by POV and are subject to editing. POV assumes no Congratulations Corner...... 39 responsibility for photos, articles, letters, press releases or unsolicited materials. Decisions Food for Thought...... 14 as to the editing and publishing of material are based on space availability and the discretion Good News ...... 34 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- Law Notes...... 23 pographical errors in its publication. Advertisers are solely responsible for the content of Leadership Pioneer Valley...... 16 their advertising and claims and offers contained within their advertising. POV reserves the NABVETS Corner...... 35 right to refuse advertising for any reason. No portion of this publication may be reproduced without written permission. Political Happenings...... 14 PUBLISHER: Frederick A. Hurst EDITOR: Marjorie J. Hurst EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: THIS ISSUE AF-AM Newsbits...... 4 Artist in Residence Renée Flowers Health Matters Doris Harris, Editor Children’s Book Corner Terri Schlichenmeyer Samantha Hamilton My View ...... 24 Community Beat Ken Harris Law Notes Dr. Bridgette Baldwin, Editor Op-Ed–Steve Pemberton, John Davis & Paul Robbins...... 25,28 Community Calendar Jynai McDonald Prof. Lauren Carasik Community Focus Alan T. Popp Leadership Pioneer Valley Lora Wondolowski EDUCATION Whitney Battle-Baptiste Let’s Connect Beverly Guerrero-Porter Mattie Lacewell Colleges in the News HCC, STCC, Westfield State Univ. Early Education & Care...... 7 Community Focus-CT Bobbi Brown Op-Ed Steve Pemberton Community Perspectives Bishop Talbert W. Swan II John Davis & Paul Robbins Education & Hope ...... 6 Early Education & Care Nicole Blais NABVETS Corner Milton Jones Education & Hope Gianna Allentuck Education in the News...... 10 Parents & Community Patricia Spradley Entertain Review Yvonne Mendez Local Colleges in the News...... 8-9 Moyah Smith Pen & Ink Juanita Torrence-Thompson Features Koralise Williams Berdia M. Brown FEATURES Dwight Bachman Renay Intisar Jihad Wanda Givens Political Happenings Kateri Walsh “Thank You,” Not Once, But Twice ...... Cover Food for Thought Zaida Govan Religious Point of View Rev. Dr. Atu White, Editor Good News Jay Griffin Rev. E. Maxine Moore How Faith Brought Me Through Kidney Failure ...... Cover Got H.E.R.S. Latoya Bosworth, PhD Your Health Baystate Medical Center Our Votes Matter ...... 5 Artistic/Multimedia Director - Marie Zanazanian ● Distribution Manager - Shawn Merriman Photographer - Ed Cohen Free ‘Get On Board’ Event Connects ...... 5 POV Valedictorian Encourages 100 Men of Color...... 19 LOCATE OUR ADVERTISERS The Forgotten Spirit – The Musical...... 40 Alden Baptist Church------27 Mount Calvary Baptist Church------27 HEALTH Alterations & Dress Making by Lewins------29 Mt. Zion Baptist Church------27 Health Matters ...... 11 Bright Futures Early Learning Center------2 New Jerusalem C.O.G.I.C.------27 Your Health - Baystate Medical Center...... 12 Canaan Baptist Church of Christ------27 Progressive Community Baptist Church ------27 LIVING Center for Human Development (CHD) ------15 Real Living Realty Prof. – Roberta B. Johnson-----36 Got H.E.R.S...... 34 Century 21 – Aida Ruiz-Batiste------36 Revival Time Evangelistic Center ------27 Let’s Connect...... 26 Committee to Elect Jesse Lederman ------9 Shiloh Seventh-Day Adventist Church ------27 Ed Cohen Photography ------29 Solid Rock Community Baptist Church------27 PHOTO GALLERY...... 20-21,33,39 Family Church ------27 Springfield Technical Community College ------6 RELIGION HCS Head Start, Inc. ------6 St. John’s Congregational Church ------27 Religious Point of View...... 26 Home Inspections by Marco, Inc.------36 Third Baptist Church------27 Religious Directory...... 27 S Hurst & Hurst, P.C. ------36 WEIB 106.3 Smooth FM------31 THE ARTS Irene E. & George A. Davis Foundation ------11 Wesley United Methodist Church------27 Artist in Residence ...... 29 MBC Realtors, LLC – Migdalia Khatib ------36 Westfield State University------7 Children’s Book Corner...... 29 Maplegate Rehab Inc.------12 WTCC FM 90.7 ------35 Entertainment Review...... 31-32 Mason Wright Senior Living ------13 Zion Community Baptist Church ------27 Pen & Ink...... 30 af-am point of view page four november 1, 2019 claims to the contrary are really not worthy of much bits attention but Jeneé Osterheldt’s observations in the AF-AM NEWS Boston Globe (October 23, 2019) were particularly By Frederick A. Hurst on point. He wrote: “What happened to (Emmett) OF ALL PEOPLE, MAYOR SARNO, claimed not to know the governing laws or the rules. Till? That is a lynching. Last Saturday, the Emmett So he did nothing all day. I intended to include his YOU SHOULD HAVE AND MUST Till Memorial Commission unveiled the fourth badge number in this bit but the editor appealed to marker dedicated to him since 2008, when the orig- HAVE KNOWN my better senses. It was the officer’s assignment but inal sign was stolen. The signs have been taken, van- t is inconceivable that Springfield’s Mayor not his fault. It was the city’s fault – the mayor, the dalized, and shot at over and over….The latest Domenic Sarno did not know that on-duty uni- I police commissioner – and the election commis- memorial is bulletproof. Sixty-four years after his formed firefighters (with their fire truck parked in sioner, who seems to have been the only city official murder, racists don’t want us to remember Till and clear view outside) were violating the law when who tried to stop the debacle. Maybe they will all the racist violence that eats at the soul of America.” they attended a political fundraiser for city council come together and make certain that the final elec- Osterheldt went on to write: “Black men were mur- candidate Christopher Pohner. The mayor himself tion is not a repeat of the primary. dered for looking white men in the eye. Black attended the event and spoke on behalf of Pohner women were raped by white men as punishment. We while taking pictures beside the on-duty “CAN FACIAL-RECOGNITION TOOLS like to think of these things as America’s tragic his- malfeasants. Mayor Sarno has been in politics too BE TRUSTED IN THE HANDS tory….Except black people are still dying. They are long to not have known better. The more likely ex- OF POLICE?” still being tortured. They are still being convicted planation is that he has been in power for so long o went the headlines covering a Boston Globe upon sight....lynching was real. It happened. And the that he believes he can do what he wants to do. It’s Sarticle (October 23, 2019). Of course not, be- effects of lynch culture live on today….Police bru- called “arrogance of power,” something that one cause tests show that the police are not ready to be tality, the school-to-prison pipeline, segregated might describe as “Trump-like.” Unfortunately, it trusted with such tools because the tools themselves schools, excessive sentencing, and the continued has become not untypical Sarno behavior and more have been proven to be unreliable. One hundred racial inequity are all rooted in racism and the su- and more people are beginning to think he might twenty-seven members of Boston sports teams were premacist mentality that believed lynching was need to be replaced…especially when one considers matched by Amazon’s Rekognition software to a some sort of national justice.” But Osterheldt saved that this Pohner guy, whom the mayor has so vigi- database of mug shots of real people who had been the best for last when he wrote: “Trump was right. lantly supported, has openly demonstrated his racist arrested and it delivered 27 false positives meaning We’re witnessing a lynching. But it is not his.” side on social media. Everybody who follows poli- that 27 Boston athletes were identified as criminals. tics in Springfield knew about Pohner’s behavior If that is not enough to conclude that the tools are WHITE CONTROL OF THE LEGAL except Mayor Sarno – he would have us believe. not ready for use, I cannot imagine what would be. MARIJUANA INDUSTRY IS While on most other matters, he would also have us Black and Brown folks have got enough problems NOT INEVITABLE believe he is omniscient and omnipotent. with false police encounters without another layer e all know that rules promulgated by the being added. Are you listening to me Springfield? WHAT WERE THE SPRINGFIELD WCannabis Control Commission to assure that POLICE THINKING? THE BOSTON RED SOX: minorities controlled a share of the market are inef- fective mostly because the unavailability of start-up e are very happy that the Springfield police AS YOU MAY RECALL money is a barrier and the competition from those have body cameras. But did they have to test ou may recall my prediction that the Boston W for whom start-up money is readily available – them out by firing their weapons into the ground in Red Sox would not prevail in its struggle to get Y White folks, including those who are already in a field so close to residents of Chicopee whose com- into the finals and, of course, events have proven business – is simply overwhelming. To overcome plaints to the media brought an assurance from a me right. My reasoning was that the team cohesion these barriers, the Cambridge City Council “ap- spokesman that it wouldn’t happen again?! The had been destroyed before the season even started proved a two-year moratorium during which only question that needs to be explored further is, “Why just after its last World Series victory when Black “economic empowerment candidates” as designated did it happen in the first place?” players refused an offer to visit Donald Trump at by the Cannabis Control Commission can operate the White House and the White players and man- retail pot shops in the city. The empowerment pro- SPEAKING OF POLICE AND agers attended. It will always be debatable but you gram was designed to help businesses in communi- WARD 4 ELECTIONS will never convince me that the visit did not destroy ties disproportionately and negatively affected by was awed by the contrast between the police of- team cohesion – bad pitching and erratic batting by the prior criminalization of weed.” As we all know ficer assigned to the Frederick Douglas School some of their best players notwithstanding. The I and as statistics confirm, minority communities voting poll location in Ward 7 and the police officer Black players’ stand was principled. The White were grossly disproportionately affected and so assigned to Rebecca Johnson School in Ward 4 players’ stand was, arguably, selfish and inconsid- should benefit from the moratorium which repre- where, it is arguable, the most contentious election erate and too much in the “Trumpian” spirit. And sents a genuine effort by the Cambridge City Coun- contest was taking place. The Frederick Douglas of- even if it was not, the damage to team morale that cil to be inclusive. It is one that could be replicated ficer conducted himself with certainty and authority resulted from the racial split was insurmountable. It around the state. It is not a perfect solution but, at in making certain that candidates and their repre- would not surprise me if the Red Sox were in for a least, unlike now, minorities will have a chance. Of sentatives remained within legal boundaries and did decade-long drought. course, lawyers from an existing Cambridge med- not harass voters who chose to circumvent them ical marijuana business, Revolutionary Clinics, is while the officer at Rebecca Johnson spent most of IS TRUMP’S IMPEACHMENT suing to block the measure. (Boston Herald, Octo- his time sitting inside the voting area. And when A LYNCHING? ber 19, 2019) asked by several people to stop some of the misbe- ost rational people believe it is not because havior by one candidate in particular, the officer Mimpeachment follows due process. Trump’s continues to page 24 af-am point of view page five november 1, 2019 SPECIAL TO POINT OF VIEW Our Votes Matter: My Experience Voting in the Preliminary Election By Koralise Williams, Westfield State University Student & POV Intern ike most in my age range, I our community for years. Growing schools and small business problems. power I had until I felt as if my vote does not up I cannot tell you how bad it was in Picking the right persons as our ward went to the voting Lmatter, my opinion does not some neighborhoods, to the point that and city representatives can help poll station to cast Koralise matter. While this may feel like the it did not feel safe to walk to the cor- bring solutions. my vote for candi- Williams case for the Presidential election, I ner store at certain times of the day. Doing the research on the candi- dates that live, breathe, and experi- learned that I do have a voice when it This should not be in a place that we dates running for office in Springfield ence the same life that I do every day. comes to the local election in my city. call home. It appears as if every other gave me an insight into many matters Do not take this the wrong way, it is I had never participated in a city day, there is an article in the local that our community in general has still good to vote for who our com- election, figuring the adults will have paper, or story on the news that tells been facing, and what the candidates mander-in-chief/ president will be, that covered; I mean they’ve been of another person killed due to gun were planning to do about it. Getting but he/she does not live in Spring- doing a great job at it this far. How- violence. We hear this, we live this, that insight led me to vote for who I field, Massachusetts, where we do. If ever, one day I realized that now I am yet, what are we doing to prevent believed would be the best candidates there are issues going on in our city, the adult, and I can help control what this? for the job. who is a better person to take care of goes on in my city. Instead of just I realized we, as the community, Although this was just the pre- and handle them, than someone who thinking “Okay the crime rate is up as the new generation of adults, have liminary election, it helped make a lives in this place? again,” I began thinking, “What can the power to help be a solution to the difference for me seeing the results I implore you to get out and I do as a resident of this city to help problem that has been plaguing our and seeing that my votes mattered. I vote. Let our votes make a differ- bring the crime rate down?” never re- city for years, and not just with crime. was also pleasantly surprised to see ence and better our community. alizing until my internship at Point of There are many issues that are over- that some of my candidates made it ELECTIONS TAKE PLACE View that voting could play a major looked and bypassed (all of this I re- through the preliminaries to the final TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 5TH. role in this. cently learned before I went and election. Crime has been a major part of voted), such as funding for our I did not realize how much November 5th Final Election Free ‘Get On Board!’ Event Connects Candidates Non-profit Boards with Potential Volunteers Mayor Domenic J. Sarno Yolanda Cancel City Council At Large Justin J. Hurst Jesse Lederman Kateri B. Walsh Tracye L. Whitfield LaMar Cook Sean Curran Johnnie Ray McKnight Kelli P Moriarty-Finn Christopher J. Pohner SPRINGFIELD, MA – For people seeking greater com- Israel Rivera munity engagement and for non-profit boards hoping to add fresh talent and diversity to their membership, the sixth bi- “Get OnBoard!” event matches volunteers City Council Ward 4 ennial Get On Board! event happening Tuesday, Decem- with non-profit boards. Malo L. Brown ber 3 from 5–8 p.m. at the Basketball Hall of Fame tatives from each organization will discuss their history, Jynai S. McDonald offers a lively opportunity to accomplish both. mission and goals, as well as what they are looking for in City Council Ward 5 board members. Attendees can ask questions and explain Created by OnBoard, a local non-profit whose mission Marcus J. Williams is to connect organizations and people looking to volunteer their interests and skills to make a potential match. A Edward Green their time to non-profits, the event blends aspects of a job buzzer helps to keep things moving, limiting meetings fair and speed dating to match potential members and or- to 10 minutes. Participants will also enjoy networking City Council Ward 6 ganizations. Attendees can meet with representatives from opportunities and free hors d’oeuvres. Victor G. Davila as many as fifty organizations of their choosing. Represen- continues to page 17 Timothy Ryan af-am point of view page six november 1, 2019 EDUCATION EDUCATION & HOPE Winter Session Reality Check at STCC By Gianna Allentuck Register for a 4-Week Online Class Classes run Friday, December 20 – Thursday, January 16 Gianna Allentuck is a reading her quote and then the argu- Mother, Educator, and ments by the haters, I started to ques- • American Literature: 1620 - 1860 Community Volunteer. tion her actions myself. Doubting her • Art History: Prehistoric to Gothic To connect with • Basic Research Gianna regarding did not feel good. • Computer Basics: Concepts & Applications Education and Hope And then as though a gift from • English Composition 1 topics discussed herein, the Internet Gods in answer to my • English Composition 2 Earn please contact her at questions, I saw this post of a James • Fundamentals of Oral Communication [email protected]. • General Psychology College Baldwin quote: We can disagree and • Introduction to Sociology ecently at an NFL game, pop- still love each other unless your dis- • Lifespan Human Growth and Development Credit on ular talk-show host and phi- agreement is rooted in my oppression • Medical Terminology 1 lanthropist Ellen DeGeneres and denial of my humanity and right • Music Appreciation 1 Winter Break! R • Nutrition was seen sitting next to former Pres- to exist. • Principles of Management ident George W. Bush. In the video If only Ellen had said this…? • Principles of Marketing and still pictures, they seem to be Maybe you are questioning why • Principles of Normal/Abnormal Behavior stcc.edu/winter laughing and smiling and enjoying • Sociology of the Family does any of this matter. And maybe • Statistics each other’s company. And because you are correct. Why does this mat- of this, members of the public were • Survey of Modern U.S. History ter? I chose to write this piece to • Survey of U.S. History and Government not happy… • World Religions Immediately, tweets, posts, in- highlight the absurdity of a country bickering over which celebrities are stagrams, emails, phone calls, and In-State Cost for All Students. memes flooded the internet – de- friends or enemies with each other all Registration begins manding that Ellen explain herself while crumbling under the burdens of Monday, November 18. about why she was sitting so comfort- hate, division, tragedies, trials, epi- ably and amicably with President demics, foreign affairs, natural disas- Bush, as though he was a villainous ters, economic disparities, climate monster. change, achievement gaps, and injus- To this backlash, Ellen re- tices. This strangulation of our Coun- sponded: Here’s the thing: I’m friends try’s progress should not be a by-line with George Bush, in fact I’m friends to the triangle of love, friendship, and with a lot of people who don’t share hate between Ellen, George, and the same beliefs that I have. We are Donald. all different and I think we’ve forgot- It is just not right. ten that that’s OK that we’re all dif- ferent…Just because I don’t agree I also chose to write this article with someone on everything does not to raise awareness of the dangers of mean I’m not going to be friends with propaganda from both sides – from them. When I say be kind to one an- all sides – of our Country’s faces. As other, I don’t mean only the people a country, we have serious problems; that think the same as you do, I mean and in order to address and resolve be kind to everyone. those challenges, we require solidar- Ok. Makes sense. ity and unity. Trust. But then the Trump conversation Knowledge. Communication. Pur- started… pose. People started calling Ellen a We need to focus. hypocrite for writing I mean be kind So please don’t be like me and to everyone because she is often un- allow yourself to become distracted kind to President Trump. Hating on and frustrated by the fuelers, feeders, her for liking George Bush was quickly surpassed by hating on her and orchestrators of the drama. for hating Donald Trump. Instead please be conscious that I love Ellen. I respect and ad- in a world full of real problems that mire her for her huge compassionate are overshadowed by the nonsense of heart. Always recognizing and help- current and former reality TV stars, ing people. I especially appreciate her we don’t need the hype – we need a admiration for educators. But after reality check. ■ af-am point of view page seven november 1, 2019 EDUCATION EARLY EDUCATION & CARE

