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AfAm Your VOICE Your COMMUNITY POINT OF VIEW Your POINT OF VIEW www.afampov.com Our Community News Magazine april 1, 2015 AFRICAN AMERICANS AND AUTISM: WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW CHAIRMAN “…one statistic that directly affects the African American community will go often unmentioned. African American children experience on aver- JEFFREY E. age an 18 month diagnostic disparity behind their counterparts. Why is this significant? Because early intervention services end at age three.” By Jacqueline Williams-Hines – 14 POINDEXTER, TOGETHER WE CAN FIGHT SUB- STANCE ABUSE “Nearly 1,000 people in Massachusetts died of ESQUIRE unintentional opioid overdoses in 2013, more than double the number of motor vehicle deaths By Frederick A. Hurst and a 46 percent increase over the previous year.” By Senator Eric P. Lesser – 17 ongratulations to Attorney Jeffrey E. Poindexter for APPRECIATING COMMITTED breeching a barrier that I never expected would be LIVES Cbreeched in my lifetime. When I was growing up, the “I will remember the commitment demonstrated Greater Springfield YMCA board membership was off limits by others who cared little about fortune and fame, for Black folks with the occasional exception. The title itself but rather cared about improving the quality of life for our people and, by extension, our nation projected a sterile, white male image that for Black folks, read as a whole.” “keep out.” Lists of its all-white, male Board of Directors had By Dr. Donald Brown – 24 always read like a who’s who in area power circles. And until OP-ED recently there had never been a significant effort to change “While weaving together a feeble logic intended things. That is until its Chief Executive Officer Kirk Smith ar- to educate the leaders of Iran on the virtues of our constitutional system of government, this gang of rived on the scene. 47 has openly allowed their personal animus for Attorney Jeffrey E. Poindexter the President to undermine our system of govern- continues to page 15 ment and its national security by directly inter- fering with diplomatic relations.” By Victor Woolridge – 27 “BLACK LEADER?” BELIEVE AGAIN “God, I believe that as long as you reign there is WHAT’S THAT? still a glimmer of hope. I choose to prove you right. The laughter of the birds, the playing of By Frederick A. Hurst squirrels and the warmth of the sun reminds us s I write this follow-up arti- true. Nor did it matter that it probably of your resurrected power.” By Dr. Atu White – 28 cle on Black leadership, I’m needed to be written. All that mat- reminded of Dr. E. Franklin tered to them was that he publicly ex- MUSINGS ON SOCIAL JUSTICE A “Here are white men poised to run big marijuana Frazier who wrote the book “Black posed a way of life among his peers businesses, dreaming of cashing in big – after 40 Bourgeoisie.” Frazier was a distin- that he accurately documented as su- years of impoverished black kids getting prison guished sociology professor at perficial. And he was never forgiven time for selling weed, and their families and fu- Howard University in Washington, for this perceived public social re- tures destroyed. Now white men are planning to D.C. His book explored what he saw buke of the Black “elite” of his time. get rich doing precisely the same thing?” By Zaida Govan as the hyper-inflated pretentiousness As I resume the task of writing (quoting Michelle Alexander) – 34 of the Black “middle class” and was about “Black leaders,” I feel a little JACKIE ROBINSON ATHLETICS AND so explosive that Frazier’s own bit like Dr. Frazier must have felt as RECREATION COMPLEX Howard University colleagues black- he was putting revealing words on “The University of California at Los Angeles… balled him until the day he died. It paper that he had to know would subject, the subject of Black leader- announced that it is naming a series of recreation ship can be a political minefield and and athletics facilities in honor of Jackie Robin- didn’t matter to his detractors that make many of his peers “uncomfort- son, the legendary four sport Bruin star who went much of what he wrote about was able.” Like his Black bourgeoisie continues to page 15 on to break the color barrier in Major League Please visit, follow, subscribe, comment, like, tweet, read or explore www.facebook.com/ https://plus.google.com/ www.twitter.com/ Baseball…” AfAmPointofView +PointofViewSpringfield AfAmPointofView By Black Sports International – 36 on our website at: www.afampointofview.com or www.afampov.com POV_April_1_2015_POV_April_1_2015 3/26/2015 5:01 PM Page 2

afam point of view page two april 1, 2015 CITY OF BRIDGEPORT I would like to thank everyone who helped make the 2015 Business Expo a success. A special thanks to our generous financial sponsors International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers #488 & Viking Construction. Without your support this event would not have been possible. Last but not least Bill Finch, Mayor Deborah A. Caviness, Senior Program City of Bridgeport, CT THANK YOU to all the businesses that participated. Administrator, Office of the Mayor Small & Minority Business Resource Office 2015 BUSINESS EXPO EXHIBITORS Absolutely Fabulous Photography Earth Environmental Consultants O& G Industries Advantage Payroll Services Energize Connecticut Operation Fuel African American Point of View Epifano Builders Olivier Kpognon Photography Albertus Magnus College Erection Welding Optimus Health Care Alliant Insurance Falcon Advertising Qwik Pack & Ship All About Ties Fusco Corporation Paradise Organic Drinks Allure Dental Group GBAPP Park City Communities Aries Construction General Assembly Bridgeport Delegation Peoples United Bank Aron Security Greater Bridgeport Transit Authority Posh Kids Boutique Bismark Construction Hall Neighborhood House Preventive Health Care Solutions Black Chamber of Commerce HEDCO Posigen Solar Solutions Bridgeport Landing Development Home Depot SBA Bridgeport Neighborhood Trust HPS Enterprises Score BPT-OIC IHC International Sister Soldier Environmental Cleaning C.A. Howard & Associates IMEL Productions Springboard Consulting Cablevision of CT Inner City News State Farm Insurance CEDF International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Southwest Community Health Center City of Bridgeport: CitiStat Jewelry of Less The Back Stroke City of Bridgeport: Fire Department Juneteenth of Fairfield County Tiaa Cref City of Bridgeport : Police Department KDC Jewelry Tree Tim’s Enterprises City of Bridgeport: Minority Business Resources KenChar Natural & Organic Products Tri-State Realty Community Capital McBride Electrical Contractors Trinity Consultants CT PTAP McLo Designs & Graphics True Image Apparel CT Dept. of Consumer Protection Metric Restaurant United States Postal Service CT Department of Labor Morganti Construction Viking Construction CT Office of Tourism Nantes Solutions WDJZ Radio Station David Lerner Associates New England Ballet Company Xcetera by Moochie DECD Neighborhood Revitalization Zones Your Mind in Bloom Doctor’s Express Nutmeg Planners Zanni Ani Organic Gourmet Snacks POV_April_1_2015_POV_April_1_2015 3/26/2015 5:01 PM Page 3

afam point of view page three april 1, 2015 BUSINESS & FINANCE AN AFRICAN AMERICAN Point of View Financial Cents...... 10 688 Boston Road, Springfield, MA 01119 Social Media Marketing ...... 10 Phone: (413) 796-1500 ● Fax: (413) 796-6100 CLASSIFIED...... 35 CON