Nicole Blais is Director Professional Development of Community Engagement HCS in Early Childhood Head Start, Inc. [email protected] By Nicole Blais encouraging parents to become class- room volunteers to get a feel for igh quality early childhood working with young children, or hav- education programs are built ing parents participate in an on-site Hon a workforce that pro- CDA (child development credential) motes continuous program improve- program. Close to 1/3 of HCS’s em- ment. Professional development is ployees are past or current Head Start one of the cornerstones of quality: parents. Parents become staff and staff gaining new knowledge, build- ing capacity, mastering new skills take advantage of the professional and abilities, along with experience development opportunities offered and competencies that relate to one’s through the organization. profession, job responsibilities, or This past graduation season, work environment. HCS celebrated staff who had grad- HCS has prioritized this work Head Start Graduation Breakfast Celebration uated earning either their CDA, As- and we have hired a Professional De- sociate, Bachelors or Master degrees. High expectations and low wages riencing elevated staff turnover. velopment Manager, Jeanne Regnier, It was a great event. Members of the have troubled the early education and Head Start is working on ways to to assist our staff on their individual administration team organized a professional plans. We are also ec- care arena with some programs expe- build the workforce from within by brunch and handed out roses to each static that both Holyoke Community one of the graduates. This was one of College and Springfield Technical Community College received a Ca- Jeanne’s first events that she organ- reer Pathways grant through the De- ized as the new PD Manager. “It’s partment of Early Education and The Urban not easy to go back to school as Care. This funding opportunity seeks Education adults. When you are juggling a ca- to engage Massachusetts community Program helps reer and a family, it’s hard to find the college partners to promote and ex- you move forward time to go back to school. So, when pand professional development op- and push yourself staff make that commitment, we need portunities and higher education more. It’s made to celebrate their accomplishments.” certificate and degree attainment for me realize the And celebrate we did! Cheering staff the early childhood education and impact that I want on and helping to clear the way is a out-of-school time workforce. Many to have on society. job Jeanne is happy to do because of the teachers at Head Start are tak- ing advantage of this and Jeanne is she knows it directly leads back to helping guide the way. “It’s an excit- the classroom and benefits our chil- LUVRON, ing time for the field of early child- POLITICAL SCIENCE/HISTORY dren and families. Grow through hood education. The state’s Career URBAN EDUCATION STUDENT what you go through and always Pathways Grant is providing support keep learning. ■ for educators to complete course- work that will lead to EEC Teacher and Lead Teacher certifications.” Creating clear paths to the early childhood profession is a great strat- Excellence is waiting. egy to encourage people to come into VOTE on the field. Over the last several years, November there have been many articles written westfield.ma.edu and advocacy efforts around the 5th early education teacher shortage. af-am point of view page eight november 1, 2019 EDUCATION LOCAL COLLEGES IN THE NEWS HCC Welcomes Adrienne Y. Smith as Interim STEM dean Smith brings 13 years of com- degree in science, engineering and nical High School, Smith started her munity college experience to HCC, math from Western New England professional life as an electrical engi- most recently as the dean of the University, where she was the first neer (and the first female engineer) at School of Engineering, Technologies African American woman to graduate the Digital Equipment Corporation in and Mathematics at Springfield Tech- with a degree in engineering, and she Springfield. nical Community College. Prior to earned a doctorate in education from “I am quite confident that Adri- that, she served as associate professor the University of Massachusetts enne’s depth of experience and and coordinator of Electronics Tech- Amherst with competencies in com- knowledge as an engineer, as a full- nology at Quinsigamond Community munity college leadership, educa- time faculty member at a community College in Worcester. Her profes- tional polices and administration. college and her administrative and sional accomplishments span many “I love being in STEM,” she management skills in the STEM dis- Adrienne Y. Smith areas of academic program develop- said. “I’m very passionate about ciplines will make her an asset to the HOLYOKE, MA – Holyoke Com- ment and enhancement, enrollment STEM, but I’m more passionate HCC community,” said Monica munity College is pleased to wel- management and retention, diversity about increasing the numbers of Perez, HCC vice president of Aca- come Adrienne Y. Smith of Fiskdale, responsiveness, and regional and women and under-represented mi- demic Affairs. Mass., as interim dean of its division community partnership coordination. norities in STEM. That was the sub- She lives in Fiskdale with her of Science, Technology, Engineering Smith holds a bachelor’s degree ject of my dissertation.” husband, Curtis. They have one adult and Math. in electrical engineering and master’s A graduate of Springfield Tech- daughter and two grandchildren. ■ HCC, C3RN Launch State’s First Cannabis Education Center and C3RN hosted at the Kittredge ● Academic advising and workforce Center for Business and Workforce training; Development. ● Public education events that high- The forum included data shar- light workforce development and ing, networking and a panel discus- entrepreneurship; sion featuring key figures in the ● Entrepreneurship events for those region’s cannabis industry: Mark Za- interested in joining the cannabis tryka, chief executive officer of industry as a startup company; INSA; Meg Sanders, chief executive ● Social equity training for appli- officer of Canna Provisions; Tessa cants qualified through the Mas- Murphy-Romboletti, executive direc- sachusetts Cannabis Control tor of SPARK EforAll Holyoke; and Commission’s Social Equity Dan McCarthy, director of Commu- Training program. nication and Content, Cannapreneur More information about these Partners. The discussion was moder- programs will be posted soon on the HOLYOKE, MA – Holyoke Com- and job creation in the Pioneer Val- ated by Kate Phillips, director of Ed- Cannabis Education Center’s web- munity College and the Cannabis ley,” said Jeff Hayden, HCC’s vice ucation for C3RN. site: cannabiseducationcenter.org Community Care and Research Net- president of Business and Commu- HCC and C3RN are designated The Cannabis Education Center work (C3RN) recently announced the nity Services. “The purpose of the training partners through the Massa- will also be running four previously creation of the Cannabis Education Cannabis Education Center is to cre- chusetts Cannabis Control Commis- announced certificate programs for ate an innovative learning space for specific jobs in the cannabis industry: Center to provide education and sion’s Social Equity Vendor Training those interested in joining the Cannabis Culinary Assistant, training opportunities and other busi- program. The program was designed cannabis workforce as an employee Cannabis Retail/Patient Advocate, ness resources to individuals in the to provide priority access, training, or entrepreneur.” Cannabis Cultivation Assistant, region who want to work in the and technical assistance to those neg- Launch of the Cannabis Educa- Cannabis Extraction Technician As- state’s newly legalized cannabis in- atively impacted by the drug war. tion Center was announced on Mon- sistant. dustry. The Cannabis Education Center day, Oct. 21, at the “Emerging The first of those programs, “The emerging cannabis indus- will be managed out of HCC’s Kit- Cannabis Industry” forum, panel dis- Cannabis Culinary Assistant, will try in Western Massachusetts will tredge Center and provide the follow- spur investment, economic growth cussion and networking event HCC ing resources: continues to page 18 af-am point of view page nine november 1, 2019 EDUCATION LOCAL COLLEGES IN THE NEWS STCC, Commerce Form Partnership Westfield State University’s for Early College Initiative Social Work Programs Ranked Among Best and Most Affordable By Socialworkdegree.org

WESTFIELD, MA – Westfield State the twelfth most affordable in the University offers one of Massachu- U.S., with an annual tuition of $9,450. setts’ best bachelor’s and master’s de- Juline Mills, Ph.D., dean of the gree programs for social work in University’s College of Education, 2019, according to SocialWorkDe- Health and Human Services, believes gree.org. The University’s bachelor’s that Westfield State’s social work pro- degree in social work was also ranked grams provide excellent preparation among the most affordable nation- for future employment. “The Univer- wide for 2019, according to the same sity’s BSW and MSW programs pro- resource. vide students with real world From left, Matthew Brunell and Colleen Beaudoin, co-executive The rankings are based on a experiences prior to graduation,” said directors, Springfield Empowerment Zone Partnership; John B. combination of manually researched Dr. Mills. “Our community collabora- Cook, STCC president; Chris Gabrieli, chair, Massachusetts Board tuition, CSWE accreditation and tions enable students to interact with of Higher Education; Daniel J. Warwick, Springfield Public Schools PayScale salary data. The rankings numerous professionals, gaining crit- superintendent; and Paul Neal, executive principal, underscore the University’s commit- ical knowledge and skills.” High School of Commerce. ment to accessibility, affordability and Stephanie Sanchez, Ed.D., in- intentional outcomes. terim dean of the University’s College SPRINGFIELD, MA – Under a new for college classes. Westfield State is sixth-ranked of Graduate and Continuing Educa- agreement with Springfield Technical Cook said Early College is more BSW program in Massachusetts in tion, welcomes the recognition for its Community College, students at than a dual enrollment program: It’s this year’s rankings, while its MSW MSW program. “We are thrilled to be Springfield High School of Com- an opportunity for Commerce stu- program is listed eighth among the recognized for our high quality and af- merce will be able to take courses at dents to see themselves as STCC stu- state’s institutions. fordable social work degrees,” said STCC and earn up to 20 college cred- dents. High school students can “Every day, social work alumni Dr. Sanchez. “The University is also its at no cost to them. choose career pathways that mirror from Westfield make an important dif- deeply committed to providing our The Early College initiative al- labor needs in the region. They in- ference in the lives of people across MSW program in flexible and acces- lows high school students to explore clude the following programs at Massachusetts and beyond,” said sible pathways including locations in high-need career pathways, avoid stu- STCC: Nora Padykula, Ph.D., professor and Westfield and Worcester with hybrid dent loan debt and ultimately com- ● Computer and IT security chair of the Department of Social courses. Students can choose to com- plete a college degree more quickly. ● Human services/social work Work. “The BSW and MSW degrees plete the program in two to four In a ceremony recently announc- ● Health science are versatile degrees giving students a years.” ■ ing the partnership, STCC President ● Digital/graphic/multimedia design wide array of job oppor- John B. Cook said the innovative ini- ● Business administration tunities from working in tiative will further empower students ● Criminal justice the child welfare system, to transform their lives. The early college initiative also “Our vision at STCC, and the op- includes “non-credit” workforce train- to schools, hospitals, jails portunity from Early College, is to be ing options. and prisons, and more re- a dynamic, multicultural learning “In redesigning Commerce, we cently with sports teams community where students grow in heard from the Springfield commu- to provide mental health character, intellect and self-confi- nity – loud and clear – a desire for our services.” dence,” Cook said. “Early College high school to ready students for a fu- Among the most af- Commerce provides a significant con- ture of purpose and promise. Aligned fordable bachelor’s in so- with that same vision, STCC will be a tribution to education innovation.” cial work tremendous help to our students in re- Commerce is across the street CSWE-accredited col- alizing that future,” said Matt Brunell, from STCC, which means high school leges, Westfield State is students can easily get to the campus continues to page 11 #1 in New England and af-am point of view page ten november 1, 2019 EDUCATION EDUCATION IN THE NEWS Springfield School Volunteers Celebrates 50 Years Forward Fifty Gala to Honor 50 Volunteers

golden anniversary fundraising gala will also be a buffet dinner, cash bar unteered in the library at the former on Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2019, at and awards presentation. Proceeds Armory Street School in 1958. Ten MGM Springfield at 5:30 p.m. The from the gala will help SSV continue years later, five women volunteered to event will honor 50 individuals, busi- its work of improving the lives of organize the Tapley School Library nesses and community officials who Springfield’s students one student at a and created an Advisory Council to have helped SSV become the impact- time. recruit and train other volunteers to ful organization it is today. SSV Board Chair Cheryl Ron- help establish libraries in every ele- “Our nonprofit could not have zoni explained, “Many people do not mentary school in the city, and within thrived for 50 years without our ded- realize that SSV is a nonprofit organ- a year the movement took on a life of icated volunteers, funders, partners ization that relies on public support its own. SSV has remained a strong and friends,” said Denise N. Cogman, like any other nonprofit. At this gala supporter of the Springfield Public president and CEO. “In honor of our we are looking forward to being able Schools over the years, developing golden anniversary, we will recognize to highlight not only our amazing programs in response to the diverse 50 individuals and businesses with the work, but also the fact that raising Springfield School Volunteers Hon- funds through fundraisers like this is needs of the students and the district. oree Award. It was difficult to select the only way that SSV will be able to Today SSV runs three distinctive pro- only 50 caring adults and generous continue to provide valuable services grams — School-Based Mentoring, businesses, but those set to be hon- to the staff, students and families of Academic Support and Read Aloud Denise N. Cogman, ored truly embody our belief in mak- the Springfield Public Schools.” — that bring in more than 1,000 vol- President & CEO ing a difference.” Before SSV became SSV in unteers each year into the Springfield Forward Fifty will take place in 1969, the spirit of volunteerism of one Public Schools. SPRINGFIELD, MA – October 11, the Bellagio Ballroom with a celebra- volunteer was already active at one Tickets and tables to Forward 2019 – Springfield School Volunteers tion of SSV’s rich history through Springfield school. Evelyn Benedetti Fifty are now on sale at ssvgolden- (SSV) will host Forward Fifty, its speakers, photos and videos. There helped develop and subsequently vol- gala.eventbrite.com. ■ Square One Launches New Trauma Therapy Center SPRINGFIELD, MA – Together grow,” says Square One Clinical with the Square One staff and Board Therapist Christa Colly. of Directors, representatives of the “We want to thank LEGO for LEGO Community Fund U.S. cut the giving us this opportunity to respond ribbon on the Square One Cornerstone to the growing need for trauma-in- Therapy Center on Tuesday, October formed therapy in our community,” 22, 2019. says Square One President & CEO The Center is located at the Tom- Joan Kagan. “Many of our children mie Johnson Child & Family Center, and families are experiencing hard- 255 King Street, Springfield. ships and unique challenges that re- With a $125,000 grant from quire this level of specialized LEGO, the Center will provide ther- programming.” apy to individuals and small groups, Since 1883, Square One has using interventions that are trauma fo- been providing a wide range of edu- L to R: Steve Turco, LEGO Community Fund U.S.; Tom Ashe, cused, evidence based and best prac- cation and support services to families City of Springfield; Christa Colly, Square One; Anne Morris, tice. in the greater Springfield region. LEGO Community Fund U.S.; Joan Kagan, Square One; Jennifer “Our center was designed to pro- From early learning and school-age Dubuisson, LEGO Community Fund, U.S.; Matthew Metzger, vide therapeutic support in a nurtur- programs for children, to case man- LEGO Community Fund, U.S. ing, safe environment where our agement, workforce development, children can receive emotional sup- and recovery programs for families, provider of services to at-risk children visit www.startatsquareone.org or port needed for them to learn, heal and Square One is the region’s foremost and families. For more information, call (413) 732-5183. ■ af-am point of view page eleven november 1, 2019 HEALTH HEALTH MATTERS

Doris Sexton-Harris, Calling All Resident Health Advocates Health Consultant, By Samantha Hamilton, Program Manager for the Live Well Springfield Coalition Doris can be contacted at across initiatives like Cli- [email protected] mate Change, Age and De- mentia Friendly City, and the Transforming Commu- “I want to see a better world. I want Samantha to be part of the solution. So I am,” nities Initiative to share their lived perspective and Hamilton says Awilda Sanchez, one of six Resi- to advocate for community change. Support dent Health Advocates recognized by for community residents to participate in these the City of Springfield for making a initiatives comes from Tufts Health Plan difference in their community. Foundation, Trinity Health of New England, At the “Guess what I did?” Res- and the Kresge Foundation. ident Advocate Role Model Cam- Live Well Springfield, convened by the paign Press Conference on August Public Health Institute of Western Massachu- 23rd, Live Well Springfield honored setts, brings together over 25 organizations Awilda Sanchez, Natanael Velez, Au- working together to build and sustain a cul- drey Jenkins, Karon Tyler, Antonio Resident Health Advocates recognized for making ture of health in Springfield that includes DeLesline, and Jill Douglas for ac- a difference in the community. healthy eating, active living, the built envi- tively working to address issues around healthy Council was created to build a relationship with ronment, economic opportunity, housing, and ed- school food, complete streets, and public lighting. . community residents experiencing issues the coali- ucation. To learn more, please visit These six role models have a long-standing history tion is fighting to address. Live Well Springfield be- www.livewellspringfield.org or contact me at of advocacy and community involvement. lieves systemic change cannot happen without the [email protected]. ■ Jill Douglas shared, “I work for Square One residents that are most impacted by the problems. and we are teaching our preschool students to eat The organization is hop- LOCAL COLLEGES IN THE NEWS healthier, but a lot of kids are not able to do that at ing to engage 15 -20 home. We try to give them hearty meals for break- community residents fast, lunch, and snacks so that we Early College Initiative know at the end of the day when continued from page 9 percent of whom are low-income, ac- they leave, their tummies are co-executive director of the Spring- cording to the Executive Office of Ed- full.” The “Guess what I did?” field Empowerment Zone Partnership ucation. Resident Advocate Role Model (SEZP). “We are deeply grateful for The American Institutes for Re- Campaign will highlight these President Cook’s leadership and the search found that early college signif- residents throughout the year. entire STCC team’s commitment to icantly reduces the opportunity gap Live Well Springfield is turning this possibility of deep part- between low-income and higher in- inviting other residents to get in- nership into a reality.” come students and closes the achieve- volved in community issues by Students in the program will ment gap between minority students volunteering, advocating at pub- begin with career exploration activi- and non-minority students. lic meetings, and more. The call ties in the ninth grade at Commerce to Other speakers included Com- to action is as simple as visiting get ready for 10th-grade opportunities merce’s Executive Principal Paul Neal local mobile markets and farm on the STCC campus. and Springfield Public Schools Super- stands or as committed as joining Students can earn up to 20 cred- intendent Daniel J. Warwick. a resident engagement program its, which represents about one-third “I’m excited about this partner- in your neighborhood. The most importaimportantnt part of of the credits needed to earn an asso- ship. I’d like to thank Dr. Cook and Are you interested in ad- your dadayayy is the 20 minutminuteses ciate degree at STCC. Students seek- everyone who did this wonderful vocacy, civic engagement, and you spend rereadingading ing certificates from STCC will also work,” Neal said. “It gives me an op- policy change? Residents want- to the child in your liflife.fee. make certificate progress while in portunity to say to my students, ‘This ing to get involved are encour- high school. is what college is about. This is why Early College programs boosts you need to do the things we’re asking aged to become Resident Health Reading Success bbyy 4th Grade Advocates under the Live Well college completion rates for low-in- you to do at school, and this is where Springfield Resident Advisory An Initiative of The Irene E. & George A. Davis Foundation come students, minority and first-gen- it can lead to. Early College will pro- Council. The Resident Advisory wwww..readby4thgrade.com eration college-goers. These programs vide pathways to better opportuni- serve more than 2,400 students, 55 ties.” ■ af-am point of view page twelve november 1, 2019 HEALTH YOUR HEALTH

Suicide Rates on the Increase: Greater in Massachusetts SPRINGFIELD, MA – Raising awareness of sui- cide are not known to have a diagnosed mental He noted suicide touches everyone. cide and sharing information on how to recognize health condition at the time of death. Other prob- The suicide death of a loved one or close friend and help a suicidal person may be crucial in pre- lems often contribute to suicide, such as those re- can have a profound impact on survivors who often venting millions of Americans from ending their lated to relationships, substance use, physical feel partly responsible for the tragedy. personal suffering. health, and job, money, legal, or housing stress. “Many times they are left feeling guilty and “Far too many individuals in our community The CDC lists 12 warning signs of suicide as: wondering what they could have done differently have been lost to suicide. Many of the people who feeling like a burden, being isolated, increased anx- and questioning how they could have missed the die from suicide have serious behavioral health con- iety, feeling trapped or in unbearable pain, increased signs,” said Dr. Sarvet. ditions, including depression, which have never substance use, looking for ways to access lethal Similar to high blood pressure, asthma, and di- been diagnosed or treated. We still have an enor- means, increased anger or rage, extreme mood abetes, mental health conditions need treatment and mous amount of work to do to improve access to swings, expressing hopelessness, sleeping too little ongoing follow up in order for them to be well-con- care for individuals suffering from depression, sub- or too much, talking or posting about wanting to trolled. stance use disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, die, making plans for suicide. “Talking with your primary care provider is a and other conditions associated with suicide,” said Because suicide is also a significant public great first step to getting help,” said Dr. Sarvet. Dr. Barry Sarvet, chair, Behavioral Health, Baystate health problem in the adolescent and young adult Those looking for support in coping with a sui- Medical Center. population, Dr. Sarvet noted that it is important for cide loss can visit the American Foundation for Sui- Suicide rates in the United States have in- parents and caring adults to learn how to recognize cide Prevention website at www.afsp for a list of nearby support groups. creased nearly 30 percent since 1999, according to depression in teenagers. If you, or someone you know, is in suicidal cri- the latest data from the Centers for Disease Control “In teenagers, depression is often complicated sis or emotional distress, call the National Suicide and Prevention (CDC). In Massachusetts, the sui- by disciplinary problems, school underachievement, Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or cide rate increased by 35.3 percent between 1999 interpersonal conflict, and drug and alcohol prob- the Psychiatric Crisis Team at 413-733-6661 for and 2016, making it one of only 25 states where lems. It takes a great deal of understanding and Springfield residents or to learn where to call out- the suicide rate increased by more than 30 per- compassion to notice the depressed person in the side the Springfield area. You can also talk with cent. middle of all of this, who may be at serious risk for your primary care physician for a referral to a men- “We don’t have clear answers regarding the suicide,” said Dr. Sarvet. tal health professional or visit your local emergency cause of this increase. It is suspected that the opioid The National Institute of Mental Health warns that room. epidemic is a factor, but other possible causes in- people who threaten, talk or write about death, dying and suicide, or who seek access to a means For more information on behavioral health clude increasing levels of stress and increased social services at Baystate, visit to hurt or kill themselves, are exhibiting suicidal be- isolation in contemporary society. Increased preva- www.BaystateHealth.org/Behavioral-Health. lence of economic hardship in the context of grow- haviors and are at risk of suicide. ing income disparity is also a likely factor,” said Dr. If you have a loved one exhibiting such Sarvet. behaviors or thoughts, you should ask them The statistics continue to tell a tragic story. what you can do to help. You can point out In 2016, some 45,000 people lost their lives to your observation that they seem sad and can suicide. It is the 10th leading cause of death for encourage them to get help initially through adults and the second leading cause of death in their primary care doctor, who can assess the youth. situation and prescribe medications or make While a major cause of suicide is mental ill- a referral to a mental health professional. ness, not all suicide deaths are the result of mental “People who attempt to take their own health conditions, noted Dr. Sarvet. lives often are profoundly hopeless and need “There can be many varying factors as to why people around them to notice their suffering someone takes his or her own life. It may be a rela- and to help them to seek treatment. It’s really tionship issue or financial problems due to job loss. important for people to learn about the signs Bullying is another reason, as well as deteriorating of depression, substance use disorders, and physical health or legal problems,” he said. other common behavioral health conditions. Mental health conditions are often seen as the It’s time for us to let go of the stigma that has cause of suicide, but suicide is rarely caused by any made it so difficult for people to talk about single factor. In fact, many people who die by sui- these things,” said Dr. Sarvet. af-am point of view page thirteen november 1, 2019 COMMUNITY COMMUNITY FOCUS undertaker. He foresaw how died in 1944, leaving more than Memorial to Springfield’s Springfield would grow, and he $500,000 in support of Primus began investing any money he Mason’s vision. Known during his First African American could save in real estate in the area lifetime as a benefactor of the arts, around what we now know as in death, Horace Wright became a Mason Square. benefactor of those less fortunate. Philanthropist Opens When Mason died in 1892, he According to John Morse, chair By Alan T. Popp, President Mason Wright Foundation was a highly successful real estate of the Foundation’s board of trustees, investor who had outlived three within a dozen years after Mason’s wives and his only child. He left death, the trustees had formed a cor- most of his estate, more than poration, held an annual meeting and $25,000, to found “a home for wor- purchased a ten-bedroom home on thy old men.” 74 Walnut Street in Springfield, By 1904 trustees of his estate where the Mason Wright campus re- purchased a large private home at mains to this day. Mason’s legacy has 74 Walnut Street, and Mason grown from serving ten “worthy old Wright has remained at 74 Walnut men” to serving more than 600 sen- Street ever since. iors and children each week through The sign also pays homage to assisted living, in-home care and the Foundation’s other major bene- early childhood education. factor, with these words: The Primus Mason Memorial is Horace Wright was a Cau- open to the public seasonally, seven casian cigar manufacturer who days a week from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m.

The memorial, a project of the Mason Wright Foundation, honors its founder, Primus Mason, whose Seniors! legacy is the Foundation and its affil- iates—Mason Wright Senior Living, Colony Care at Home and Bright Fu- #& " & " "! &!& #&# tures Early Learning Center. Where once there were two Medicaid and MassHealth based programs long-vacant lots, the memorial is a are available for those who qualify! 13,000 square foot park-like setting, featuring a beautiful carved sign that reads, in part, Primus Parsons Mason 1817 – 1892 An Affordable Senior Community Springfield’s First African 74 Walnut Street
&%$#"! &&&
&&
&  !#" 
# American Philanthropist #&! &# is name is on a Springfield Born in Monson, Primus Mason neighborhood (Mason spent most of his childhood as an Medicaid and MassHealth based programs HSquare) and on a building indentured servant. He arrived in are available for those who qualify! (Primus Mason Court), but nowhere Springfield at the age of twenty until now is his story told in such a without education or money but very public place. That place is the with the determination to succeed. Affordable Care for Seniors newly constructed Primus Mason His early jobs included work- Memorial, located at the intersection 74 Walnut Street
&%$#"! &&&
&&
colonycareathome.com ing as a pig farmer, driving horses of Oak & Walnut streets in Spring- and wagons, and serving as a horse field. Always hiring CNAs and Licensed Aides! af-am point of view page fourteen november 1, 2019 COMMUNITY POLITICAL HAPPENINGS - SPRINGFIELD CITY COUNCIL The Brave Act

(Photo at Left) City Councilor Kateri Walsh (center) sponsors an Order for local acceptance of “The Brave Act” and is joined by colleagues City Councilors Timothy Ryan and Adam Gomez and City Council President Justin Hurst along with US Army Veteran Juan Barrera and President of Local 648 International Association of Fire Fighters Chad Jacobs. (Photo at Right) City Councilors are joined by members of Local 648 who support the Order. SPRINGFIELD, MA – City Coun- ure would provide financial security cobs, President of Local 648 Interna- are deployed. cilor Kateri B. Walsh sponsored an for all employees of the city whose tional Association of Fire Fighters, Council President Hurst is a public employment is interrupted members of Local 648 and US Army Order on the October 21, 2019 City member of a Gold Star family and being called to active duty in the mil- Veteran Juan Barrera have voiced Council agenda to support local ac- knows first hand the sacrifices that itary. their support. ceptance of Mass. General Law, Title City Council President Justin Councilor Walsh stated that we impact families and Councilors 5, Chapter 33, Section 59, known as Hurst, Councilors Adam Gomez and should do all we can to support the Gomez and Ryan spoke to relieving the Brave Act. If adopted, this meas- Timothy Ryan along with Chad Ja- families of our servicemen while they stresses associated with deployments. FOOD FOR THOUGHT Zaida Govan is a time as the sun sets sooner and rises native of Springfield later so we don’t have as much Vita- via Puerto Rico with Focus on Being Grateful a passion for min D coming from the sun. There are improving the By Zaida Govan community she things you can do to help yourself at serves. She can be In therapy they tell you to make ness (Psychiatric Rehabilitation Jour- this time. It is important to surround reached at 413.301.2533 or a gratitude list when you’re feeling nal, 2006) that we can focus on in our yourself with people who really care [email protected] down or out of it. Write 10 things that gratitude list. If you have gratitude in about you. This could be at work, at ratefulness is a state of being. you are grateful for. I try not to write at least most of the dimensions, you church, or maybe at your local 12-step In Narcotics Anonymous, down material things that I have been will have a good start to your list. I meeting. Find one person that you can Gthey say “a grateful addict blessed with. I write down things that challenge you to create this list and talk to about what is going on and be won’t get high.” You can translate that I can’t easily replace: My God, chil- keep adding to it daily. The 8 dimen- honest with them and yourself. dren, husband, grandchildren, peace sions are Emotional, Financial, Social, to anything in life. If you have grati- If you suffer from Seasonal Af- that surpasses all understanding, the Spiritual, Occupational, Physical, In- tude in your heart and your mind, you fective Disorder like millions of ability to fight for justice, health, the tellectual and Environmental. If you won’t be depressed or anxious unless, Americans do, there are light boxes right to vote, friends, parents, siblings can find at least one thing to be grate- that can help. Being thankful is a job of course, you have a chemical imbal- and cousins and many others. It’s not ful for in each of these dimensions, ance in your brain that prevents you easy to do but when you focus on try- you may feel a lot better about your that we should try to put first and fore- from being grateful. ing to think of things to be grateful for, life. most in our lives not only during the When you have gratitude for you won’t have time to be depressed The holiday season is coming up holiday season, but every day of the your spouse or your significant other, or think of using drugs or alcohol if and this is a time when many people year. you won’t be angry at them all the you have a substance use problem. remember loved ones lost and are Be grateful and exercise your time and feel that you have to leave. There are 8 Dimensions of Well- melancholy. This can be a difficult right to vote on November 5, 2019. af-am point of view page fifteen november 1, 2019 COMMUNITY COMMUNITY PERSPECTIVES