E-mail: [email protected] ● Website: www.afampointofview.com CON www.facebook.com/ https://plus.google.com/ www.twitter.com/ COMMUNITY AfAmPointofView +PointofViewSpringfield AfAmPointofView Call to the Cause ...... 16 Point of View is a monthly news journal with an African American orientation. It is distributed Community Focus – CT...... 42-43 free to select locations in Hampden and Hampshire counties and in Connecticut. Letters, Community Focus – Springfield...... 18-20 articles and comments appearing in the newspaper reflect the opinions of the contributors Congratulations Corner ...... 30 and do not constitute an endorsement by POV and are subject to editing. POV assumes no Events ...... 41 responsibility for photos, articles, letters, press releases or unsolicited materials. Decisions as to the editing and publishing of material are based on space availability and the discretion Good News...... 30 of the publisher and editor. Distribution locations are listed on our web site. POV assumes Latin@ Groove...... 18 no financial responsibility for failure to publish an advertisement, incorrect placement or ty- Leadership Pioneer Valley ...... 16 pographical errors in its publication. Advertisers are solely responsible for the content of their Political Happenings – New Haven...... 24 advertising and claims and offers contained within their advertising. POV reserves the right Political Happenings – Springfield ...... 17 to refuse advertising for any reason. No portion of this publication may be reproduced without EDITORIAL written permission. AF-AM Newsbits ...... 4 PUBLISHER: Frederick A. Hurst EDITOR: Marjorie J. Hurst From the Publisher’s Desk ...... 26 CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: THIS ISSUE Letters to the Publisher...... 24 Artist in Residence Renée Flowers Op-Ed Victor Woolridge Op-Ed ...... 27 Black Sports International Melvin Wm. Bell, Editor Parents & Community Patricia Spradley Call to the Cause Kirk Smith EDUCATION TENTS

Pen & Ink Juanita Torrence-Thompson TENTS Children’s Book Corner Terri Schlichenmeyer Early Education & Care ...... 8 Early Education & Care Nicole Blais Political Happenings Justin Hurst Education & Hope ...... 8 Education & Hope Gianna Allentuck Sen. Eric Lesser Parents & Community...... 6 Feature Jacqueline Williams-Hines Arlene Davis-Rudd Reading to Succeed ...... 7 Donald Brown, Ed.D. Reading to Succeed Sally Fuller FEATURES Financial “Cents” Walter D. Woodgett Religious Point of View Rev. Dr. Atu White, Editor The Gateway to College Program ...... 5 Food for Thought Zaida Govan African Americans and Autism ...... 14 Good News Jay Griffin Social Media Marketing Natalie Pryce Guest Viewpoint: Appreciating Committed Lives ...... 21 Health Matters Doris Harris, Editor The Urban Cook Rhonda Jones Are the Republicans Fit to Govern?...... 25 Latin@ Groove Magdalena Gómez Youth Premier Soccer David Kelley News from the State House...... 39 Leadership Pioneer Valley Lora Wondolowski, Editor FOOD TALK Life’s Challenges Sweets S. Wilson, PhD Artistic/Multimedia Director - Marie Zanazanian Food for Thought...... 34 Live Well Springfield Catherine Ratte Distribution Manager - Shawn Merriman Photographer - Ed Cohen The Urban Cook ...... 34 Mama’s Boyz Jerry Craft HEALTH LOCATE OUR ADVERTISERS Baystate Academy Charter Public School Health Fair ...... 12 2015 Business Expo Thank You ------2 Mt. Zion Baptist Church ------28 Health Matters ...... 11 Alden Baptist Church ------29 New Life Calvary Baptist Church ------29 Live Well Springfield...... 12 Baystate Medical Center ------13 Optical Expressions------14 LIVING Bethel AME Church------29 Overflowing Love Church of the Living God ------29 Branford Hall Career Institute ------3 Progressive Community Baptist Church------29 Life’s Challenges...... 33 Canaan Baptist Church of Christ ------29 Roberta B. Johnson/Real Living Real Estate------35 PHOTO GALLERY ...... 22-23,31 Carl Joseph Walker-Hoover Foundation------19 Shiloh Seventh-Day Adventist Church ------29 PROFESSIONAL SERVICES...... 35 Community Legal Aid, Inc. ------35 Shirley Jackson Whitaker, MD ------14 Ed Cohen Photography------35 Solid Rock Community Baptist Church ------29 RELIGION Family Church------28 Springfield College ------11 Religious Point of View ...... 28 Freedom Credit Union ------8 Springfield Dept. of Health & Human Services ------11 Religious Directory...... 28-29 Freedom House of God Inc. ------29 Springfield Neighborhood Housing Services ------35 SPORTS Gentle Smiles Family Dentistry------14 Springfield Public Schools ------41 GNEMSDC ------44 Springfield Technical Community College------5 & 9 Black Sports International ...... 36-38 Hall & Hall Siding------16 St. John’s Congregational Church------29 Springfield Sports ...... 36 Holyoke Community College------8 The Center After School------9 THE ARTS Home Inspections by Marco, Inc. ------35 Third Baptist Church ------29 Artist in Residence ...... 32 Lewin’s Boutique ------14 Wesley United Methodist Church ------29 MA Commission Against Discrimination ------20 Westfield State University ------9 Children’s Book Corner ...... 32 MBC Realtors, LLC ------35 WTCC FM 90.7------39 Mama’s Boyz...... 37 Mount Calvary Baptist Church------29 X-Bankers Check Cashing------35 Pen & Ink...... 33