Bishop The Go To Black Sycophant: People Talbert W. Swan, II is Pastor of The Spring Of Hope Church Of Conservative Bigots Absolutely Love God In Christ By Bishop W. Talbert Swan II slavery, oppression, degradation, In actuality, she is not connected to here before. Today, Candace Owens uring a September House murder, lynching, segregation and true Black conservatives. Thus, white is the flavor of the month, the go-to Oversight Joint Subcommit- brutalization. bigots are comfortable with her be- Black sycophant that gives goose- Dtee hearing, conservative Sadly, Candace is at the top of cause she poses no threat to their bumps to the racism deniers, birthers, commentator Candace Owens testi- the list of the well-compensated, go views, actions or commentary about bigots and white supremacists — but fied that white supremacy would not to, backslapping adulators called the Black community. She will never she’s not the first to play this role. make her list of the top 100 issues upon to do massa’s bidding by eras- challenge their racist and distorted Others have come and faded away facing Black America. ing the history of anti-Black bigotry view because they are her benefac- into the sunset only to be reincarnated “Based on the hierarchy of and oppression, and placing the plight tors. They give her validity and cred- when massa needed them again. She what’s impacting minority Ameri- of the Black community squarely on ibility. They pay her bills. And they is today’s Stacy Dash, Herman Cain, cans, if I had to make a list of 100 the shoulders of Black people them- love to see her perform and stick it to Alan Keyes, Sheriff Clarke, Allen things, white nationalism would not selves for having fatherless homes, us social justice warriors who are al- West and Jesse Lee Peterson. We’ve make the list,” Owens said. “White engaging in so-called “Black on ways complaining about white su- always had the Black sycophant with supremacy and white nationalism is Black crime” and aborting their chil- premacy, anti-Black bigotry and us and we always will. The one thing not a problem that is harming Black dren. According to the white su- white privilege. She is their ultimate history has taught based on the shelf America,” she continued. premacist narrative, this explains the form of entertainment. life of those I just named is that Can- Candace Owens is a college extra judicial murder of Blacks by What conservative bigots seem dace’s 15 minutes of fame will be dropout who has never voted a day in police, racial profiling, the disparate to forget is the fact that we’ve been over before you know it. ■ her life. She is a sycophantic puppet treatment of Blacks in the criminal and white supremacy apologist for justice system, the wage and educa- racist conservatives pushing the nar- tion gaps, health disparities and so rative that racism in America is dead many other factors that affirm and gone. She is an expert at nothing racism’s existence and pervasiveness other than foot shuffling and buck in America. dancing and providing cover for Conservative whites sing Can- white supremacy. Why the hell is she dace’s praises because she entertains testifying before Congress? Where them by being a Black face that cas- was she educated? What does she tigates Black people utilizing their have a degree in? What, in her 30 language. So many have tweeted, in- years, has she mastered, researched, boxed and DM’ed me that I should become proficient at or pioneered? follow or listen to Candace. Why? Let’s be clear, Republicans have Because she’s Black, and I can’t call become masters at developing Black her racist for saying the things racist bootlickers to do their bidding — whites say, right? She provides “race people who parrot their racist narra- insurance” to white supremacists who tive, ostensibly to give credibility to call on her to speak at their confer- their fictive reality of an America ences and events, and who invite her where Black people should no longer to appear on their television and radio have a grievance, as racism has been programs. eradicated and they have received The thing is, Candace has no their due recompense for 400 years of connection to the Black community. af-am point of view page sixteen november 1, 2019 COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP PIONEER VALLEY Lora Wondolowski, Director of Leadership Pioneer Valley, she is Increasing Board Diversity passionate about By Lora Wondolowski strengthening the Pioneer Valley. protections, and economic develop- and 29% of board chairs are 65+. versity isn’t the only diversity. Contact her at ment. These organizations rely on the From many conversations, we Once you are clear on your 413-737-3876 or work of their boards to hire their CEO, have found that organizations have needs, it’s time to act. This may seem www.leadershippv.org fundraise, provide strategic guidance, positive intentions but don’t know like the hardest part. Many organiza- t Leadership Pioneer Valley, and financial oversight. Having a how to diversify their boards. Many tions struggle to recruit board mem- we regularly get requests board with diverse perspectives and have had an initial conversation but bers and to add another dimension Afrom non-profit leaders look- experiences is critically important. lack an action plan. Through working seems daunting. This will take looking ing for suggestions of diverse leaders This diversity gives nonprofits a with the LPV board, I’ve learned that beyond your own circles and finding to serve on their boards of directors. stronger ability to plan for the future, intentionality is key. It is also not “one new sources. Ideas include local They know that we have more than manage risks, make prudent decisions, and done.” We continually assess our chamber members, clients, profes- 275 alumni from throughout the Val- the ability to take advantage of oppor- diversity and look to the future needs sional or trade associations, and ley that represent a variety of diversi- tunities, and be in touch with commu- of our organization. But all of this re- Linked In Board Connect. Get sugges- ties. From the work of our own board nity needs. quires the first step and discussion tions from community leaders you of directors, we recognized that diver- Yet, despite attention to this about diversity and what it means for know. sifying boards is not as simple as sug- matter a 2017 survey found that your organization. Where are the op- Maybe you want to explore join- gesting a few names and hoping for 84% of board members are white, portunities? Why does our board need ing a board. You don’t have to be the best. As a result, we created our 8% African-American, 5% Latinx, Leaders OnBoard program nearly five 3% Asian, and 1% Native Ameri- to be more diverse? This will shed wealthy or in the c-suite to serve our years ago. can compared to US demographics light on how your organization and communities. Our Leaders OnBoard Increasingly, non-profit boards in of 76.5% white, 13.4% African- community might benefit from diver- program offers training on the basics this area are interested in increasing American, 18.3% Latinx, and 4.8% sity within the board. You can also dis- of being a board member, board their racial, gender, and age diversity. Asian. The numbers haven’t changed cuss what opportunities you may miss matching services and are excited to I’m not sure if this is a reaction to the much over the last two decades. Ad- if your board remains largely homo- partner with On Board for their larger political climate and increased ditionally, 27% of boards are all geneous. This is not always an easy matching event at the Hall of Fame awareness of racism in our society. white. Nonprofit boards are doing bet- conversation as it may uncover bias, on December 3rd. This is a great op- There are more than 2,000 non-profits ter than corporate boards with female prejudices, and blind spots in the portunity to find a board or new board in the Pioneer Valley that impact im- representation―48% are women. board or organizational culture. You members. Contact us or at portant issues like education, food in- Lastly, boards tend to be older than the will also need to identify which diver- https://www.diversityonboard.net/ security, public health, environmental population with 83% of boards 40+ sities you wish to address; racial di- to take the next step. ■ COMMUNITY FOCUS A Celebration of 50 Years of W. E. B. Du Bois in Great Barrington By Whitney Battle-Baptiste n Friday, October 18th, there Burghardts since the early 1800s. W. was a great gathering just off E. B. Du Bois was born in Great Bar- ORoute 23 on Great Barring- rington in 1868. He spent his early ton’s Egremont Plain. More than 75 years as a young boy in the “house of people came to celebrate the 50th an- the Black Burghardts.” The people niversary of the dedication of the W. gathered on the crisp fall day sat E. B. Du Bois Memorial Park, now under a tent and heard stories from known as the W. E. B. Du Bois Boy- the event in 1969 and the struggles of L to R: Guy Davis, son of Ossie Davis and Ruby Dee; Whitney hood Homesite, where the maternal keeping the legacy of Dr. Du Bois in Battle-Baptiste, UMass W. E. B. Du Bois Center Director and family of W. E. B. Du Bois called the town of his birth. The event was UMass Department of Anthropology Professor; Dennis Lee Powell, home. The property has a unique his- a combination of efforts of the Great President Pittsfield NAACP; and Gwendolyn Hampton VanZant, tory, for it was in the hands of the continues to page 17 CEO and Founding Director of Multicultural BRIDGE. af-am point of view page seventeen november 1, 2019 COMMUNITY COMMUNITY BEAT COMMUNITY FOCUS Author Book Fair 50 Years of W. E. B. Du Bois in By Ken Harris Great Barrington Ken Harris is a former time to slip in there! Her book, “Mary continued from page 16 domways: A Quarterly Review of the Special Police Officer Lou, Oh, What Did She Do?” is book Barrington Du Bois Legacy Commit- Freedom Movement, and local lead- and Corrections two of the Evil Exists in West Side tee, chaired by Randy Weinstein, ers excited about bringing the legacy Officer. He is a trilogy. “Brothers from Another graduate of STCC. local officials, several local churches, of W. E. B. Du Bois back to the town Mother One and For All! Always?” is Follow him at and a number of community mem- of his birth. The park was subse- the third book of evil in the trilogy. shadowedu.blogspot.com bers. quently designated a National His- Then I came across the eye- pvpeduc.wixsite.com/arts The history of the Memorial toric landmark in 1979. catching cover of Angela M. Grout’s Park was due to two men, Walter Wil- found the Author Book Fair held On Friday, there was a series of funny memoir titled, “Dear Baby Get son, a white southern civil rights ac- at the Springfield Central Library events for the homesite celebration, Out.” The picture of the baby bump tivist, and Dr. Edmund W. Gordon, a on September 28th a remarkable I with markings and crosses to track scholar and former national research including an exhibit of artifacts exca- display of interaction between local each struggling day speaks volumes. director for Project Head Start. In vated at the site which were provided authors and patrons with a passion for This is her hilarious perspective about by the UMass W. E. B. Du Bois Cen- any subject you can imagine, ranging 1967, Wilson and Gordon purchased the stages concerning birth. Angela the original one acre plot and assem- ter and the UMass Community Ar- from medicine and historical fiction to also juggles her time as a designer, bled the surrounding properties, cre- chaeology Lab. The culminating suspense thriller. consultant, and owner of the Agawam ating a U-shaped five acre plot that event was an evening featuring an in- This event took place in the ro- Flower Shop. would become a park in honor of Dr. tunda area, a high traffic area for Poet Eric Johnson’s book, “The tergenerational panel, led by Gwen- Du Bois. After a few setbacks and passerby’s entering and exiting the Conditions We Live,” was described dolyn VanZant of BRIDGE and local resistance, these men finally building. Many of the tables occupied as a touching piece that conveys Vice-Chair of the Great Barrington moved ahead and dedicated the park by the authors had free, eye-catching warmth and reality in an array of life Du Bois Legacy Committee with on a beautiful October day in 1969. book marks based on their fiction or struggles. Not too far away, I met au- music by Craig Harris, Wanda Hous- Ossie Davis served as the emcee to nonfiction book titles and professional thor J L Homan. His memoir, “Out ton, Guy Davis, Otha Day, MaryNell more than 200 people who came out business cards lining their desks in ad- Here in the Stars,” is a look at his per- Morgan-Brown and a dance perform- dition to the titles that were available. for the dedication. The keynote ad- sonal journey and deals with hope, ance by Jacob’s Pillow, choreo- Susanne Dunlap’s dazzling dis- loss, and solace revolving around the dress was given by the Georgia state graphed by Joanna Haigood. It was a play was no exception. Her latest loss of his partner. legislator Julian Bond, with contribu- perfect day, one I think W. E. B. Du book, “Listen to the Wind,” is a his- I was surprised to learn writer tions from people such as Esther torical fiction which has garnered Andrew Larkin is a personal friend of Cooper Jackson, co-founder of Free- Bois would be proud of. ■ much praise for its epic adventure set my hero, George Foreman. Andrew’s SPECIAL TO POINT OF VIEW in the 13th century. This book is the book, “My Life in Boats, Fast, and first of a series. Her next one, “The Slow,” is another memoir that takes Free ‘Get On Board!’ Event Spirit of Fire,” is coming December place during the challenges of the “Oftentimes, board members are 6th. 1960s and centers on Larkin’s experi- continued from page 5 recruited from a small pool of candi- Anyone with an interest in mod- ences in river boating and rowing. I This year Leadership of Pioneer ern medicine didn’t have to look far. I was also thrilled to meet author and Valley (LPV) (see article on page dates. Our goal is to create new rela- was fortunate to meet Jackie Garrett, U.S. Veteran Ferris Shelton. His first 16) is partnering with OnBoard as a tionships for both the individuals and MD. She specialized in allergy and novel is about an Atlanta businessman co-presenter. Formed in 2010 to fill a the organizations who will benefit immunology. The title of her book, who endures horrific dreams from the critical need for a leadership program from each other’s resources and ex- “Does My Child Have A Food Al- slavery period. that builds a network of emerging perience,” said Attorney Ellen Frey- lergy?” screamed at me. I feel most of The Springfield Author Book leaders to address the challenges and man, an OnBoard founder. us can relate to this book because we Fair certainly succeeded with another opportunities of the region, LPV Get On Board! is free and open most likely know a child who directly great draw this year! combines both classroom and hands- to members of the public who would or indirectly struggles with this. You can learn more about these on, experiential learning at different like to join a board or committee of a I personally like suspense novels authors and their books from the locations throughout the Valley. The community non-profit. There is a and/or thrillers so I made my way Springfield Central Library Facebook curriculum is designed to foster the small $100 fee for nonprofit organi- over to K.B Pellegrino, a prolific au- page at skills, collaboration, and commitment zations seeking members for their thor, essayist, poet, and storyteller. It https://www.facebook.com/events/4 needed to further a vibrant and cultur- board of directors. For more informa- was a joy to hear of her passion for 29617987761694/ ally competent Pioneer Valley. The tion or to register as an attendee or writing fiction. There was so much in- Like entertainment? Follow me inaugural class launched in the fall of participating non-profit, visit diver- terest at her table, it took me some at https://pvpeduc.wixsite.com/arts 2011. sityonboard.net. ■ af-am point of view page eighteen november 1, 2019 COMMUNITY COMMUNITY FOCUS Why Demand Access for All to the Raymond A. Jordan Senior Center? By Mattie Lacewell, President, Mass Senior Action Council ecause there are access and affordability challenges getting to and from the new Raymond use the ADA service. For this small group of in- challenges too many seniors face relating A. Jordan Senior Center. dividuals, the senior center has contracted for Bto transportation and the increased cost of Mass Senior Action Council Greater Spring- medical transport. Each trip costs $12.75 and lunch at the Raymond A. Jordan Senior Center field Chapter believes that Worcester, the second again the senior center provides a subsidy to en- (the” senior center”). This demand is about Spring- largest city in the Commonwealth, has an inclusive sure the senior only pays $1 each way. field seniors, like Ms. Doris Jackson who is 81- senior center transportation model that addresses years old and lives on a fixed income, having this issue. They have created a system to subsidize 4) Lastly, the senior center helped the Worcester suitable transportation to access the senior center. transportation to and from their senior center. Their Housing Authority to secure a community de- She strongly feels that the senior center is a great subsidy ensures that no senior spends more than $1 velopment block grant (CDBG) to provide place to meet, share a meal, join in on an activity each way. To accomplish this, they use a combina- transportation to seniors living in Worcester and socialize. tion of resources: Housing Authority buildings. These grant funds Doris along with her friends are transit de- 1) One is ADA van service provided through the enable the Authority to use their vans to pick up pendent. She no longer drives and would not oth- seniors at six elderly housing buildings. erwise be able to participate at the senior center Worcester Regional Transportation Authority. Its current fare is $2.75 each way. The senior without her family supporting her transportation The Worcester senior center reports that this center provides a subsidy of $1.75 each way to needs. She and her family are troubled that the new combination of services has increased attendance reduce the fare for seniors to $1. Seniors sched- senior center came without a transportation plan and participation and enables seniors who would ule trips directly with WRTA and the senior for seniors. She enjoys going to the senior center not otherwise be able to participate to enjoy the ac- for daily lunches, activities and social interaction. center directly pays WRTA so the consumer ex- perience is very simple and exactly the same as tivities of their senior center. However, Doris, like many seniors from In Springfield, it’s for seniors like Doris that across Springfield, experience great difficulty ac- if they were taking any other trip except the cost we are demanding the City of Springfield create a cessing the senior center. She is only able to par- is lower. transportation plan to help all Springfield seniors ticipate when her family is available to take her. 2) Additionally, the senior center provides subsi- ACCESS this new, beautiful $12.8 million dollar She is unable to drive, unable to take the multiple dies for individuals who must take more than building because the senior center is still out of PVTA buses and the $6 round trip cost on the one bus to the senior center. Currently, the sen- PVTA van is too expensive. Although her family reach for many Springfield seniors. ior fare for WRTA is $.85 for each bus. They The time has come for the City of Springfield takes her to the senior center, her son, Minister provide transfer tickets to individuals to cover to finally comprehensively address the need for an Charles Stokes, is mindful of his mom’s peers who the cost of having to use more than one bus. are unable to get there. She often asks him if he can affordable transportation plan to help seniors get give a ride to some of her friends. Her son said they 3) There are a small number of seniors who can safely from their homes to the new Raymond A. are deeply concerned about the seniors and their safely use the senior center but are not able to Jordan Senior Center. ■ LOCAL COLLEGES IN THE NEWS State’s First Cannabis Education Center continued from page 8 Holyoke. The first, two session class, begin on Jan. 11, 2020, at the HCC Nov. 23-24, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., will MGM Culinary Arts Institute. Regis- focus on business plan creation and tration and scholarship information development. The Social Equity will be released on the Cannabis Ed- ucation Center website on Nov. 1, Training Program is designed to pro- VOTE on 2019. vide training and technical assistance C3RN and HCC will also be to those negatively impacted by the November running five courses for the entrepre- drug war. neurship track in the Social Equity Information about scholarships Program starting November 23, 2019, 5th at HCC’s Picknelly Adult and Family will be posted soon on the Cannabis Education Center, 206 Maple St., Education Center website. ■ af-am point of view page nineteen november 1, 2019 SPECIAL TO POINT OF VIEW Point of View Valedictorian Encourages 100 Men of Color to Tell Their Children, “I BELIEVE in YOU! By Dwight Bachman efore I say anything, allow me 30 Three little words―I BELIEVE IN YOU. It seconds for a short prayer, some- changed me greatly. People have inspired me “Bthing I try to do first, before every- throughout my life, but no one in my life had ever thing I do… literally said that to me before. Not like that. I BELIEVE IN YOU! Try it on your son. Our Father who art in heaven, He’ll set a world record in something, or go to the Hallowed be thy name. top of his class in Chemistry, or whatever. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done I am sure, Ms. Natalie Redd and Mr. Omar on earth as it is in heaven. Wilson, that you, too, have angels in your lives. Give us this day our daily bread, and For sure, Mr. LaSalle, you have had angels in forgive us our trespasses, your life. Your Mom, Ada Haynes; people at as we forgive those who trespass against us, Weaver High School and the Artist Collective―I and lead us not into temptation, could go on. I used to watch you on ER all the time, but deliver us from evil. saying to myself, I could be doing that. (My lead For thine is the kingdom, and the power, role in DREAMY KID.) You do us all proud, earn- and the glory, ing all those NAACP Image Awards and Emmys! For ever and ever. Three things: Tonight is about letting all of us know that we, indeed, are a bridge to each other, Heavenly Father, I thank you for keeping your and each other’s child; that we, indeed, do belong loving arms around every family represented in this to each other. Archbishop, you teach us to take care room. Heal any sicknesses in any family, and of each other in our church and in our community. shower your richest blessings on them all. Help us I told Cliff Marrett, a Class of 2018 Men of laugh this evening as we try to “Bridge the Village” June Archer and Dwight Bachman Color honoree, that I wanted to speak about the in our communities. I ask this blessing in the name executive producer in entertainment and business Power of Young People. He told me they should of your precious son, Jesus. Amen! entrepreneurship and as an author. What I love know that this elegant evening is not about our job The Bible tells us to “Give thanks in all cir- about you most is that you care about others. You titles. It is about much more. “We are fathers. We cumstances.” My Mother taught me to never let the open doors for others. You are a true leader in the are uncles. We are brothers—blood and fraternal.” sun go down without saying “THANK YOU” to community. You make followers, leaders. You in- I love the way brothers greet our children when people who do something nice to you, or for you. spire excellence in them, and to pursue their they return to school each year, letting them know So I want to thank you, Dr. Archer, for that in- dreams. The world needs more people like you, Dr. we want them to succeed. Watching the greetings troduction and thank you profusely for this award. Archer! Can we all give Dr. Archer a hand! each day for a week reminded me of two Negro It is my high honor to accept this award and recog- I believe every man honored tonight will spirituals—“My Lord What a Morning!” and nition from you and your organization, the June agree that they did not arrive to where they are in “Don’t Let Nobody Turn You Around!” Archer & Eleven28 Entertainment Group. life on their own. The Bible says “For it is by grace Gregory Sneed, Class of 2016 said to chal- I am truly overwhelmed at being described as you have been saved, through faith—and this is not lenge everyone here to not only go back to your a valedictorian. If you saw my grades in undergrad- from yourselves, it is the gift of God.” So whoever communities and to continue to do what got them uate school, under the classical definition of a vale- you looked up to, whoever guided you along the nominated, but also bring a child every year to this dictorian, you’d do what they used to do at the way, I believe God sent them there. event so that the children and young people can see Apollo Theatre in Harlem when someone got up to I don’t have time to name the many people the diverse group of options and opportunities that perform or present― throw them off the stage. who I have grown to recognize as true ANGELS await them. So many different professional stars But I thank you, tonight, for letting me know in my life. One of them is Archbishop Leroy Bailey here. YOU await them. They need to know that that you appreciate me telling the story of our peo- Jr. There sits a wise prophet. A loving, caring pas- YOU are here for them. They need to know that in ple from a positive, love perspective in the African tor. this toxic world, they belong, and they belong to American press. For that, I am truly grateful. The late Dr. David Carter, former president at YOU. You are their bridge in this village. I want to thank Mr. Bill Costen, a deacon in Eastern and later, chancellor of the CT State Col- It is evident to everyone here tonight that we my church, for nominating me. I declined his offer leges and Universities System, was another angel live in a toxic world, a world that, on many levels, twice before. This time, he pushed it through with- in my life. He told me something many angels had tells us we don’t belong. Our communities are out my permission. God Bless him for being so conveyed to me in different ways, but never said under attack, in schools, on the job, in business, in kind. to me. In the middle of the crisis that he thought I sports. You, yourself, Dr. Archer, have an enviable could have managed better, he said, “You can han- track record of excellence in music, the arts, as an dle this. Man, I BELIEVE IN YOU!” continues to page 38 af-amAround point of view Town page& twenty . . . november 1, 2019

The Bilingual Veterans Outreach Centers of Mass Inc. Executive Director Gumersindo Gomez honored the Western Mass Stand Down by Coordinator Betty Borders. At the Getting to the Root Total Women’s Health Summit were from L to R: Dr. Gayle Jones, Dr. Ebony Butler, event presenter Dr. Yolanda Lenzy, Dr. Lauren Powell, Robin Haynes, and Springfield Health and Human Services Commissioner Helen Caulton Harris.

The Western Mass Chapter of the National Association of Hispanic Anti Racism Rally Nurses held their annual gala recently.

The Puerto Rican Parade committee held their first annual Spring- field Puerto Rican Parade gala. Committee Members from L to R: Melvin Sanchez, Pablo Morales, Victoria Rodriguez, Lizzy Ortiz, Marchers in the 2019 Springfield Puerto Rican Parade. Farah Rodriguez, Kelvin Molina-Brantley, Sasha Jimenez, and Springfield City Councilor Adam Gomez. af-am. point of. view . In The Communitypage twenty-one november 1, 2019

Palate Restaurant’s held its fourth anniversary celebration. Suez Court #149 held a Breast Cancer Fundraising Brunch L to R: Ray Berry from White Lion Beer, Palate restaurant owner at the Eagles recently. Jose Hernandez, City Council President Justin and wife, School Committee Member Denise Hurst.

L to R: Dr. Shakenna K. Williams; Honoree Professor Alyssa Ar- nell; Keynote Speaker Dr. Yves Salomon-Fernandez, President The Gándara Center’s Project Health program hosted a National Greenfield Community College; Dr. Ruth Bass; Founder of the Latinx HIV/AIDS Awareness Day vigil concluding with an AIDS African American Female Professors Award Association, Professor awareness flag raising ceremony. Traci Talbert-Gaynor; Dr. Gina Joseph Collins; Dr. Josie Brown; and Dr. Ayesha Ali.

Members of Zion Baptist Church and their pastor Rev. Dr. Atu The Hickory Street Harambee Committee from L to R: Freddie Mc- White (center) were honored with a 2019 Hickory Street Harambee Donald, Bruce King, Jr, President Tacy Chappell, Cedric Williams, Award at the 1st Annual Hickory Street Harambee Honors Dinner Vice President Veronica McNair, and Jenal Rentas. af-am point of view page twenty-two november 1, 2019 COMMUNITY COMMUNITY FOCUS - CONNECTICUT Academy Award Winner Ruth E. Carter Tells Hartford Girls Rock! “Be Your Authentic Self! Think Outside the Box! Do Something Special!” By Bobbi Brown Bobbi Brown

Ruth E. Carter ith 7 awards and 40 film credits to her name, Academy Award-winning cos- Wtume designer Ruth Carter graced the Academy Award Winner Ruth E. Carter is surrounded by stage on Sept. 22 at the Connecticut Convention Hartford Girls Rock! Class of 2019 Center for the Sixth Annual Hartford Girls Rock! of Connecticut; Shian Earlington of Capital Com- She said she studied the Amistad case here in A sold out crowd heard Carter describe her role as munity College; Onyae Hill of Bristol Eastern Connecticut and the growing protests and Civil a costume designer, her Academy Award and her High School; Shawndia Jones of Watkinson Rights Movement to produce costumes for the road to success in the film industry. School; Datari Mathis of the University of Bridge- movie “Selma.” She cited Lorraine Hansberry’s “A Carter, a Hampton University alumna, con- port; Angelique Phillips of Watkinson School; and Raisin in the Sun” and “For Colored Girls Only,” gratulated the ten young women in Hartford Girls Sherisa Smith of the Connecticut International as examples of research she conducted in preparing Rock! for their outstanding academic achieve- Baccalaureate Academy. for designing costumes for films. “Detailed re- ments, leadership, and community service through- More than 900 people roared cheers as Carter search is my civil rights duty to the struggle for out the Greater Hartford area. Founded six years approached the stage. She offered the audience human and civil rights.” ago, Hartford Girls Rock! is a unique program de- some sage advice and numerous pearls of wisdom A native of Springfield, MA, Carter began her veloped by the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. on self-confidence and focusing on accomplishing costume-designing career at a theatre in Spring- and Epsilon Omicron Omega Chapter (AKA), in one’s goals. “Don’t worry about someone being field. There, she eventually collaborated with Hart- partnership with the Foundation for Educational better than you… have confidence to be your au- ford Stage. While working locally, she always Opportunities, Inc. (FEO). Mentored by AKAs and thentic self. Authenticity finds itself in your re- knew she wanted to do something special. Then, it members of the community, these ten young search. Research brings out something new within happened. Carter recalled a moment she will never women participated in workshops on goal setting, you that you did not even know you had in your- forget: creating and maintaining healthy choices, career self. Do the work, don’t worry about the competi- “One day, I get this call and the voice on the exploration and self-empowerment. Many noticed tion.” other end said, ‘This is the man of your dreams!’ I their achievements, and community-based organi- In addition to proper, thorough research, laid back, closed my eyes and said ‘Denzel!’ The zations chose them to be recognized. Carter urged the young women to find something voice said ‘Naw, Baby, this is Spike Lee!’” Director The young women recognized included they really enjoy and pursue it with a passion. “It Spike Lee hired her to design costumes in his film, Makiydah Berry of Pathways Academy of Tech- took me 17 weeks to just prepare for “Black Pan- “School Daze,” launched in 1988. After that, she nology & Design; Dayzra Bourne of Capital Com- ther”. A ton of research goes into everything I do worked in a number of films ranging from “Do the munity College; Danielle Cloud of Farmington to give the proper voice and detail to the story we High School; Chyla Drawhorn of the University want to tell.” continues to page 23 af-am point of view page twenty-three november 1, 2019 COMMUNITY EDUCATION LAW NOTES Dr. Bridgette Baldwin is a Professor of Law at West- ern New England Univer- From Justice to Action: Western New England sity School of Law with areas of interest in crimi- nal law and procedure, in- University School of Law Center of Social Justice ternational criminal law, evidence, critical race the- By Lauren Carasik, Clinical Professor of Law ory, cybercrime and wel- academic offerings, engage students the university’s engagement with fare law. more robustly, and work with com- Western Massachusetts and enhance estern New England Uni- munity organizations and partners to the School of Law’s mission of train- versity School of Law is identify and begin to address unmet ing a diverse group of lawyers to Wpleased to announce the needs that cut across law and other serve their communities. This inno- launch of its new Center for Social fields.” vative and exciting initiative is a fit- Justice. The University honors its The Center will focus on facili- ting way to position the School of milestone centennial year of promot- tating discussion both in the commu- Law for its next century of service.” Lauren Carasik ing community-based education with nity and in academia on issues related As part of its mission, the Center is a Clinical Pro- this initiative, which reflects the to social and economic justice, in ad- for Social Justice will host programs fessor of Law, Associate Dean for School of Law’s efforts to work to- dition to promoting social justice on topics of interest to the commu- Clinics and Director of the Interna- ward a more just, equitable and inclu- scholarship and advocacy. The Cen- nity. In its inaugural year there will be tional Human Rights Clinic at West- sive society. ter draws on the existing strengths of programming specifically related to ern New England University School In a statement to commemorate the School of Law’s nationally recog- racial justice and criminal justice re- of Law. this launch Dean Sudha Setty said, nized faculty areas, including civil form, including a talk by Alfred Four Decades in Solitary Confine- “The School of Law has a strong rights and international human rights; Woodfox, one of the “Angola ment. My Story of Transformation foundation of social justice engage- community economic development Three,.” who was held in solitary and Hope. The talk, which is open ment.,” She went on to add, “The and economic justice; gender equity confinement for more than four to the public, will be on November Center for Social Justice will not only and legal issues faced by the decades at the maximum security An- serve as an organizing framework for LGBTQI community; immigrants’ gola Prison in Louisiana for a crime 13 at noon. The Center for Social our varied offerings and provide a co- rights; and racial justice. Western he says he did not commit. Wilcox Justice’s other public programming is hesive presentation of justice-related New England University President was finally released in 2016. He will viewable on the Events tab of the teaching, scholarship and service, but Anthony Caprio commented, “The be talking at the School of Law about website, www.wne.edu/social-jus- will also broaden the School of Law’s Center for Social Justice will deepen his memoir, Solitary: Unbroken by tice. ■ SPECIAL TO POINT OF VIEW Ruth E. Carter Tells Hartford Girls Rock! “Be Your Authentic Self! Think Outside the Box! Do Something Special!” continued from page 22 cially our stories… Historical re- his enemies who tried to steal the vi- much. I love you. I have to go catch a Right Thing,” directed and starred in search tuned me in. I had to be tuned branium from Wakanda. plane to go back and finish my work by Lee himself, to “Selma,” directed into African kings and kingdoms to After making history Carter ex- on “Coming to America 2!” by Ava DuVernay, “Malcolm X” and create those intricate costumes.” pressed, “At times, the movie indus- The audience gave Carter thun- many more. Just as European powers have try can be pretty unkind. derous applause as she left, carrying However, she made history in stolen Africa’s natural resources Nevertheless, it is about sticking with a framed image of the 10 young the phenomenal, blockbuster film throughout history, in “Black Pan- it, keeping faith and growing as an women honored and proclamations “Black Panther.” At the 91st Academy ther,” invaders tried to steal the natu- artist. This award reflects resilience. from the City of Bloomfield and Hart- Awards earlier this year, Carter be- ral resource vibranium, a rare, We need to keep encouraging young ford and gifts from the Foundation for came the first African-American powerful metal found in Wakanda Black girls to achieve… to be a stu- Educational Opportunities, the AKA woman to win in the category of which reflected how scientific dent of your passion. Never ever stop sorority and Hartford Girls Rock! “Best Costume Designer.” In “Black Africans were. Vibranium powered learning.” Sponsors for this year’s Hartford Panther,” more than 700 costumes de- African technologies and was used in Think outside the box and go do Girls Rock! featuring Ruth Carter in- picted African culture through textiles their weapons. And, yes, thanks to something special. You have your clude The Travelers, ESPN, Aetna, and patterns. Carter placed emphasis Carter, “Black Panther” himself even whole life to live, so begin thinking Fairview Capital, Liberty Bank, 50 on how she wanted to portray the wore a vibranium suit, which ab- early on of something special you Elm & Spirits, Connecticut Health African culture as authentically as sorbed kinetic energy that he could want to do. Then, go do the research. Foundation and Charter Oak Health possible. “I love telling stories, espe- use as a negative force energy to repel Go do the work. Thank you all so Center. ■ af-am point of view page twenty-four november 1, 2019 EDITORIAL FROM THE PUBLISHER’S DESK Revisiting Age and Political Office By Frederick A. Hurst a piece of coveted real estate. listening to arguments from those who Some of those most benefiting And the longer they remain in of- say we should keep Richie Neal in of- from marijuana legalization, for ex-

OF VIEW fice, the more even principled, in- fice because of his influential position

Frederick A. Hurst ample, are connected to long term in- MY POINT formed voters seem to accept their as head of House Ways and Means. cumbents who could care less if our presence as necessary while com- By their standard, almost every in- know I should leave it alone. But communities are left out. They don’t plaining about general voter apathy cumbent should be a lifer. My only it’s such irony, this age thing and mean us any harm. They simply sup- from people who know full well they measure of a politician is the quality politics. I don’t believe I’m an port their own interests and those I are not being properly represented by of his/her service to their constituents. outlier when I suggested several years old politicians who are wallowing in And it has been my observation over within their narrowed circle. And ago in a previous article that the older their positions while suffering politi- the years that, over time in office, the those are the folks who will be en- politicians should get out of the way cal rigor mortis. quality of services tend to decline and riched while the rest of us remain as and let the future happen. I feel the Too many of those politicians are narrow to cover a smaller and smaller sidelined observers. It is mind bog- same way now. purchased…signed, sealed and deliv- group. And over a long period of time, gling to watch this situation unfold― The failure of the Constitution to ered to the moneyed interest. Any- they tend to decline dramatically, just as it has unfolded in many other incorporate term limits is one of its body can name them. And if you want which probably explains the victories economic development scenarios in few failures that probably resulted to find out who they are, just do some of Ayanna Pressley (Boston) and the region. from the fact that our original politi- simple research. They are the ones Alexandria Ocasio Cortez (New York) The reality is that most of us cians, who framed the document, had with the big bucks in the bank. And over long term incumbents. And the don’t count unless we exercise our no interest in serving for a lifetime and their contributors are public informa- removal of these long term incum- power to vote for change. So to those did not contemplate that anyone ever tion. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it bents has revitalized and excited the who vote for incumbency election would. Madison, Hamilton, John Jay, again in other words. No matter how body politic and altered conventional Jefferson and so many others are powerful they are, we need to regu- narratives while their constituents after election after election, I can only probably rolling over in their graves larly refresh and diversify our political have not suffered from the losses of say, “You take the money if you can.” watching politicians jockeying for gene pool rather than allow politicians incumbents who believed they were We will take the change. We may not lifetime political office and treating lifetime occupancy. essential and entitled to lifetime get the change immediately. But I as- their office as though they own it like Nothing disturbs me more than tenure. sure you, it will come. ■ party let’s me.” What Jackson was re- when given a two-party choice, white AF-AM NEWS bits ferring to was the outsized influence voters identified as Democrats only By Frederick A. Hurst of the first two Democratic primary 43 percent of the time. Only 39 per- continued from page 4 evidence of an intruder. Nothing of election states, Iowa and New Hamp- cent of whites voted for Hillary Clin- merit justifying the firing of his shire, who often decide who wins and ton in 2016. But black voters? They IF THIS IS NOT A PERFECT who loses simply because the two weapon. Just knowledge that he was identify as Democrats 84 percent of CASE FOR THE states’ primaries are first. His statistics in a Black neighborhood. And Ata- the time. While black Americans are CONVICTION OF A WHITE are revealing. “In 2017, Iowans were tiana Brown’s life is over. If this is not fewer than 13 percent of the popula- the perfect case for the conviction of 86.5 percent white, 5.7 percent His- POLICEMAN FOR MURDER tion, they are about 20 percent of all a White policeman for the unjustified panic, and 3.3 percent black. New OF A BLACK PERSON, Democratic voters. This is similarly murder of a Black person, nothing Hampshire is even whiter – it’s 90.9 NOTHING EVER WILL BE! ever will be. Fortunately, the officer percent white, 3.4 percent Hispanic, true of Hispanic and Latinx voters: 8-year-old Atatiana Jefferson was was arrested on murder charges so and 2 percent black. How does that Nearly 70 percent voted for Democ- 2in her Fort Worth, Texas home there is hope. compare to the rest of the nation?...As rats in 2018.” And then Jackson’s dra- playing video games with her 8-year a whole, the United States is 61.5% matic disclosure: “BY LETTING old nephew when a White police offi- “THE DEMOCRATIC percent white, 17.6 percent Hispanic, WHITE STATES GO FIRST, THE cer, responding to a neighbor’s non- PRIMARIES AND THE and 12.3 percent black. The powerful DEMOCRATIC PARTY IS IG- emergency welfare call that Atatiana’s and early contests dramatically under- NORING ITS MOST LOYAL front door was open, drove up to her WHITE PRIVILEGE OF represent American voters of color.” VOTERS IN FAVOR OF A DEMO- house, walked around to the back to a IOWA AND N.H.” But when looking at the demograph- window and fired a fatal bullet hat was the headline of the Boston ics of just Democrats, the numbers are GRAPHIC GROUP THAT IS through the window one second after TGlobe article by Ben Jackson, even worse. Jackson wrote: “More ABANDONING IT. THIS IS shouting at Jefferson to show her who graciously concluded his article than 90 percent of black voters pre- WHAT INSTITUTIONAL hands. No knock on the door; no by writing: “I’d like to surrender my ferred the Democratic candidates in RACISM LOOKS LIKE.” knowledge of who might be inside; no electoral white privilege….I hope my the 2018 US House races. Nationally, (Emphasis added) af-am point of view page twenty-five november 1, 2019 OP - ED Steve Pemberton Ends Candidacy for the United States Senate ready chests. And they are protected by the amongst us, insiders who criticized me for break- working ing the party ‘rule’ of challenging an hard each incumbent, forced consultants off of day to cre- my campaign, and then changed their ate a better tune when Congressman Kennedy, in day in unprecedented fashion, entered into America. I the race. The message, delivered to believe that me, in word and in deed was abun- Steve Pemberton if we point dantly clear: those same rules did not BOSTON, MA, Oct. 14, 2019 — our sail to- apply to him. Steve Pemberton released the follow- moved on, I have not forgotten those wards those lives, and take example Many of us walk through the ing statement today on his decision to human lighthouses or the lessons of from them, we can come together to world with the scars and the voids of end his candidacy for the United service and integrity they instilled in address the cycles of poverty, addic- a life forever altered because of failed States Senate: me. tion, mental health, violence, hope- policies by those who have been in “In July, I stood before friends They were the reason that I lessness and abandonment that have Washington long enough to have and family in my hometown of New made improving the lives of others claimed so many lives. taken a stronger stand. To simply em- Bedford and announced my candi- the purpose of my own life. They But this Senate race will not be pathize with those experiences is no dacy for the United States Senate. It were the reason I focused my career the path for me to help make that longer enough. The Democratic Party was an unlikely stop on a life’s jour- on providing equal access to the great change. And that is because – while I will have to find a way to fully em- ney that had begun in the shadows of engines of the American Dream – saw so much in the decency of this brace those voices rather than deny society. higher education, career advancement Commonwealth and its people to spur them because those lives, often un- You see, I was born to a mother and healthcare. And most impor- me on during this campaign – I also seen, still have value and they should who was in the middle of a losing tantly, they were the reason I found ran into an impenetrable wall of have a place in our public discourse. battle with alcoholism. At 1½ years what will always be the greatest treas- legacy and birthright – of incum- But until we really challenge this old a babysitter – seeing how desper- ure of my life – the one thing that I bency and connections – that so often rigged system that favors wealth, ate the situation was – said of me: had sought all along – family. And has stifled and blocked diverse and longevity and legacy, the public will “This little boy doesn’t have a chance with my wife Tonya and our three urgent voices from succeeding in the be denied true choice in the voting in the world.” teenage children – Quinn, Vaughn, political arena. booth and will be forced to pick be- At the age of 3, I was taken and Kennedy, we have broken the While we were able to raise tween subtlety different shades of the away from my mother never to see cycle. My children and their children nearly $500,000 in our first quarter, it same political establishment candi- her again. Two years later, my father will never have to face what I did. It also became clear that the barriers dates. was killed in an act of gun violence. ends, and it has ended, with me. placed before anyone attempting to Tonya and I are so thankful to all What followed was the lonely jour- In the weeks since that an- take on entrenched power are in so the people across the country and the ney of a bi-racial foster child lost in nouncement, I have spoken to scores many cases too towering and too ir- the gaps of a strained and burdened of citizens across Massachusetts who removable to overcome. They are Commonwealth who supported this foster care system. I was shuffled in relate to that journey because it is part bolstered by state and federal party campaign – who, like us, thought that and out of unstable and violent foster of their journey as well. I was not the bosses who privately blacklist anyone in these trying times different per- homes trying to find a normalcy that only one who fought the good fight, attempting to aid an insurgent cam- spectives and more urgent voices never came, trying to be seen as any not the only one who refused to ac- paign while publicly espousing the were needed in Washington, DC. We human being wants to be seen: for the cept the label of victim, not the only importance of diversity and inclusiv- still believe that is needed. We still possibilities of my life and not the cir- one who grew up far away from the ity. They are supported by a cam- believe that we must not just focus on cumstances. world of entitlement and privilege. paign finance system that allows climate change but climate justice, This inherited circumstance, The path to healing America lies in incumbents to hoard millions of dol- not just on gun reform but gun vio- handed down from one generation of recognizing that none of us have the lars in special interest PAC money – lence prevention, on treating addic- my family to the next, was not my same story but we do have mutual right up to the point where they “see tion as an illness and not a moral fault but it was still my responsibility. chapters. the light” and conveniently embrace failure and treating healthcare as a That determination to better my life I was inspired and energized by campaign finance reform for short- human right. We still believe a new was met by the kindness of everyday these stories of courage, determina- term political advantage while sitting culture is needed in Washington, one citizens who affirmed that fight. All tion, and faith. It affirmed for me that comfortably on their bloated war that focuses on doing right rather than these years later, as time and life has the greatest heroes in America are al- continues to page 28 af-am point of view page twenty-six november 1, 2019 RELIGION RELIGIOUS POINT OF VIEW Dr. Atu White, Editor, serves as Pastor of the Mt. Zion Baptist Church, Give Thanks 33 Oak Street, Springfield, MA and as First Vice By Rev. E. Maxine Moore President of the United Baptist Convention of to the grocery store to purchase food thanks, but the older I get, the more I to You and pray Massachusetts, Rhode is a reason to give thanks because so appreciate God’s blessings. Take a this prayer: “At Island, and New Hampshire. [email protected] many people don’t. As a matter of moment and look around you. Con- this blessed feast, fact, everyday should be “Thanksgiv- sider the words of this old song, may rich and s we approach Thanksgiving Rev. E. Maxine ing,” a day of giving thanks for all the “Count your blessings, name them poor alike re- 2019, this holiday, like so Moore one by one. Count your blessings, see member that we many others that we cele- blessings God has given us. A what God has done.” are called to serve one another and to brate, has become so commercialized We have become a society, a As you gather around the walk in Your gracious light. With that we have forgotten the real reason people, a world that thinks that we are Thanksgiving table with family and thankful hearts we praise You, our and meaning of the celebration. It entitled―entitled to wake up every friends, don’t forget to “Give God, who like a loving parent denies originated as a harvest festival cele- morning, entitled to have food on our Thanks.” Heavenly Father, on this us no good thing. In Jesus name, brated by the Pilgrims after their first tables and a roof over our heads. I see Thanksgiving Day, we bow our hearts Amen.” ■ harvest in the New World in October so many people sit down to eat a meal 1621. It began as a day of giving and never bow their heads to give LET’S CONNECT thanks for the blessing of the harvest, thanks. In fact, recently I saw some- which included prayers of thanks and thing that I had not seen in a while. I “Thankful for Change” special thanksgiving religious serv- saw some children sit down to eat and By Beverly Guerrero-Porter ices. Modern day “Thanksgiving” has they bowed their heads to say grace retained the “feast” part of the original before they ate. I thought to myself, cclesiastes lives. Admittedly, I have not always holiday but has almost lost the “giving someone is bringing those children up 3:1 states been a fan of change. As a matter of thanks” aspect of the day. Granted, we right. God deserves more thanks than Ethat “There fact, I am generally one who likes do not have to go out and harvest we give Him; we should teach our is a time for routine and consistency. It just makes grain, fruits, and vegetables, or children to thank Him as well. Per- everything, and a sense in my world and allows for life slaughter animals for our Thanksgiv- haps when I was young, I did not season for every to feel predictable and safe. Life, ing meal, but having the means to go think too much about giving God activity under the however, is anything but. Things can Beverly heavens.” This alter instantly. The very thought of Guerrero-Porter verse came to that can trigger anxiety in one who mind as I was admiring the fall fo- prefers the monotonous and mun- liage while driving around the city. dane. How majestic the array of hues that Though the shifts we experience adorned the trees: pumpkin orange, can be overwhelming and challeng- apple red and plum colored leaves ing at times, it is those very periods dancing wistfully as they were glid- that can stretch one’s character, give ing toward the road below. It was a deeper insight and broaden perspec- most serene sight. tive. The ebb and flow of life carries Autumn is my favorite time of us to distances that are more pro- the year―not just because of cooler weather, Peppermint Mocha lattes found than we can handle initially; and a good excuse to break out my fa- but transforms us into one who can vorite blanket and movies―but be- expertly ride its waves. Renovation of cause it allows an opportunity for oneself is never an easy or glamorous process, yet it produces splendid re- Family Church, Rev. Gail L. King, Senior Pastor, reflection, inspiration and redirection. sults if the work is allowed to com- held a winter coat give away event recently. It’s far enough in the year to have a proper assessment of the things that plete its course. have been progressing and what has The experiences we face, with Pastors, Ministers, Professors and Theolo- not. It also still allows a few months’ all of their twists and turns, shape us gians, please submit your articles for the “Reli- time to make adjustments in areas into who we ultimately become: that can use improvement. Strong, powerful, knowledgeable, ac- gious Point of View” to Rev. Dr. Atu White at: Like the literal transition of complished, empathetic, humble, [email protected] weather from summer to fall, there spiritual, beautiful―all things to be are seasons of change in our own thankful for. ■ af-am point of view page twenty-seven november 1, 2019 RELIGIOUS DIRECTORY Alden Baptist Church Wesley United Methodist Church “Open Hearts. Open Minds. Open Doors.” 649 State Street Springfield, MA 01109 741 State Street 413-736-5997 Springfield, MA 01109 “We believe God has called us to be a vital sign 413-734-3233 of faith at work in the community. This vision is Office & Fax actualized through our Ministries.” : WesleyUMCSpringfield Sunday School Email: [email protected] 9:00 a.m. Sundays Sunday Prayer & Rev. Catharine A. Sunday School (all ages) 9:30 a.m. Meditation Service Cummings, Pastor Morning Worship Service 11:00 a.m. 10:15 - 10:30 a.m. Sunday Morning Worship Service Canaan Baptist Dr. L.A. Love 10:30 a.m. Church of Christ Bible Study Youth Ministry 1430 Carew Street Tuesdays Fridays Springfield, MA 01104 6:00 - 7:00 p.m. 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. 413-739-5053