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afam point of view page four april 1, 2015 the article contains much more of value, the following gem sums it up well: “How can this magazine – or any legacy institution – come to terms with a AF-AM NEWS bits blighted legacy on race and transcend it?” By Frederick A. Hurst BOY THOSE “SHAME” REPUBLICANS ARE BRILLIANT have nothing against writer and author Shelby Steele except that his writ- id you know that the ill-advised letter to Iran’s leader that was signed ings about “White guilt” and “Black blame” seem a bit over the top as by 47 Republicans was written by a junior senator with just two Idoes the recent review by Joseph Epstein of Steele’s essay “Shame.” The Dmonths of experience under his belt? It was signed by some members review was published in the Wall Street Journal (March 21, 2015). Steele is as they were running out the door to catch planes. “There was no caucus-wide a darling of White conservatives like Epstein because he is so consistent in debate about strategy; no consultation with Senate Foreign Relations Com- blaming Black folks for their condition in America while seeming to give mittee Chairman Bob Corker who has studiously followed the nuclear talks them little credit for their progress. He’s a lot like Supreme Court Justice (who refused to sign). This was a foreign policy maneuver, in the middle of a Clarence Thomas who is further to the right than most right wing White folks. high-stakes negotiation, with all the gravity and deliberation of a blog posting. And they both convey the impression that their primary objective is to please In timing, tone and substance it raises questions about the Republican major- White folks. I enjoy much of what Steele writes paragraph by paragraph but ity’s capacity to govern.” (Washington Post’s Michael Gerson in The Repub- I’m always nonplused by his conclusions. I’ve read and tried to empathize lican, March 16, 2015) with his writings but always come away with the feeling that he struggles too hard to put complex relationships into neat intellectual boxes that never quite conform to the reality of what goes on in everyday life. Some problems don’t NO 2024 have neat answers and the race problem in America is one of them and fitting t’s not just the $7,500 per day pay to former governor Deval Patrick that it into the complex divide that sharply separates conservative and liberal turned me against the 2024 Olympics. It’s all the other players, including America as neatly as he does just doesn’t hold water. Imany former Patrick employees, who are already pulling down huge six- figure paychecks to control the entire process which doesn’t seem to have too many checks and balances. It’s an insiders’ game which probably means a lot NOT YOU TOO TED CRUZ of folks are preparing to make a lot of money at, what will probably be, the o, Senator Ted Cruz, the just-announced extreme right wing Republican taxpayers’ expense. It’s being sold as a private venture that will require mas- candidate for President, is joining an Obamacare health plan, the same sive public support, which means, of course, that these private folk will be SObamacare he vows to abolish if he becomes president and the same spending a lot of our money or sucking the government into spending a lot of Obamacare that, as Senator, he has been attacking and trying to abolish since our money. It’s a Big Dig type project that we simply don’t need to get into its inception. He has all but frothed at the mouth expressing his derision for without much better cost safeguards and much more transparent revenue pro- it and President Obama. And now both he and his wife are joining Obamacare. jections. There certainly will be a statewide referendum on the question of And Cruz still claims to hate it! But he needs it because of an unfortunate whether or not to host the games and I, for one, will vote “no.” change of circumstances. His wife is leaving her job to work on his campaign which means she will lose her company medical insurance that covered them both. That this man would so cavalierly deny the least of Americans such cov- WOW! erage while his family enjoys its benefits, tells us all we need to know about CONFESSIONS OF TNR his character, which is not presidential. was floored by an article in The New Republic apologizing for its “racist” history. (February 2015) It contained more candor and contrition than I’m OBAMA CARE IS LESS EXPENSIVE Iaccustomed to reading in such a prominent mainstream periodical. A small bamacare will cost the government 11 percent less than projected sample from the six-page article: “The phrase “legacy of racism” encapsulates meaning taxpayers will pay $142 billion less than projected. I hope in a few words a large reality: Bigotries can have complex, ongoing ramifi- Osomebody told Ted Cruz. cations. Few, if any, longstanding institutions have been historically free of racism. Given the pervasiveness of racism in the past, the struggle to under- stand this legacy and figure out how to overcome it remains a political and THE NEXT GREAT MIGRATION institutional imperative. good friend, who happens to be White, sent me a copy of the above- “Over the last few months, following The New Republic’s centenary an- titled New York Times article, which was written by a Black American niversary and a staff shake-up, a perceived legacy of racism in the magazine Awho was encouraging Black folks to consider moving to a foreign has been the topic of intense arguments, mostly carried out online. In the wake country to avoid some of the race problems in America. It was interesting to of the debate, vexing questions demand answers: How do we reconcile the hear that he considered the suggestion an affront to Black folks and I consid- magazine’s liberalism, the ideology that animated the Civil Rights revolution, ered it just another option. I wouldn’t consider leaving because in-spite of with the fact that many black readers have long seen – and still see – the mag- race problems in America, it is still the best country in the world in which to azine as inimical and at times outright hostile to their concerns? How could a live. But others deserve the right to feel differently and, in fact, over the years magazine that published so much excellent on-the-ground reporting on the many have chosen to leave and never regretted it. In my mind, it’s not running unforgivable sins visited upon black America by white America – lynchings, away or being chased out of one’s own country. It’s just another alternative, legal frame-ups, political disenfranchisement, and more – also give credence not much unlike Black folks who had lived in the South under Jim Crow mi- to toxic and damaging racial theorizing? And why has The New Republic had grating North. only a handful of Black editorial staff members in its 100 years?” Although continues to page 27 POV_April_1_2015_POV_April_1_2015 3/26/2015 5:02 PM Page 5

afam point of view page five april 1, 2015 The Gateway to College Program: Don’t Miss This Opportunity! he Gateway to College program at pursue a college education. that students are willing to have excellent Springfield Technical Community Students selected to participate in the attendance and be ready and willing to work TCollege is a scholarship program for Gateway to College Scholarship program hard. Springfield residents, ages 16-20, who have will have no out of pocket expenses for We encourage you to pass along this in- dropped out of school or at-risk of not com- their tuition, fees, or books while participat- formation to any young person who may be pleting high school, but have a desire to ing in the program. a good fit for this terrific opportunity and earn a diploma and go to college. Our stu- Our philosophy as a program, and as a please feel free to contact us for more infor- dents will not only earn a high school staff, is that all students have the ability to mation at 413-755-4581, stop by our office diploma, but will also be earning significant achieve academic success and deserve the on campus in building 16, room 285 or college credits to use as they continue to highest quality of education. We just ask http://www.stcc.edu/gatewaytocollege/ ■

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afam point of view page six april 1, 2015 EDUCATION PARENTS & COMMUNITY selves right out of it. We begin asking ourselves A Parent’s Purpose things like: How will I be able to know my pur- pose? What will people think of me? How will I be Patricia Spradley able to support my child’s dream? What if I fail? as them to determine their purpose, as well. He gave Why am I the only one doing this? All I can say is Patricia Spradley is Chief the each of us purpose; it’s up to us to take the journey, Administrator for that YOU will know! Now trust me, I know that Parent and Hre knowing that there will be peaks and valleys along this is easier said than done, so below are some Community Engagement, ever been a the way, only to test how badly we really want it! suggestions that I hope you find helpful to begin Springfield Public time when Parenthood is already a daunting responsibil- your process: Schools you won- ity, while being tremendously rewarding at the (413) 787-6597 dered ex- same time. And while the task seems huge, the re- ■ Read “The Alchemist” by Paulo Coelho. actly what sults, if done properly, can be phenomenal. It ■ Have courage to pursue your dream or “per- you should be doing? Or maybe you questioned wasn’t until just recently, that I truly understood sonal legend” and help your children do the why you were even doing what you were doing? the purpose that He has always had for my life. same. These questions may be as perplexing when it And being able to help others figure this out, espe- comes to your children. For example, you know cially family members, is exciting. Parents realiz- ■ Listen to your heart because wherever your your child has lots of potential, but you’re having ing their purpose are the ultimate! After all, we are heart is, that’s where your purpose lives. challenges with supporting them in ways that help our children’s first educators and it seems to reason ■ Remain steadfast, be relentless and stay focused them do their best. It’s even further complicated that in doing so, we can provide great focus, deter- on your heart’s desire. because you don’t know your own purpose, so how mination and purpose for them. So we should work ■ Separate from those who don’t believe in you. can you possibly help them find theirs? tirelessly to prepare our sons and daughters to un- ■ Don’t give in to your fears. It’s important to understand that everything derstand their role in life—what He has destined ■ Understand that suffering will occur during the we do should prepare us and our children to live for them! The positive impact that this can have on journey, but it will be worth it! lives with purpose. We are not simply caring for their lifelong learning process is endless! our children until they can leave home—we are The work is no small feat. As a matter of fact, Unleashing your inner most passion, what you role models and have the responsibility of training it can be downright scary, whereby we talk our- were born to do—that’s Your Purpose! ■ LEADERS to Learn from