Rev. Dr. W. C. Sundays Shiloh Seventh-Day PROGRESSIVE Sunday School (all ages) ------9:15a.m. Watson, Jr., Pastor Adventist Church COMMUNITY BAPTIST Morning Worship Service ----10:45a.m. CHURCH Church Life Wednesdays 797 State St., Springfield, MA Worship, Prayer, 599 State Street Mid-day Prayer & Praise--12:00-1:00p.m. 413-734-0103 Praise & Study Bible Study ------7:00 p.m. [email protected] Springfield, Massachusetts Sabbath School 9:00a.m. (413) 736-8844 Sabbath Services: g{|Üw UtÑà|áà V{âÜv{ (Saturdays) “A Church Determined To Follow Christ” Divine Worship Sunday School 149 Walnut Street 11:00a.m. 9:00am P.O. Box 91166 Adventist Youth Services Springfield, MA 01139 6:00pm Sunday Worship 413-734-4143 Adventist Join us for our Worship Services 10:30am Jenks Brutus, Community Service Sunday School Sunday Worship Service Pastor Mondays & Tuesdays 9:30 a.m. 10:00 a.m. 10:00a.m. — 1:00p.m. Prayer – Monday Reverend Nathaniel Smith, Sr., Pastor Prayer Meeting & Bible Study Prayer Meeting 6:00pm Thursday 6:00 p.m. The Church Wednesdays Rev. Joe C. Âg{x YÜ|xÇwÄç V{âÜv{Ê f|Çvx DKIL In The Heart 7:00p.m. Long Jr., Bible Study of The City Church School (SSAJA) Where all who enter may be blessed Monday — Friday Pastor Wednesday – 6:00pm Solid Rock Community Baptist Church ÂT W|äxÜáx cxÉÑÄx ã{É tÜx 821 Liberty Street bÇx ÉÇ fÉÄÉÅÉÇËá cÉÜà|vÉÊ Springfield, MA 01104 Acts 5:12b Telephone (413) 734-5441 Fax (413) 734-5438 Transportation (413) 575-4035 Sunday Morning Worship – 10:30 am Weekly Bible Study/Prayer Service Bishop Curtis L. Sunday Worship— 10:45 AM Tuesday 7:00 pm Sunday School— 9:00 AM Shaird, Pastor Wednesday—“Noonday Hour of Reverend Harold P. Dixson, Assistant Pastor Power” With Lunch Wednesday— Prayer Meeting — Bible Study — 6:30PM New Jerusalem C.O.G.I.C. 17 John Street, “Enter into His Gates with Thanksgiving” Psalm 100:4 Springfield, MA 01104 (413) 737-9583 209 Quincy Street Dr. Mark E. Flowers, Senior Pastor Springfield, MA 01109 ~ (413) 737– 6772 Mountcalvarybaptistchurchspringfield.org Elder Timothy Bouknight, Pastor

Sunday School: 10:00 a.m. To place your Religious Directory ad, please email Sunday Morning Worship 11:30 a.m. Prayer & Bible Band-Tuesday 7:30 p.m. us at [email protected] or call us at 413-796-1500 Pastoral Teaching -Friday 7:30 p.m. af-am point of view page twenty-eight november 1, 2019 OP - ED Racism. A Way Forward A perspective from two white males. By John Davis and Paul Robbins Race. Racism. the same natural or inherent abilities. Both of us have heard some variation of this. n the instant that you are reading those words, We learned in history, though this is not usually John Davis Paul Robbins maybe half of readers have an immediate im- shared in history class, that at the very beginnings John Davis is a principal at Ventry Industries LLC pulse to turn the page to find another article, or I of our Republic the not-so-subtle notion of inherent and a Trustee of The Irene E. & George A. Davis if reading this on your computer or mobile device superiority and inferiority was advanced. It was in Foundation. Paul Robbins is principal and owner there may be the urge to click or swipe, moving to the Federalist Papers, Federalist #54, the precursor of Paul Robbins Associates Strategic Communi- another online item. to the Constitution, that assigned the human value cations. Both are among the founders of the Heal- There are few words that evoke such a visceral of three-fifths to those in the Union with black skin ing Racism Institute of Pioneer Valley. reaction like those. Introduced into a conversation, and formerly slaves in determining a state’s total and eliminate racism, a condition that afflicts those there can be a palpable tension travelling up the population for legislative representation. who possess it and don’t realize it and those on the spine. We have observed that most people try to The Pioneer Valley is no different in struggling receiving end. Racism holds down our economy avoid the topic. This is particularly true for white with this issue. It may not surprise every reader to and marginalizes those who could advance them- males. We know this from personal experience be- learn that the University of Michigan Population selves and our nation if we could only eradicate it cause we are both white males. Studies ranked the Springfield metro area number from our conscious and sub-conscious thinking. If religion or politics are conversation killers one in the country in Hispanic-White segregation. The group behind the Healing Racism Institute at a party, watch the reaction when race comes up. So, why do two white males like us, with all of Pioneer Valley has been working collaboratively Toxic. Even though it remains America’s most chal- the requisite privileges we have, care about this with others. In many ways, it is the hardest work lenging social issue, we are loath to engage. At the issue? As we look at the many instances of racial any of us have ever done, but we can report same time, it casts a long shadow—from education profiling in the news, like the arrest of two African progress. to the economy to public safety to the way our Americans in a Philadelphia Starbucks for just So far, over 800 people have participated in media reports the news. It is like an invisible gas being persons of color, we see a nation still reluctant our signature two-day Healing Racism program. surrounding us—aggravating wounds old and new, to engage on the issue of race. Over 200 organizations from businesses, nonprofits, with any promise of resolution seemingly forever We look around at the real divide and the sys- education, law enforcement and media have partic- elusive. tems and institutions we value, and realize some- ipated. Our program has most recently expanded in In this piece we will avoid definitions—which thing needs to change. So we have been doing the Boston area. tend to generate a lot of heat rather than shed light— something about it. A little over five years ago, a While much of what is discussed and pre- leaving that for social scientists and pundits. We small group of people in the Valley started to meet, sented offers history and context about racism’s won’t even get into the now universal and scientific including the two of us, to begin a dialogue about roots and how it has become institutionalized, much truth that there really aren’t races at all—just varia- what we might be able to do, even in a small way, of what we do is about changing people’s hearts. tions within the species, and one variable, and sci- to advance the notion of racial equity in our region. Changing just one heart at a time is how, we believe, ence tells us a small one at that, being skin tone. Inspired by a City2City Pioneer Valley trip to we can start the process of curing racism. It makes Our perspective is that at the heart of racism is Grand Rapids where we discovered the Healing practical sense, too—making a company or organ- a deeply held notion, never openly articulated, that Racism Institute embedded in the Grand Rapids ization better, and sending a message to its workers people of white skin are inherently superior to those Area Chamber of Commerce, we embarked on a and leaders that there is no place for racism. of brown or black skin. Roseanne Barr’s infamous journey that led to the formation of the Healing We are gratified that so many of our friends, comment about “apes” offers testimony of that. Racism Institute of Pioneer Valley. colleagues, co-workers and associates have taken White people sometimes hint at it when they say Our rationale and that of our cohorts was to re- the brave step of immersing themselves in our two- “my people were able to raise themselves by their verse racism one person at a time. No government day workshops. We are making progress in the Val- bootstraps… ” as if people of color don’t possess program or initiative will be able to wave a wand ley, but there is still a long way to go. ■

continued from page 25 we will spend the coming weeks believe we should have a gov- being right, on waking up each thinking about how best we can ernment that reflects the diver- Steve Pemberton day seeking to build up rather serve, how my journey and my sity of experience in America than break down, on looking to experience can help those too and is filled with representatives Ends Candidacy serve rather than stop. often forgotten and left behind in who understand the challenges We also still believe in the our society. people face every day because for the United States power of service and the idea I believe I brought to this they have lived them. And I will that anything is possible in race a fighter heart’s and a ser- never stop believing that every- Senate America. Our journey is evi- vant’s spirit and a lifetime of uni- one in Massachusetts deserves a dence of that. That belief is why fying, building and serving. I still chance in the world.” ■ af-am point of view page twenty-nine november 1, 2019 THE ART S CHILDREN’S BOOK CORNER

The Bookworm is Terri Schlichenmeyer. Terri has “Kid Activists” been reading since she was 3 years old and she By Robin Stevenson Illustrations by Allison Steinfeld never goes anywhere with- c.2019, Quirk Books $13.95 / $15.95 Canada 224 pages out a book. She lives on a Reviewed by Terri Schlichenmeyer hill in Wisconsin with two dogs and 11,000 books. back in 1955. Of course, Mrs. Parks shows children that small was a child once, growing up right in starts like theirs can make big omeday, this world will be the middle of racism and discrimina- change. yours. tion and she naturally didn’t under- In addition to the rele- You and other kids like you S stand it. But that was the way things vance of the tales here – six- will be in charge of ensuring that the were, until she got involved with the teen tales that show kids how water’s clean, the air’s breathable, the National Association for the Ad- activists were once just like land is healthy, and people are safe. vancement of Colored People them – this book offers a wide Yeah, you might think you’re just a (NAACP) and she learned that with range of diversity, both eco- kid now but as you’ll see in “Kid Ac- tivists” by Robin Stevenson, illus- just one small, quiet action, change nomically and racially, in the would come. profiles presented and in the trated by Allison Steinfeld, every Helen Keller learned to commu- names that will be familiar and good change-maker had to start nicate as a child and later inspired new to the age group for which somewhere. others with her social justice efforts. this book is intended. The sto- What do you do when you see Six-year-old Ruby Bridges was in- ries also illustrate a wide vari- something that you think is wrong or strumental in integrating schools in ety of early influences and unfair? A lot of kids whine and do feld and you’ve got a magnet that will Louisiana. And Autumn Peltier still backgrounds, proving to kids that nothing else but if you’re the kind of attract young leaders and make them works to ensure that the world’s where they come from isn’t important person who takes the issue to an adult want to read. Give your 8-to-12-year- water is safe to drink and use. when fixing something that is. and tries to change things, you’re in old “Kid Activists” today, and it On the national stage, protests Add artwork by Allison Stein- good company; for much of history, could make a world of difference. ■ are nothing new. Your child has likely everyday people have stood up for grown up with them on the nightly ARTIST IN RESIDENCE what they think is right. news, and has perhaps participated in Before that happened, though, a march or rally herself. In “Kid Ac- Renée Flowers is every one of those people was a kid. tivists,” author Robin Stevenson Take Dolores Fernandez, for in- Point of View’s Artist stance. in Residence. You can Little Dolores was contact her directly at born in a tiny town in (413) 209-9882 to New Mexico, the grand- arrange a private daughter of immigrants. viewing of her work. When she was a kid, her parents split but she kept Every month in close touch with her fa- ther, who was a labor or- different ganizer and a politician. As a teenager, she noticed paintings discrimination in her high by school and she started Advertising, Brochures, created paying attention to the Construction, Weddings, Portraits, Renée Flowers world outside of school. Products, Digital Photography, etc... These, and other injus- are displayed at tices, spurred her to be- Ed Cohen come an activist as an Point of View adult. Photography No doubt, you’ve heard about Rosa Parks 413-244-1344 and her refusal to move to [email protected] a different seat on a bus af-am point of view page thirty november 1, 2019 THE ART S PEN & INK JUANITA TORRENCE-THOMPSON: Pushcart nominee. Playwright. Pub- lished fiction, children’s stories, feature articles, hundreds of her award-winning Thanks For Giving poems in dozens of U.S. and international journals, nearly 30 anthologies, 10 books including “Centos of Life”. Writes print & online newspaper poetry By Renay Intisar Jihad columns; produces poetry salons and reads internationally. Former Editor-in- Chief and Publisher of award winning Mobius, The Poetry Magazine. Her poetry Shhh! is translated into 15 foreign languages. Talking With Stanley Kunitz and New There are people praying. York and African Tapestries were best pick by Small Press Review. Mobius, The Be quiet until they’re done. Poetry Magazine, best pick 2007 thru 2012 www.poetrytown.com As long as someone is praying, there is hope for everyone. Renay Intisar How Seniors Are Treated Jihad By Juanita Torrence-Thompson Shhh! People are praying. Lest We Forget – November fter his two week vacation in San Antonio, Texas ended, he came home Be as still as you can be. Educator and Reformer Afrom work with a memo. This memo went to ten senior employees. In Blank out pulsing screens. Booker T. Washington essence, Thank you for your service, but you are no longer needed. Clear out Pause lively activity. Born April 5, 1856 (estimated) your desk in two weeks. Died November 14, 1915 Appreciate those You will get severance pay. reverencing Creator, Abolitionist Sojourner Truth for when they are Born 1787 He told his boss, I’ve worked here 19 years. All right, you can stay five bended in prayer, Died November 26, 1883, months and you will get eight weeks severance pay. Where is my health in- there is mercy for everyone. surance? My wife and I need that. Author and Poet Richard There is mercy everywhere. Nathaniel Wright OK, we’ll give you health insurance, but we’ll take away six weeks of Born September 4, 1908 your severance pay. Died November 28, 1960