Congratulations, Pat. We are proud of you! Keep up the good work. Point of View POV_April_1_2015_POV_April_1_2015 3/26/2015 5:02 PM Page 7

afam point of view page seven april 1, 2015 EDUCATION READING TO SUCCEED Meet Local Author Keshawn Dodds By Sally Fuller

Sally Fuller heads the Read- being me.” ing Success by 4th Grade A few months later, after a long (RS4G) initiative for the Irene E. & George A. Davis philosophical conversation with Mar- Foundation, to build com- cus’ father, Keshawn went home with munity support and align efforts for all Springfield’s the artwork that Marcus created. “I children to read proficiently on the 3rd grade MCAS. would constantly look at it and then www.readby4thgrade.com one day, I started to put pencil to paper and just write. I continued to ’d like you to meet Keshawn Dodds, local author, father, hus- write and write and write until I had Iband, born and raised in Spring- a three hundred page manuscript. I re- field. He is shown in the photo ally had no clue how it happened, but reading to his lovely 10-year-old I looked at it as a blessing,” Keshawn daughter Sydney. Well, that’s not ex- remembers. actly true. Sydney was reading to What he wrote was a tribute to him! Marcus as well as a way of dealing I know because I was there with the loss of his best friend. when we shot this photo as part of the The good news is that Keshawn #413reads campaign for Reading has not stopped writing, creating five Success by 4th Grade. more books in the Menzuo series. Look closely at the book they Sydney Dodds reading to her dad, Keshawn Dodds, from one of his books More good news is his recent are reading. Menzuo: The Calling of universe and will have to face an evil friend, Marcus McDowell, was diag- partnership with Cosby Media Pro- the Sun Prince. It is the first of six Pirate Warrior named Morbid from nosed with cancer. While in the hos- ductions in their national reading ini- books in the Menzuo~Solar Warrior the planet Excervo. pital, Marcus wanted to do something tiative, Rediscover Reading. Working series he has authored. And it is soon I would like to tell you some- to help him deal with his treatments on the release of the first book in the to be released in a partnership with thing about Keshawn and how he and the pain he was going through. series, Keshawn and CMP have great Cosby Media Productions (CMP). came to write this book. Together the friends decided to create plans for Keshawn’s Menzuo and his It’s an exciting time for Ke- His mother raised Keshawn and a comic book. Marcus loved to draw shawn and his family. The ebook is three older brothers by herself, wid- and Keshawn had a passion for writ- superhero adventures. They have des- already out, as you read this. And the owed when Keshawn was seven. Ke- ing, so the superhero character, Men- ignated 2015 as the Year of the Hero, paperback will be out soon. shawn credits his three brothers with zuo (Men-Zoo-O) was created. so you will be hearing more of Men- Here’s a teaser about the book: helping him find his place in life as When Marcus passed away, zuo and several other characters in Menzuo a/k/a Jammal Hall finds out an advocate for education, sports and eleven months later, Keshawn had a development. that before his twelfth birthday that pursuing his passion for writing. difficult time and says he “didn’t Watch for more excitement from he is to become the protector of the At the age of 17, Keshawn’s best know how to make my way back to Keshawn and Menzuo coming soon! DON’T MISS Our Upcoming May 2015 issue featuring our writers’ choices of their Best Articles POV_April_1_2015_POV_April_1_2015 3/26/2015 5:02 PM Page 8

afam point of view page eight april 1, 2015 EDUCATION EDUCATION & HOPE “give it to the Paras to do” sometimes with pride and inspire others to great- “Give It To The Paras…” defining the Para as one who can only ness; distributing and monitoring do less instead of more. What’s miss- By Gianna Allentuck cute, colorful star-shaped tags to iden- ing, however, are the words–gener- tify staff cars so that morning arrival tive classroom strategies and proce- Gianna Allentuck is an ous, lift, inspire, heart, love, patience, is safe for children, families, and ed- dures. A high level of professionalism Adjustment Counselor at structure, firm, helpful, fair, laughter, ucators; filling in for the teacher with Elias Brookings School, and ethical behavior is expected con- creative, peer, flexible, colleague, such quiet confidence and graceful Volunteer, Wife and sistent with the job duties and respon- teacher, counselor, intelligent, re- Mother. For questions skill that a visitor to the building com- sibilities of a ParaProfessional. sourceful, and strong. or comments on mended “the teacher in that room” for uniting in hope, call My brother John is a Special Ed- Not bodies, but amazing talented her “engaging style and classroom (703) 930-0243 ucation ParaProfessional for Tanta- women such as Carmen, Celeste, squa Regional High School in Damaris, Fran, June, Karen, Olga, management;” or offering a caring ear ecently I viewed a post that Massachusetts. He also is the Boys Rachel, Rebecca, and and warm hug to a sad child whose read “Behind every great Varsity Lacrosse Coach, as well as DJ Sagrario. Women – Educators – who puppy ran away so that the child felt RTeacher is a great ParaProfes- and Security for all athletic events, constantly display the highest level of comforted, less distracted, and was sional” or something along those and the reliable go-to guy for field professionalism by: conducting fun, able to learn. lines. While several people “liked” trips, school activities, de-escalating silly, engaging lessons on the ABCs The list of valuable contributions this post, I remember thinking not be- students, and so much more... and 123s so that foundations are set by ParaProfessionals is boundless, but hind, but beside and sometimes lead- Though he would never tell you, I am for academic successes; soothing and perhaps their most prized gifts are that ing… one of the privileged ones who know holding the hand of a frightened child of their time and energy. Of their Whether you work in a school how much his colleagues, students, during a fire drill so that nerves will hearts. So let’s give it to the Paras in system or not, you may have heard the and families love and appreciate him– be calm and re-entry to learning will the way they truly deserve – with our term ParaProfessional, but you may constantly baking him cookies and be smooth; creating bright and cheery appreciation, admiration, respect, and not know what it means. According to cakes and giving him special thank balloons for the Student of the Month our own hearts. Not one in front or be- Springfield Public Schools, Parapro- you cards and tokens of apprecia- bulletin board so that children beam fessionals provide assistance to teach- tion. They express thanks for all that hind, but together – for all. ■ ers and other school personnel in the he does, but, more importantly, they delivery of quality education and sup- recognize that he is caring, compas- port services for students in an array sionate, dedicated, intelligent, funny, IT’S TIME of classroom settings such as life and loyal. He is the epitome of hard- skills, developmental classrooms, so- working. The essence of ParaProfes- to fofocus cial, emotional, and behavioral sup- sional. edu .

port (SEBS), LINKS (Autism) ParaProfessionals often are la- c program, visual or mobility orienta- beled in a limited manner as simply ON YOUR tion, language learning delays and those who assist and support. Simply .hc w

medical care. Additionally, this posi- another body to do what the Teacher w w futftfuturturt e. w tion is responsible for providing in- doesn’t want to or doesn’t have time structional assistance, classroom to do. Less in our school, but often in support, and implementation of effec- other schools you might even hear LEARN MORE AATT OUR OPEN HOUSE APRIL 9 5.5-7:00 P.P.M POV_April_1_2015_POV_April_1_2015 3/26/2015 5:02 PM Page 9

afam point of view page nine april 1, 2015 EDUCATION EARLY EDUCATION & CARE OPEN Cherish Spring’s Rebirth By Nicole Blais ents’ ability to support the child’s de- velopment. Twice per month, the pro- HOUSE Nicole Blais is Director gram offers opportunities for parents of Community Engagement HCS and children to come together as a Wednesday, April 22nd: Head Start, Inc. group for learning, discussion, and so- 1pm – 4pm [email protected] cial activity. This is a great program "USINESSs%NGINEERINGs(EALTHs,IBERAL!RTSs3CIENCEs4ECHNOLOGY model for new parents or expecting pring has sprung and we could- ones. Learn about Career and Transfer programs that will n’t be happier! Spring brings a The rate at which infants and help you build your future! Ssense of rebirth so I’ve decided toddlers grow is extraordinarily fast; Meet with representatives from: admissions, academics, athletics, to devote this month’s article to our although growth and development financial aid, and student support services. infants and toddlers. Coupled with the typically follow a common sequence, Come to: Ready to Apply? brain research of the late 90s and the the speed at which an individual child Get instantly ac One Armory Square, Springfield cepted for the overall expertise in child develop- develops can differ. I’ve written about Fall 2015 Semester! Scibelli Hall, Gymnasium Just b ment, Early Head Start and Early the milestones infants and toddlers ring your of ficial high sch Head Start home-based programs For more info: or GED ool transcript master as they build upon newly dis- /HiSET scores (s) (413) 755-3333 or transcript. have evolved out of Head Start’s long covered skills. Cooing, laughing, sWWWSTCCEDU history of providing services to low rolling over, crawling, walking, talk- income preschoolers and their fami- ing are all examples of these develop- Springfield Technical Community College lies. Now serving prenatal families mental markers of progress. The and children from birth to 5 years old, beauty of Early Head Start is that it the mission of HCS Head Start’s Early Head Start is simple: brings together parents, early child- hood educators and young children to ELEMENTARY MATHEMATICS IN ■ Promote healthy prenatal out- enhance the healthy development of THE SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE comes for pregnant women, very young and often very vulnerable ALEXANDER HAHN, PH.D. ■ Enhance the development of very children. These experiences set a se- young children, cure foundation for later school suc- APRIL 23, 5 P.M. ■ Promote healthy family function- cess. WESTFIELD STATE UNIVERSITY ing. As spring is upon us, observe SAVIGNANO AUDITORIUM, WILSON HALL For the past 16 years, HCS Head and cherish the rebirth in nature: the Start has been caring for infants and flowers breaking through the soil, toddlers in both home-based and cen- baby birds learning to fly, babies tak- ter-based programs. Center-Based ing their first steps, and saying their services provide early education, care first word. If you’re pregnant, have an and enriching experiences to children infant or toddler and want to give in a classroom setting. Staff members him/her the very best of beginnings, also visit family homes, offer parent please call our enrollment department engagement opportunities and provide at 413-788-6522. ■ nutritious meals and snacks. Home-Based services are provided through weekly home visits to each Dr. Alexander Hahn, mathematics professor from the enrolled child and University of Notre Dame, will present mathematics family. The home and its relationship to the Sydney Opera House, a visitor provides symbol of art, architecture, and history. child-focused visits westfi eld.ma.edu/events that promote the par- POV_April_1_2015_POV_April_1_2015 3/26/2015 5:02 PM Page 10

afam point of view page ten april 1, 2015 BUSINESS & FINANCE FINANCIAL “CENTS”

Walter D. Woodgett Gen X’ers Must Juggle A Variety Gator Financial & Insurance Planning 413-455-3765 Of Financial Issues wwoodgett@ Provided by Walter D. Woodgett gatorfinancialins.com year. Plus, since you typically or invest those funds? Most of us much life insurance is appropriate make 401(k) contributions with dream of freeing ourselves from a for your needs. f you’re part of “Generation X” pretax dollars, the more you con- mortgage someday. So, as your ca- — the age cohort born between tribute, the lower your taxable in- reer advances and your income ● Am I familiar with my parents’ Ithe mid-1960s and the early 1980s come. And your traditional IRA rises, you may wonder if you financial situation and estate — you’re probably in one of the contributions may be tax-de- should make bigger mortgage pay- considerations? Now is the time busiest phases of your life, as you’re ductible, depending on your in- ments. On one hand, there’s no to communicate with your parents well into your working years and, at come. If you meet income denying the psychological benefits about a variety of issues related to the same time, busy raising a family. guidelines, you can contribute to a you’d receive from paying off their financial situation and estate But just as you’re “multi-tasking” in Roth IRA, which provides tax-free your mortgage. However, you may plans. The more you know, the your life, you’ll also need to address earnings, provided you meet cer- want to consider putting any extra better positioned you’ll be to pro- multiple financial goals. tain conditions. money into your investment port- vide assistance and support if and In seeking to accomplish your folio to help as you work toward when it’s needed. Just to name one key objectives, you may be asking ● Should I put away money for my your retirement goals. Work with example, you should inquire of yourself a variety of questions, includ- kids’ college education? It’s not your financial advisor to deter- your parents if they’ve designated ing the following: easy to fund your retirement ac- mine what may be most appropri- a durable power of attorney to counts plus save money for your ate for your portfolio. make financial decisions for them ● Should I contribute as much as children’s college education. Still, in case they’re ever incapacitated. possible to my IRA and 401(k)? college is expensive, so if you feel ● Do I have enough insurance in In a word, yes. Your earnings on a strongly about helping to pay for place to protect my family? You By answering these questions, traditional Individual Retirement the high costs of higher education, may hear that you need seven or you can get a handle on all the finan- Account (IRA) and a 401(k) grow you may want to explore college eight times your annual income in cial issues you face at your stage of on a tax-deferred basis, so your funding vehicles, such as a 529 life insurance, but there’s really no life. It may seem challenging, but tak- money can accumulate faster than plan, which offers tax advantages. “right” figure for everyone. You ing the time now can help you better it would if placed in an investment may want to consult with a finan- position yourself to reach your finan- on which you paid taxes every ● Should I pay down my mortgage cial advisor to determine how cial goals. ■ SOCIAL MEDIA MARKETING