just as a true friendship ought to be. Annie invited me over for Thanksgiving dinner, with her family, and I couldn’t say Thanksgiving With A Friend “no.” By Berdia M. Brown I told her, “Sure I’ll go.” There’s a brisk wind, and chill, on this November day. The aroma of Thanksgiving dinner greeted me at the door, as Annie invited me in. I’ve noticed squirrels scurrying about, storing acorns and nuts “This is Lee Otis Cleveland, he is my dearest friend.” away. Last night I heard a flock of geese flying over to get away from I felt so welcome amongst her family, some whom I’d never met, and yet; the cold. Everything felt so welcoming and warm, as Annie led me to the kitchen table by I’m thankful, and blessed, as I’m eighty-six years old. my arm. As we were seated around the dinner table with joined hands and bowed heads, There’s one thing about me, I try not to complain; just like anyone I could smell the aroma of Annie’s homemade rolls and bread. my age, I have my aches and pains. Berdia M. Brown Day by day, I thank the good Lord for being alive. My beloved wife, Bessie Mae, Annie asked if I’d bless the meal. died in 1985. When she died, it broke my heart. God has blessed me with a true friend, who is so special, down-to-earth, and she is For sixty years, we were never apart. real. I began by thanking God for blessing us to gather in His holy name, and the blessing I have a nice lady friend. We attend the same church, True Vine. of our Thanksgiving dinner, which has been prepared for our consumption. Lord, I’ve known Annie Mae for nearly twelve years. I was by her side when her husband, thank you for this family that’s gathered around this table to give thanks to you. Deacon Randolph died. Lord, thank you for the gift of prayer. Annie and I are the best of friends. I don’t plan to marry again. I thank God he blessed me with a good friend. May we always remember, not only to seek you when we’re in need, but seek you, Annie’s feelings are mutual; we both were married to our soul mates. Lord, at all times. Annie and I love attending church, and we also have dinner dates. You have shown your love for us Lord, and made us more compassionate people. Help us show the same love towards others who are going through hard times. We enjoy the company of each other so much, we take day trips. In your holy name, I pray. Amen I don’t want anything to mess up our friendship. I’m here for her, and she’s here for me; All Rights Reserved af-am point of view page thirty-one november 1, 2019 THE ART S ENTERTAINMENT REVIEW

Yvonne Mendez is the Director of Education & Engagement at the UMass Women’s Roles in Music or…Women Can’t Fine Arts Center. She produces events for the Valley Jazz Network, and Play The Saxophone or The Drums! also works with the By Yvonne Mendez Springfield Jazz and Roots Festival. sical stage as a protégé, playing and touring just like the big boys. Terri t is no secret that the music indus- Lyne went on to earn a faculty ap- try has been dominated by men. pointment at Berklee and now spear- On stage and off stage, men are I heads a vibrant movement to nurture front and center. Women have always and support female instrumentalists. had to prove their worth, being mar- She also began the Jazz and Gender ginalized within the industry. Justice Institute at Berklee. Carrington Except…. that women have al- works with female artists in the studio ways had talent, strength, and creativ- and beyond including Esperanza ity that is of special worth in the Spalding, Geri Allen (now deceased), development of music and society. Dee Dee Bridgewater, Meshell Nde- I can name some of the multitude geocello, Rhapsody and others. In- of women who have made a measur- strumentalists like Tia Fuller, Melissa able impact on music, starting with Aldana, Camille Thurman, Endea Nina Simone, Billie Holiday, Pearl Owens and Grace Kelly are now mak- Bailey, Aretha Franklin, Geri Allen, ing their mark in jazz music. Miriam Makeba, Dianne Reeves all Terri Lyne Carrington (Photo by John Watson) As well, there is a growing the way to Beyoncé, Rhianna, Stevie #MeToo movement in the music in- Nicks and Lady Gaga. Sheila Jordan Darlene Love, Merry Clayton, Judith can play any instrument, but women dustry. Often women are unaware of became one of the only women to Hill, Lisa Fischer and others. These should play more “feminine” instru- their rights and the actual nature of have her own recording with Blue women shaped the sound of popular ments like the flute, piano, violin or discrimination. The movement in- music as we know it today, without stick to being singers. A female drum- Note Records. In her biography, Jazz cludes support and knowledge in that hardly any credit. mer, saxophonist or bassist was un- Child, Sheila talks about her life in regard. jazz. There were the male cliques, the And even popular society added heard of! But at the early age of 14, jokes, the dismissive male attitude to- to this dilemma with ideas that men Terri Lyne Carrington entered the mu- “Inspired in the #MeToo movement, wards women, and the “locker- several jazz female musicians from room/inner circle” talk in the music around the world founded “We Have industry that included mysogynistic Voice” against sexual violence and jokes and tokenism of women. gender discrimination in music. It’s Often women were pigeon-holed quite interesting that the first article into being vocalists in the industry. in their manifesto online states their And many ended up being back- “commitment to creating a culture of ground singers. The documentary equity in our professional world.” Twenty Feet from Stardom by Mal- Their website also features a defini- colm Neville (currently on Netflix) tion of sexual harassment, useful in- shows the social and political issues formation on assault, consent and for black women, relegated to being even tips for bystanders.”[From background singers, despite their true https://theconversation.com/women- musical talent. There were many jazz-musicians-are-using-metoo-and- white musicians looking to enhance taking-a-stand-against-sexism-89663 their music with the “soul music” The #MeToo movement is sound gaining popularity in the 50s. changing the role women play in all Some of those musicians included professional fields, showing that Bruce Springsteen, Mick Jagger, women do matter and are capable of Sting and others. They relied on black great things. Recognize and support female singers to give them that edge. the role of women in all aspects of The documentary follows Tata Vega, music. ■ af-am point of view page thirty-two november 1, 2019 THE ART S ENTERTAINMENT REVIEW

Moyah Smith is the Community Outreach Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis, Jr. Officer and Mortgage Loan Officer for United Bank. Also a radio personality for WTCC, her show, Whispers and Naughty By Nature at The Big E After Dark, is every Wednesday evening from By Moyah Smith 8–10pm on 90.7fm or member group in the early 80s, are www.wtccfm.org. celebrating 50 years of marriage this was on pins and needles knowing year. When they performed at the Big I was going to see one of my E stage in September, they sang a Ichildhood idols. I thought about good part of their repertoire and it why Marilyn McCoo always brought seemed that they brought all 50 years me such warm and fuzzy feelings of love to the stage with them in their when I was a little girl. It could have performance. There was lots of cute simply been that she was a beauti- bantering back and forth between the fully stunning Black woman who was two. Marilyn sang her solo from the highly revered by many, especially in group’s popular break-up song, One a time when Black folks were not al- Less Bell to Answer. Billy teased her ways shown in the best light on tele- when he came back on stage, telling vision. her not to worry because he “ain’t The late 60s and 70s was when going nowhere.” the group, The 5th Dimension, were After an afternoon of smooth putting out hit record after hit Billy Davis, Jr. and Marilyn McCoo sounds from the 70s, later that record― songs such as Up, Up and evening I met my daughter to enjoy Away, Stoned Soul Picnic, You Don’t McCoo has always made me think of could not pull me away from the tel- some old school Hip Hop. On that Have to Be a Star, Last Night (I my mother, who passed away in the evision set. I was completely mes- same Court of Honor Stage at The th Didn’t Get to Sleep at All), and their late 60s. When The 5 Dimension merized by Marilyn McCoo’s beauty. Big E, there was a completely differ- biggest hit, Aquarius/Let the Sun- were on shows like Ed Sullivan, Soul Marilyn McCoo and Billy shine In. To be honest, I believe Train or American Bandstand, you Davis, Jr., who separated from five- continues to page 33 Smokey Robinson. The Legend By Moyah Smith

waned. Still sexy and still smooth as He began a 13-song set with his 1981 the Temptations, including The Way silk. Smokey crooned to the audience ballad Being With You, followed by a You Do The Things You Do, Get with a full 90-minute performance. 1969 Smokey Robinson & The Mir- Ready and My Girl. No break; no intermission. acles dance tune, I Second That Emo- Smokey revealed that he has Robinson is known for being in- tion. The show continued as he studied the Spanish language for the strumental in the start-up of the Mo- covered three decades of hits, includ- past seven years and is working on an town record label when he was ing ballads like Quiet Storm (‘75) and around 19 or 20 years old, with song- Ooo Baby Baby (‘69). The latter, by upcoming EP that will be completely writer Barry Gordy. Smokey’s hit the way, brought the audience to a in Spanish. He gave us a little taste record-making career began in the standing ovation. He sang smooth with his new single, La Mirada (The 60s with his singing group, The Mir- dance melodies like Tears of A Clown Look). It was delicious, so I encour- acles, as well as a range of chart-top- (‘70), Just To See Her (‘87), and age you keep an eye out for the up- pers that he wrote for groups like the Tracks of My Tears (‘69) with an en- coming project. Temptations, Diana Ross & The ergy level that would make you doubt Robinson closed the show per- Smokey Robinson Supremes, and many more. his age. fectly with his 1979 hit Cruisin as he mokey Robinson. The legend. His appearance at Symphony It was a great pleasure to hear Iconic for his smooth vocals, Hall was sponsored by MGM Spring- the many Motown memories he had encouraged crowd participation, pit- Sgreen eyes and utter sexiness. field. Backed by a six-piece band and working with the likes of Stevie Won- ting the two sides of the Symphony At the ripe, young age of 79, not one three back-up singers, he brought der and many others. He performed a Hall audience members against each ounce of any of those traits has along a plethora of songs to perform. medley of songs that he co-wrote for other. What a night to remember! ■ af-am point of view page thirty-three november 1, 2019 SEEN AT THE BIG E

ENTERTAINMENT REVIEW Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis, Jr. and Naughty By Nature at The Big E continued from page 32 members Treach and Vin Rock arrived ent vibe that night. The 90s Rap to the stage with their own DJ Kay group, Naughty By Nature, straight Gee. out of East Orange, New Jersey, had We hit two ends of the musical the crowd completely hyped with spectrum on that day. It was pretty songs like O.P.P., Feel Me Flow and fantastic! Make sure to check out Hip Hop Hooray. Springfield’s DJ www.thebige.com next year for the Anomaly from Vision Entertainment entertainment lineup. Most shows are had the crowd on fire before group free and quality acts. ■ af-am point of view page thirty-four november 1, 2019 COMMUNITY LIVING GOOD NEWS - NOVEMBER 2019 GOT H.E.R.S. Make Sure You Vote on Take the Doubt Out of Faith By Latoya Bosworth, PhD Tuesday, November 5th!!! Just because X (a negative event) Dr. Latoya Bosworth By Jay Griffin dubbed herself happened, doesn’t mean it will Brenda’s Child in happen again. I can only plead with you to honor of her late Just because Jay Griffin, people say (insert VOTE! VOTE! VOTE! Let’s get the mother. She is an edu- Stone Soul Festival negative remark), doesn’t mean I ball rolling. Pick up the phone and cator, author, speaker, Program Chairman have to own this as my truth. call others and get them to vote also, and self-esteem expert. [email protected] www.brendaschild.com Just because I’m scared, does- Tel: 413-636-3881 especially your family members and n’t mean I can’t be brave. or friends! Give those who need it a ride re you practicing fake faith? Just because no one has ever ac- 413-739-2947 to the polls. We fought long and hard Do you pray about it? Let go for the right to vote. I won’t be Aand let God, but then find complished this, doesn’t mean am ashamed of myself. I didn’t ashamed again! yourself worried about things you ul- I can’t be the first . vote in this year’s primary for a timately have no control over? Up Inumber of reasons. Primarily, I late, tossing and turning with anxi- 3. Create an affirming environ- did not do the planning and prepara- November 5th ety? Do you use words like manifest ment. Surround yourself with tion needed to take advantage of vot- and law of attraction, but don’t take people who are positive and sup- ing ahead of time. I will not make this Final Election calculated risks? portive, people who will fuel your mistake again. I ran through the Candidates Then it may be time to re-exam- faith instead of extinguishing it. newspaper to get the results of the ine your faith. This doesn’t mean you Secondly, any space that is yours– vote. I was mainly concerned about Mayor have to change your religion or stop office, car, bedroom, etc. should the Ward 4 ballot. I would normally Domenic J. Sarno practicing; it just means it’s time to be shrouded in affirmation. go to the Mason Square library some- Yolanda Cancel shift your thought patterns. Mahatma Quotes, colors, and sounds that re- time in the morning and vote. I would Gandhi said, “Faith is not something City Council At Large mind you anything is possible and ask the clerk at the desk how the vot- to grasp, it is a state to grow into.” ing was going. I would get the same Justin J. Hurst that you are supported by your an- Jesse Lederman This means you have to constantly response—light, light, light. I would gels, ancestors, and God Kateri B. Walsh work at surrendering to process and be very disappointed. Now, I’m dis- /Allah/the Universe. What is the Tracye L. Whitfield outcomes. It is probably one of the appointed in myself. LaMar Cook hardest things to do because we often ring tone on your phone? When I want to utilize this space in Sean Curran become skeptical due to our past ex- you wake up in the morning, what POV to urge everyone to vote, not Johnnie Ray McKnight periences. It’s difficult to believe that is the first thing you see? When just vote but get on the phone and call Kelli P Moriarty-Finn you can have the life you’ve always you see it, hear, or speak it every others to encourage them to vote. I Christopher J. Pohner dreamed of, that everything will work waking moment, you will be more want the Ward 4 voters to vote be- Israel Rivera out perfectly if you ever operated likely to believe it. cause we fought long and hard for from a place of lack: of food, security, ward representation in the ward. We City Council Ward 4 love, safety, money. However, it is must not waste this effort. Make your Malo L. Brown 4. Faith Followed by Action Yields possible, and eliminating the linger- decision known. Ward 4 has two can- Jynai S. McDonald Results. If you say you believe or ing, nagging doubt is the first step. didates. Take your time and decide on that you are “speaking it into ex- City Council Ward 5 Malo Brown or Jynai McDonald. I istence,” the next step is to act. Marcus J. Williams 1. Acknowledge it and reaffirm it. consider both of them good candi- Whether you are religious or not, Edward Green Recognize and label those feel- dates. the laws of motion are real. If you ings. Is it doubt, fear, anxiety? City Council Ward 6 move, so too will the universe. Then ask yourself why you feel Victor G. Davila This may mean that you begin be- the way you do? Is it a response to Timothy Ryan the past, to the opinions of others? having as if whatever it is you are This will determine the self-talk asking for has already happened, VOTE on HAPPY you need to reaffirm your faith. or it could mean you taking one step towards what you want. November THANKSGIVING 2. Reaffirm your faith or trust in Demonstrate your faith with a 5th TO ALL! the universe with Just Because small leap and watch the statements. magic/miracle happen. ■ af-am point of view page thirty-five november 1, 2019 COMMUNITY NABVETS Corner Changes at NABVETS Springfield Chapter ─102 By Milton Jones, Member ecently, our Office Manager left our em- crease our ability to serve veterans and their fami- systems, and provide general ploy for greener pastures. Over the past lies, and to increase membership in NABVETS, clerical support including com- Rthree months, we have had several mem- Springfield Chapter #102, as well as provide sup- puter work, filing, light book- bers volunteer to spend some time in the office to port for the activities of NABVETS. keeping, etc. Milton Jones fill in and, at the same time, we have embarked Wanda is a Springfield native who has strong Karen is from California and most recently upon a hiring process targeting two office person- roots in community activism. She worked for many worked as a Program Specialist for a pharmaceuti- nel―one to lead our outreach efforts and one to of the Human Services organizations in the Spring- cal company helping people who could not afford provide clerical support services. Commander field area, private and city/state funded. She di- their medications. Having a strong background in Tony Bass and Vice Commander Sam Smith led rected the welfare to work program and she was Office Management/Support, she moved from the this effort with support from the membership, as director of the Mason Square health task force, just West coast to the East coast where she continued needed. The results of our hiring process are as fol- to mention a few of her accomplishments. She is to work in pharmaceutical manufacturing and with lows: also an Entrepreneur who runs a small business non-profits. She is “good with people” and is able and, in her spare time, directs, acts and helps to to connect with them and build rapport. Wanda L. Givens write plays. Karen is a veteran who served in the U.S. We have hired Wanda as our Out- Navy from 2007 – 2012. During her service, she reach Coordinator. She will be Karen A. Irizarry drove small boats, destroyers and battleships. She working closely with Sam Smith Karen was recently hired as our said she really enjoyed the experience, except driv- and Gene Brice to develop rela- Office Support Personnel to work ing at night was a real challenge. tionships with other Veteran Serv- with Commander Tony Bass to The NABVETS Springfield Chapter member- ice Organizations and the greet veterans and others who ship wants to welcome Wanda and Karen and look community in general to improve come into the office, help main- forward to them utilizing their skills, abilities and access to needy veterans and their families, in- tain and improve paperwork flow contacts to help the Chapter continue to grow. ■ THE SPRINGFIELD CHAPTER OF NABVETS