Natalie Pryce is the Head Creative Sidebar: Net Neutrality And Innovator of Pryce- less Consulting LLC Small Businesses www.prycelesscon- sulting.com; By Natalie Pryce 203-644-7105 For example, Optimum would your brand is a product or a service. preneurs at all levels. Over the years probably like to promote Channel 12 Great creative-content is what drives we have seen people build online n February, the FCC (Federal news content over other news chan- traffic to your website, blog, YouTube brands/ products or grow their local Communications Commission) nels to its Internet subscribers. That’s Channel, etc. Even if you pay for ad- business online by selling on their ruled in favor of “Net Neutrality” I because Optimum and Channel 12 vertising to increase traffic, creative- websites. Access to the World Wide which prevents Internet providers news are affiliates. But Net Neutrality content is still key! Content can be Web is crucial for small business from dictating the kinds of content you’re able to access online. Instead, prevents Optimum from being able to creatively made into many different owners; it is the one place that is open Internet providers have to treat all discriminate, and it must display both forms of online media and drives the 24 hrs a day, 7 days a week, 52 weeks traffic sources equally. Net Neutrality Channel 12 news and other news con- way a brand communicates with its a year, 365/6 days a year – and the encourages and protects freedom of tent evenly as a result. That means no consumers. The access to freedom of best part is you have access to do speech. It means that Internet service slower load time, and definitely no an open Creative Internet Content business anywhere in the world – with providers should provide us with open blocking of other news sources alto- should never be used as tolls that have anyone in the world . The web is an networks and should not block, slow gether. to be paid. equal playing field that has redefined down load times or discriminate As an entrepreneur great cre- An open Internet allows million- how we conduct business on a local against any applications or content. ative-content is important whether aires to be born and empowers entre- and global scale. ■ POV_April_1_2015_POV_April_1_2015 3/26/2015 5:02 PM Page 11

afam point of view page eleven april 1, 2015 HEALTH HEALTH MATTERS The Role Of Medical Assistants By Doris Harris

The adult education degree for transforming careers and communities.

● Calls in prescriptions to pharma- Doris Harris, Editor cies Prevention Specialist Caring Health ● Collects laboratory specimens and Center, Inc. phlebotomy Doris can be contacted at Caring Health Center employs a [email protected] diverse group of medical assistants Bachelor of Science in Human Services who are bicultural and bilingual in • Weekend classes with optional concentrations in: edical Assistants provide a (only two weekends per month) many ethnic cultures and languages. • Criminal Justice variety of job functions • Degree completion in as little • Early Childhood Education here at Caring Health Cen- Our medical assistants reflect the as 16 months M Master of Science • Undergraduate credit for prior learning ter. They help with keeping the clinic communities for which we provide in Human Services running smoothly and generally are services. Many of them have been • Small classes with concentration in: the first medical personnel that the employed with our health center for • Affordable degree, financial aid available • Organizational Management • Classes begin in May, September, and Leadership patient sees. The role of the medical over 10 years, bringing a wealth of and January assistant includes the following du- knowledge, clinical experience and Visit us online or call to take part in our next Information Session. ties: integrity to their position. ● Helps prepare patients for exami- They all follow the medical nations SPRINGFIELD COLLEGE creed that emphasizes the dedication ● Takes medical histories SCHOOL OF HUMAN SERVICES ● Assists the Doctor during exami- to the care and wellbeing of all peo- SPRINGFIELD CAMPUS nations ple. Caring Health Center is accepting 263 Alden Street, Springfield, MA 01109 ● Explains medical procedures to new patients and can be contacted at Tel. (413) 748-3204 or (800) 727-0004, springfieldcollege.edu/shs Founded in 1885, Springfield College is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges. patients 413-739-1100. ■ POV_April_1_2015_POV_April_1_2015 3/26/2015 5:02 PM Page 12

afam point of view page twelve april 1, 2015 HEALTH LIVE WELL SPRINGFIELD

Kathy Wicks, Project Promoting Transportation Equity Manager, Partners for a Healthier Community By Catherine Ratte (413) 974-2446 or Evelin Aquino and Natalia Munoz of approach to federal transportation pol- Puget Sound Sage/Tacoma-Pierce kathy.wicks@baystate- health.org Verdant Multicultural Media to ex- icy. Everyone is welcome! Look for County Equity Network – Seattle, pand the very successful Capacity an announcement soon and contact Washington; Services for Independ- Building sessions implemented in Catherine Ratte at 413-285-1174 or ent Living – Euclid, Ohio Partnering iveWell Springfield, a move- 2014 for emerging leaders in Spring- 413-695-0074 for more information. with Disability Rights Ohio; Urban ment to promote healthy eating field to understand and describe con- The LiveWell Springfield Lead- Habitat – Oakland, California Partner- Land active living, has been nections between equitable federal ership Team at its February Meeting ing with Public Advocates; and WIS- working for the last few years towards transportation policy and more equi- voted unanimously to endorse the Eq- DOM – Milwaukee, Wisconsin putting systems into action that sup- table outcomes. If you are interested uity Caucus principles, which are: Partnering with THRIVE WI. port safe and friendly walking and in learning more about how to be an LiveWell Springfield will meet ● Create affordable transportation biking. The Pioneer Valley Planning advocate for safe, affordable, and with other communities in the nation options for all people Commission (PVPC), on behalf of connected systems of transporta- at a meeting Washington, D.C., to ● Ensure fair access to quality jobs, LiveWell Springfield is one of just six tion in Springfield, this leadership share information about the work. The workforce development, and con- organizations across the country to re- training might be of interested to Transportation Equity Caucus repre- tracting opportunities in the trans- ceive an award from the Leadership you! The free and open training sents the nation’s leading civil rights, portation industry Conference Education Fund and Pol- will happen sometime this summer. community development, disability, ● Promote healthy, safe, and inclu- icyLink to advance affordable, acces- Contact Catherine Ratte at 413- racial justice, economic justice, faith- sive communities sible transportation in Springfield. 285-1174 or 413-695-0074 for more based, health, housing, labor, environ- ● Invest equitably and focus on re- PVPC will use funds to embed information. mental justice, tribal, public interest, sults transit equity principles into LiveWell PVPC and collaborators will also women’s groups, and transportation Springfield and host local activities to be planning and hosting a spring com- Equitable transportation invest- organizations. Through a coalition of engage, educate, and empower local munity meeting in Springfield at ments are crucial to connecting people over 100 organizations, the Trans- leaders within communities of color which we will lift up the Equity Cau- to jobs, educational opportunities, af- portation Equity Caucus is charting a to lift up the Equity Caucus Agenda cus policy agenda; heighten public fordable housing, health care, and new course for transportation invest- locally and federally. understanding of why transportation other basic needs. The five other grant ments, one that is focused on policies Specifically, PVPC is collaborat- policy matters for equity; and inform recipients are: Metropolitan Organiza- that advance economic and social eq- ing with Joseph Krupczynski and the opinion leaders and encourage them tion for Racial and Economic Equality uity in America. For more informa- Center for Design Engagement, to be spokespersons for an equitable (MORE²) – Kansas City, Missouri; tion, see www.equitycaucus.org. ■ Baystate Academy Charter Public School Holds Community Health Fair n Thursday, “I really enjoyed March 19th meeting the close to Oat the down- 200 students and their town Springfield families today. Many YMCA, Baystate of them were very in- Academy Charter terested in the history Public School 6th of March of Dimes grade students got an from our polio vaccine days to today’s focuses on prevention of infant mortality, opportunity to present premature birth and birth defects. their work from their What I was really struck by were the students’ interest in each and every research on cancer to organization at the fair and the thoughtful and intellectual questions they had the community. about where the money goes to and what kind of research March of Dimes Frank Robinson, president of the Board of Trustees of the school, echoed does. I also enjoyed going around and learning about the qualitative research the comments made by Phyllis Williams-Thompson of the March of Dimes. they did in the community for their school projects. Their presentations and re- He added, “Our students gave receptive responses, were intellectually curious search were quite in-depth and impressive.” and definitely up to the challenge. The faculty has much to be proud of. Great work.” Phyllis Williams-Thompson, Associate Director, Prematurity Campaign Domestic & Global Partnerships, March of Dimes POV_April_1_2015_POV_April_1_2015 3/26/2015 5:02 PM Page 13

afam point of view page thirteen april 1, 2015

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afam point of view page fourteen april 1, 2015 HEALTH HEALTH MATTERS African Americans And Autism: What You Should Know By Jacqueline Williams-Hines, Autism Awareness Advocate and Founder of No Small Victories pril is here peutic support services. Unfortunately, African Act Early campaign) introduces and Autism American children are often missing out on these the launch of Project C.A.R.E. ASpeaks will critical developmental supports. (Collaborative Autism Resources inundate the media There may be several reasons why this dispar- for Everyone). Through Project C.A.R.E. , No with their Light-It-Up- ity is occurring: cultural beliefs and/or aversions to Small Victories, working with other community or- Jacqueline Williams-Hines Blue campaign pro- identifying with an intellectual disability; miscom- ganizations and service providers endeavors to ad- moting support of munications between the medical community and dress these disparities from a holistic approach. World Autism Awareness Day on April 2, 2015. African Americans; or difficulties in access medical NSV recently launched a support group for Figures quoting statistics of 1:68 children in Amer- services. Speculations aside, it is imperative that as mothers. W.A.R.M. (Women’s Autism Relief Meet- ica diagnosed on the Autism spectrum, and even a community we learn the signs that may be indi- ings) meets every third Saturday at the Martin more alarming 1:42 for boys, will dominate. Yet, cators of autism. Statistics show that children who Luther King Jr. Family Center on 6 Rutland Street one statistic that directly affects the African are not successful academically by grade three are from 1-3 PM. Upcoming events include the No American community will go often unmen- more prone to drop out, experience poverty, vio- Small Victories Annual Autism Awareness Fair tioned. African American children experience on lence, incarceration, homelessness, etc. Add to those scheduled for April 18, 2015 from noon to 3 PM. average an 18 month diagnostic disparity behind sobering thoughts a deficit of being undiagnosed. The fair will host service providers and provide their counterparts. Why is this significant? Be- Later diagnosis often requires prolonged and more music, food, vendors, and entertainment. Join us cause early intervention services end at age intensive therapeutic interventions later in life. for what promises to be an enjoyable and educa- three. On average children getting diagnosed at ap- Some early indicators of autism are: tional event for families as well as the community proximately two years old will potentially receive at large. eight to ten months of early intervention and thera- ● Does not respond to their name by 12 months of For more information, visit age www.nsvonline.com. Advocate, author, public ● Does not point at objects to show interest speaker and founder of No Small Victories, Jacque- (point at an airplane flying over) by 14 months line Williams-Hines, can be contacted through ● Does not play “pretend” games (pretend to DRS Media Consulting at dana@drsmediaconsult- “feed” a doll) by 18 months ing.com or 413-426-9539. ■ ● Avoids eye contact and wants to be alone ● Has trouble understanding other people’s feel- Is your blood ings or talking about their own feelings ● Has delayed speech and language skills pressure less ● Repeats words or phrases over and over (echolalia) than 140/90? ● Gives unrelated answers to questions If NOT, ● Gets upset by minor changes ● Has obsessive interests Why NOT? ● Flaps their hands, rocks their body, or spins in Shirley Jackson Whitaker MD, MPH circles 413-733-9666 ● Has unusual reactions to the way things sound, smell, taste, look, or feel LEWINS BOUTIQUE 1514 Allen Street, Springfield, MA 01118 No Small Victories Scitico Plaza Enfield, Ct /585 HAZARD AVE. (Rt. 190) (413) 783-8800 ● Fax (413) 783-8888 (NSV), an autism Exit 47E off I-91, 3.25 miles from the first McDonalds Monday - Friday 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. www.lewinsboutique.com Saturday 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. awareness program of 860*749*2877 Sunday - Closed the Martin Luther King 548 Page Boulevard, Springfield, MA 01036 Jr. Family Services, and CLOSE OUT (413) 306-5915 ● Fax (413) 342 4871 state member of Mass Monday - Friday 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Saturday & Sunday - Closed Act Early (a state chap- SALE!!