WTCC is your source for music - from jazz to R&R oldies, gospel to salsa, R&B to blues, Motown and more, as well as Caribbean, Portuguese, Latino, Polish, Greek, Native American and Italian programming - plus talk shows with local hosts discussing local issues. The Springfield Chapter of NABVETS, local veterans organiza- tions, dignitaries and community partners gathered on October 26th to commemorate the nation’s oldest Vietnam War Memorial Your all-volunteer community radio station and pay tribute to the five men killed in action in Vietnam between broadcasting 24/7 from the campus of STCC 1967-1968 and give recognition to their surviving families. These men are: Specialist Four Norman C. Farris, Private Gus Stovall, Jr., Lance Corporal David L. Owens, Staff Sergeant James C. www.wtccfm.org Starnes and Specialist Four Ronald C. Hurst. af-am point of view page thirty-six november 1, 2019 CLASSIFIEDS 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 PTHE 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 OF NEW ENGLAND WWW.FCPNE.COM AUTOS WANTED LIFE ALERT. 24/7. One press of a button sends help CASH FOR CARS! We buy all cars! Junk, high‐end, FAST! Medical, Fire, Burglar. Even if you can’t reach totaled ‐ it doesn’t matter! Get free towing and a phone! FREE brochure. CALL 800‐457‐1917 same day cash! NEWER MODELS too! Call 844‐813‐ 0213 SPECTRUM TRIPLE PLAY TV, Internet & Voice for $29.99/ea. 60 MB per second speed. No contract or HEALTH & FITNESS commitment. We buy your existing contract up to DO YOU HAVE CHRONIC KNEE OR BACK PAIN? $500! 1‐844‐592‐9018 If you have insurance, you may qualify for the per‐ fect brace at little to no cost. Get yours today! Call STAY IN YOUR HOME longer with an American Stan‐ 1‐800‐217‐0504. dard Walk‐In Bathtub. Receive up to $1,500 off, in‐ cluding a free toilet, and a lifetime warranty on the OXYGEN‐Anytime. Anywhere. tub and installation! Call us at 1‐866‐945‐3783. No tanks to refill. No deliveries. Only 2.8 pounds! FAA approved! FREE info kit: Call 1‐800‐732‐0442 STOP STRUGGLING ON THE STAIRS. MISCELLANEOUS Give your life a lift with an ACORN STAIRLIFT! Call now for $250. OFF your stairlift purchase and FREE Still Have Life Insurance? DVD & brochure! 1‐844‐286‐0854 You may qualify for a cash buyout! FOR RENT Are you 75 years or older with a life insurance policy of Warm Weather Is Year Round In Aruba. $100,000 or more? You may qualify to trade-in that unneeded The water is safe, and the dining is fantastic. Walk or unwanted policy for a cash payment of tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars. out to the beach. 3‐Bedroom weeks available. • Immediate cash payout • Use the proceeds Sleeps 8. Email: [email protected] for more in‐ • Eliminate premium however you wish – formation. payments no restrictions 413-886-2804 OR Two and one half billion dollars paid out in life settlement payments last year. 413-309-6553 REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONALS 1-855-815-3639 Benefit Advance may share your information and work with non-affiliated third parties to evaluate or qualify your life insurance policies, or as required or permitted by law. AW19-1058 Specializing in Siding, Repairs on A PLACE FOR MOM. siding, Insulation, Windows, The nation’s largest senior living referral service. Roofing, Drywall, Flooring, Painting Contact our trusted, local experts today! Our service and much more! is FREE/no obligation. CALL 1‐855‐799‐4127. APPLYING FOR SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY or ap‐ pealing a denied claim? Call Bill Gordon & Assoc., Social Security Disability Attorneys! FREE Consulta‐ tions. Local Attorneys Nationwide 1‐866‐945‐2549! Mail: 2420 N. St. NW, Washington DC. Office: Broward Co. FL (TX/NM Bar) DEALING WITH WATER DAMAGE requires immedi‐ ate action. Local professionals that respond imme‐ diately. Nationwide and 24/7. No Mold Calls. 1‐800‐506‐3367 INVENTORS‐FREE INFORMATION PACKAGE. Have your product idea developed affordably by the Concentrating in Real Estate Research & Development pros and presented to manufacturers. Call 1‐855‐380‐5976 for a Free Idea Starter Guide. Submit your idea for a free consulta‐ tion. af-am point of view page thirty-seven november 1, 2019 COMMUNITY CALENDAR ▬ NOVEMBER 2019 220 State St., Spfld., MA November 16 (Saturday) When: 5:30PM–8PM Jynai McDonald, When: 2PM–4PM ― FREE 40th Birthday Celebration Honoring Tickets: $50/general admission, POV Community ______Dr. Atu White $500/table of 10 Calendar Editor November 5 (Tuesday) Dinner & Live Band info: ssvgoldengala.eventbrite.com Please submit your events General Election Day Where: Chez Josef ______with attn: Jynai in the Where: Various Polling Locations 176 Shoemaker Lane Mondays subject line to Springfield, MA Agawam, MA Women & Girls Open Gym [email protected] When: 7AM–8PM When: 6PM–11PM Where: South End Community Center info: 413‐787‐6190 Tickets: $80/adults, $45/child 99 Marble St., Spfld., MA November 1 (Friday) ______info: 413‐796‐1613 or When: 6:30PM–8:30PM – $1 fee Delta Sigma Theta Red Carpet Movie November 6 (Wednesday) 413‐785‐5664 info: 413‐788‐6173 Event: Harriet Talkin’ Turkey Table Top ______Where: Cinemark West Springfield Unique opportunity for businesses to November 16 (Saturday) Tuesdays 15 864 Riverdale St., promote/market to decision makers Community Dental Day STCC to offer Adult Basic Education (GED/HiSET W. Spfld., MA Where: Twin Hills Country Club FREE service Classes) When: 6:30PM 700 Wolf Swamp Rd., Where: Springfield Technical Where: Training Resources of America info: www.arisespringfield.org/ Longmeadow, MA Community College, Bldg. 20 32‐34 Hampden St., Grd level communityresourceboard When: 3PM–7PM ― FREE 1 Armory St., Spfld., MA Spfld., MA ______info: 413‐224‐2444 or When: 9AM–4PM― FREE *First When: 11AM ― FREE November 2 (Saturday) http://ERC5.com come first serve basis info: 413‐732‐2223 or ARISE and Dance for Climate Justice: ______info: 413‐755‐4900 jmcdonald@tra‐inc.org Benefit for ARISE for Social Justice November 7 (Thursday) ______Where: Veterans of Foreign Wars Hall A Taste of Hope Hartford November 16 (Saturday) Tuesdays 18 Meadow St., Florence, MA Wine & food tasting Holiday Warm Up Day Party Mason Square C3 When: 7:30PM–10:30PM Where: The Society Room of Hartford Where: Smokey Joe’s Cigar Lounge Community Engagement Initiative *Cash bar & complimentary 31 Pratt St., Hartford, CT 395 Dwight St., Spfld., MA Working Together for a Safer Commu‐ snacks available When: 6PM–9:30PM When: 2PM–7PM nity info: www.arisespringfield.org/ info: www.atasteofhopehartford.org *Requesting non‐perishable Where: Mason Square Branch Library communityresourceboard ______food donations 765 State St., Spfld., MA ______November 9 (Saturday) Tickets: $10/advance, $15/at door When: 11AM ― FREE November 2 (Saturday) PBS KIDS Fan Day ______info: 413‐263‐6853 First Time Homebuyers Workshop Where: Naismith Memorial November 16 (Saturday) ______Where: Springfield College Basketball Hall of Fame 2019 HBCU College Fair Bus Trip & Wednesdays Locklin Hall Rm 331 1000 Hall of Fame Ave, College Readiness Workshop Playgroup 263 Alden St., Spfld., MA Springfield, MA Where: MLKFS Community Center Ages birth ‐ 5 years old When: 9AM–5PM When: 10AM–3PM 3 Rutland St., Spfld., MA (siblings welcome) info: 413‐739‐4737 ext. 100 or Tickets: $10/adult, $5/youth, When: 6:30AM Depart s–Tickets: $40 Where: Mason Square Branch Library www.springfieldnhs.org FREE/under 12 months info: 413‐746‐3655 ext. 140 765 State St., Springfield, MA ______info: 413‐735‐6605 or ______When: 10:30AM–11:30AM – FREE November 2 (Saturday) wgby.org/fanday/tickets November 17 (Sunday) info: 413‐263‐6853 Gardening the Community’s Fall Har‐ ______Chili Cook‐Off Fundraiser Hosted by: ______vest Celebration November 9 (Saturday) Hampden County Bar Foundation & Tuesdays & Thursdays Where: Trinity Church Werk 2019 Fashion Show The Dante Club Co‐Ed Adult Kickball League 361 Sumner Ave., Spfld., MA Hosted By: Parris Nichols Where: The Dante Club Where: South End Community Center When: 4PM–6PM Where: Panache Ballroom 1198 Memorial Ave., 99 Marble St., Spfld., MA Tickets: (advance) $6/adult, $3/child 827 State St., Spfld., MA West Spfld., MA $100/team, $15/individual (at door) $9/adult, $5/child When: 4PM When: 12PM–3PM info: 413‐788‐6173 ask for Dion info: 413‐693‐5340 x5 or info: 845‐350‐2675 or $25/Chili registration ______www.gtcspringfield.org www.trueheartent.com info: www.hcbar.org or Saturdays & Sundays ______413‐732‐4660 Basketball Weekend Skills Develop‐ November 2 (Saturday) November 14 (Thursday) ______ment 2nd Annual Harvest Horse Fundraiser: Health Careers Exploration Night November 17 (Sunday) Where: South End Community Center Grown Folks Prom Where: Springfield Technical Boys & Girls Club Family Center Com‐ 99 Marble St., Springfield, MA Where: Bond Ballroom Community College munity Thanksgiving Dinner When: ages 5‐8 9AM‐10:30AM 338 Asylum St., Hartford, CT 1 Armory St., Spfld., MA Where: 100 Acorn St., Spfld., MA ages 9‐11 11AM–12:30PM When: 7PM–11PM When: 10AM–3PM info: 413‐739‐4743 info: 413‐732‐2223 Tickets: $65/pp, $120/couple Tickets: $10/adult, $5/youth, ______info: www.ebonyhorsewomen.us FREE/under 12 months November 20 (Wednesday) Introductory Swahili ______info: 413‐735‐6605 or Forward Fifty Gala Where: Boys & Girls Club Family November 3 (Sunday) wgby.org/fanday/tickets Springfield School Volunteers Cele‐ Center Double Dose of Art ______brates 50 Years 100 Acorn St., Spfld., MA Springfield Central Cultural District Where: MGM Springfield When: 9AM Where: Springfield City Library One MGM Way, Spfld., MA info: 413‐739‐4743 af-am point of view page thirty-eight november 1, 2019 SPECIAL TO POINT OF VIEW “I BELIEVE in YOU! continued from page 19 I won’t mention his name, but he calls us “Sons of Bitches” for daring to say we don’t like you shooting and killing our men, women and chil- dren, even in our homes! This is nothing new. These so-called founding fathers—they were founding fathers all right—they found them some African women and raped them. (Where do you think the name BACHMAN came from!) WE made cotton king. WE laid the railroads west. WE built the White House. In the whaling in- dustry, we were behind all the perfumes and colognes the rich folk wear. WE saved this country in war. Ask the Tuskegee Airmen, who pursed ex- cellence while our people were being lynched all around them. I could go on. When we stood up against the rapes and other evil activity, they lynched us. There are mass graves of ours all over this country. Our elders can tell you much, if we just sit down and talk with 100 Men of Color Western Massachusetts honorees L to R: Previous recipient Tony them. Today, they kill you in your own home. Pettaway, Ronald X. Johnson, Billy Thomas McBride, President and CEO of When we stand up for right, we’re told to “Go ELEVEN28 ENTERTAINMENT June Archer, Soloe M. Dennis, Domingo Sanbula, Back Where You Came From,” to your “Shithole and previous recipient Joe Young. Countries.” Imagine that! Let me tell you this―Don’t ever be ashamed But if we remember to trust God, we’ll be all of where we came from―Africa. They tell you right. We’ll have peace of mind. He said, “Do not Africa is a “Dark Continent.” If that is true, why be anxious about anything, but in every situation, are they still, today, stealing billions of dollars in by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present Africa natural resources. your requests to God.” All we have to do is BE- Know and believe this―God did not make a LIEVE Him. For me, If God said it, that settles it. mistake in creating us. If you just open up one I’m old school. Tonight’s celebration of 100 book, “Great Men of Color,” you will learn about Men of Color reminds me of some old Negro spir- all the great kingdoms of Africa. ituals—“We Are Climbing Jacob’s Ladder,” “He’s They make jokes about Timbuktu, but Tim- Got the Whole World in His Hands,” “Let My Peo- buktu was the center of commerce for the entire ple Go!,” “This Little Light of Mine,” Don’t You world, until some jealous Europeans came and Let Nobody Turn You Around,” and “Oh Happy used their fire power to rape, kill and underdevelop Day.” the continent. If we learn our history―WAKANDA FOR- Our women were walking about in silk while EVER! But if we want to make it to Heaven, we Europeans were killing animals and putting their must put our trust in God, and study His Word to bloody dry skins on the=ir behinds. discover our purpose and destiny in life, so we can The movie Black Panther has inspired a new truly do His will for our lives with passion. We can “Wakanda Forever” movement. We’re slowly get- Bridge the Village in our community. We can take ting back on track. Three black women set world back our community and create a much stronger records just this past weekend. and more positive environment for our young peo- But we also need to excel in the new technolo- ple. gies that already are hiring right now, excluding nologies, we will be the new slaves of the 21st cen- If we do this in honor of God, then our living us―Augmented Reality, Robotics―and become tury. will not be in vain.” THIS is a story we can the new generation of inventors. Be the new The ugliness in the air today is stressful. Dr. GLADLY share with our young people. I’m old George Washington Carver. Be the new Madame King said it well, “We’ve got some difficult days school. I say, let’s “Go Tell It on the Mountain!” C.J. Walker! ahead.” A young Black man is probably feeling Thank you all, and God bless each and every If we don’t connect our kids to the new tech- like, “Sometimes, I Feel Like a Fatherless Child.” family represented here tonight!” ■ af-am point of view page thirty-nine november 1, 2019 CONGRATULATIONS CORNER

Roy Goodman poses with Mayor Sarno and members of his family From L to R at Such’s album release party are WTCC staff after the announcement of his promotion to be the 311 Director for Vanessa Lyons and Moyah Smith, Smokey Joe’s co-owner Toni the City of Springfield. Hendrix, The Vocalist Such, Smokey Joe’s co-owner Joe Hendrix, and Curt T from WTCC. The Reopening of Pahmusa Gallery

The Honorable Tina Page, Superior Court Judge (Retired), spoke about her career path at Western New England University School of Law at their Color of Law Roundtable Discussion.

Captain Rupert Daniel (center) poses with Mayor Domenic Sarno and Springfield Police Commissioner Cheryl Clapprood after being promoted to Deputy Chief effective Sunday, October 13, 2019. He is the first black Deputy Chief in Springfield, MA. af-am point of view page forty november 1, 2019 The Forgotten Spirit – The Musical By Wanda Givens JELUPA Productions is back to give you another stellar performance, only to miss. It’s the perfect family outing for the Thanksgiving weekend. Perform- this time its going to be bigger and better than anything you’ve seen. Rumor ances will be held at American International College in the Karen Sprague has it that it just might be historical. This Thanksgiving weekend the Martin Performing Arts Center Friday, November 29 at 7:30pm and Saturday, No- Luther King, Jr. Community Presbyterian Church, under the leadership of vember 30 at 7:30pm with a VIP reception at 5:30pm on Saturday, where you Rev. Dr. Terrlyn Curry Avery, in collaboration with JELUPA Productions, will can meet the cast and crew. Tickets are on sale through Eventbrite, at Erika’s bring you a play that is bound to be talked about for months to come and Hall of Fame Kitchen, MLK Church and Olive Tree Book Store. Group sales sought-after year after year. The play is called “The Forgotten Spirit – The are available. Musical.” For more information contact Wanda Givens @ 413 209-2728 or What makes this play so significant is that it comes from a book called L’Kuicha Parks @ 413 478-8573. This event is supported in part by the “The Forgotten Spirit,” written by Evie Rhodes, a note-worthy author in the Springfield Cultural Council. African American Literary world and Starring: Londyn Williams author of seven Director: L’Kuicha Parks books. Ms. Rhodes Musical Director: Marcus N. Pitts, III has been recognized by the African Novel by Evie Rhodes American Academy Musical Adaptation: L’Kuicha Parks of Arts and Letters. Set Design: Craig Milne The “Forgotten Spirit” started as an article featured in Today’s Black Woman which noted her writing as “un- defined in contem- porary times.” It is the first African American Christmas story in the country based on the Gospels of Jesus Christ. But the magic doesn’t stop there. L’Kuicha (Leslie) Parks, the Executive Artistic Director of JELUPA Produc- tions, Inc., has taken this masterpiece and turned it into a musical that defies description. Ms. Parks has been bringing us quality productions through JELUPA for years. The works she chooses to produce are always culturally and socially relevant. She is known for taking everyday people (like myself) and turning them into local stars! The list of individuals in Springfield who have been bitten by the acting bug is long, in large part, due to her commitment to the arts and to her com- munity. As is the case with “The Forgotten Spirit – The Musical,” Ms. Parks has brought even more magic than usual to this production. The Musical Director for “Forgotten” is none other than one of our own, very well-known musicians, Mr. Marcus Pitts. He’ll be providing us with some original pieces combined with well-known traditional gospel and Christ- mas tunes. Then there’s the dancing, choreographed by yet another Springfield native, Ms. Tracey Thomas. She’ll be lending her expertise to the Spirits in the play, who’ll be dancing around you. “The Forgotten Spirit, The Musical” is a Christmas story you don’t want