Shelia Gibbs, ter of the CDC’s na- We specialize in Plus and Petite sizes Email: [email protected] "Personal service is our style" Always a sale on in stock samples Licensed Optician Website: www.opticalexpressionsmass.com tional Learn the Signs, POV_April_1_2015_POV_April_1_2015 3/26/2015 5:02 PM Page 15

afam point of view page fifteen april 1, 2015 CHAIRMAN JEFFREY E. POINDEXTER, ESQUIRE continued from page 1 I got a kick out of interviewing Kirk came prepared to do what Jeff in my office. Kirk Smith was the nobody had ever dared to do, which third guy in the room. He tried his is to insist that the YMCA and its best to remain quiet and let me and board be a reflection of the commu- Jeff interact. He did well but anybody nity in which it is located. And he had who knows Kirk at all knows that he the gall to make his intentions clear was coming into the conversation to the old boy network which placed sooner or later. And when he did, I re- him at odds with many who would ceived a treat watching Jeff and Kirk have preferred to see him removed as interact. It was clear to me that the CEO rather than accept the changes two have bonded in a way that the he proposed. And some of the oppo- YMCA can only benefit from. And for me it was a personal pleasure to sition came with a racial tint which watch two highly qualified and com- Kirk confronted with unusual direct- petent Black guys joining together ness and candor and, above all, seamlessly to promote the goals of a courage. And with the help of the much valued organization that im- more enlightened board members, he pacts the entire Pioneer Valley. They was able to accomplish his diversity will make a good team. goals, which culminated with the re- Attorney Jeffrey E. Poindexter and Kirk Smith, CEO YMCA In response to a question from cent election of Jeffrey E. Poindexter now-defunct Classical High School. Springfield’s Western New England me, Jeff expressed his appreciation as the first African-American chair- He earned a Bachelor of Business Renal Transplant Associates. The for how expertly Kirk handled the man of the Greater Springfield Administration from Western New brother just below Jeff, who is a Dunbar’s transition into the YMCA YMCA Board of Directors. England University from where he lawyer with Proskauer Rose, L.L.C., and how highly regarded Kirk is na- And what an excellent appoint- graduated summa cum laude, which came to the legal profession the hard tionally. He capped his praise off by ment it is. Attorney Poindexter is the is why he was easily accepted at the way. He dropped out of high school; pointing out how important it is that first African-American partner with prestigious Georgetown University at some point thought better of a bad we actively encourage Kirk, who is the law firm of Bulkley, Richardson Law Center in Washington, D.C. move, earned a GED, enrolled in always being actively recruited, to and Gelinas, L.L.P., which is consid- from where he earned his Juris Doc- STCC, transferred to Wesleyan Uni- stay with our YMCA. We certainly ered one of the most prestigious law torate in 1994. He clerked for a year versity and after graduation, was ac- agree and are pleased that with Jeff as firms in the region. He started out as at the Fourth Judicial Circuit Court of cepted by Harvard University where chairman, Kirk has one more good an associate in 1995 and became part- Norfolk, Virginia with the Honorable he earned his Juris Doctorate. I think reason to stay. ner in 2000, which is a quick rise by John C. Morrison, Jr. and in 1995 was it’s fair to say that Jeff’s parents did Attorney Poindexter’s election anyone’s standards, especially from a hired by his current law firm as an as- well by him and his siblings. His fa- as Chairman of the YMCA Board of man from such humble beginnings. sociate during which time he clerked ther is a well-known, now-retired Directors sends an important mes- “Jeff” was born and raised in for a period with our favorite U.S. Springfield police officer and his sage, which is that racial progress in Springfield along with his three District Court Judge Michael A. Pon- mother worked at home. Theirs was Springfield is “moving forward.” brothers. He attended Springfield sor. a close-knit family which is why Jeff, Jeff’s wife, Stephanie Barry Poindex- schools and graduated from Spring- Jeff’s oldest brother works for who could have gone to a law firm ter, a reporter for The Republican and field Central High School after hav- Columbia Gas in Springfield. His anywhere in the country, chose to re- their daughter must be as proud of ing started high school at the youngest brother is a nephrologist at turn home. And how lucky we are. him as are we all. ■ one suggested that I might provide “BLACK LEADER?” WHAT’S THAT? them with a list of Black leaders who might be of help to them on a partic- continued from page 1 understand what meaning can be who are designated as Black lead- ular project. I responded by saying a social third rail, which is why most found in the fact that the Black com- ers?” And “Are there any ‘White’ that I was still trying to find some writers everywhere tiptoe around it. munity has lost so many of the insti- Black Leaders or is being Black a White leaders. And I was only half And though I won’t tiptoe, I will be tutions it commanded and controlled prerequisite?” And “Are there any joking as I laid my puzzlement over over the period. ‘White’ Leaders among us?” If so, respectfully delicate as I review some the meaning of the term “Black But first it seems appropriate to “Why aren’t they commonly referred of the history of Black leadership in leader” on their shoulders. Of course clarify what is meant by “Black to as ‘White’ Leaders?” And “Are I have my own theory about the exact Springfield, Massachusetts as I have leader.” I don’t think I’m speaking there any ‘Black’ White Leaders or is observed it from the mid sixties to the origin of the term. It’s mostly based tongue in cheek when I ask such being White a prerequisite?” on my experiences but my theory also present. And though what I observed questions as “What makes a person a These are not frivolous ques- includes a lot of historical facts. is not all good, it has been far from all Black leader?” And “How come there tions. Recently I was at lunch in the bad, although I have been at a loss to is such a proliferation of Black folks company of several White folks when continues to page 21 POV_April_1_2015_POV_April_1_2015 3/26/2015 5:02 PM Page 16

afam point of view page sixteen april 1, 2015 COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP PIONEER VALLEY CALL TO THE CAUSE Cultivate Your Inner Growth What To Be When Facing This Spring Adversity By Lora Wondolowski By Kirk Smith Lora Wondolowski, self-awareness and awareness of hearts and intentions of those involved Director of Leadership other’s emotional states. What always pure and sincere. In many Pioneer Valley, she is pushes your buttons? How can you Kirk Smith is President cases, it’s less of an intangible issue of passionate about & CEO, YMCA of strengthening the elevate the mood? Mood manage- Greater Springfield heart and intentions, and more around Pioneer Valley. ment is one of the products of our 413-739-6951 dichotomy as to approach, methodol- Contact her at www.springfieldy.org ogy or strategy. Whatever the case 413-737-3876 or emotional intelligence at work. www.leadershippv.org As I have written before, self- may be, there are four things we must care is important to your emotional be in order to overcome the adversity s I carefully walk through the caused by great obstacles and real op- well-being. Learn how to listen to the ’ve yet to meet any person who snow, I can hear birds begin- enjoys or looks forward to adver- position: voices that tell you that you’re over- Aning to sing in my backyard. sity. When we think about adver- First and foremost, be honest extended or need a break. This will I The temperature and snowfields may sity, human nature usually leads us to with yourself and others. Dishonesty help you manage your emotions and not say spring, but the longer days negative thoughts that cause fear and is only a temporary fix that never lasts. and natural rhythms say otherwise. be in a state more conducive to lead- anxiety, depending on the circum- The worse person to lie to is you. The Spring says to me growth and re- ing others. Additionally, mindfulness stances we’re facing or anticipating. second worse person to lie to, is an- newal, which are great topics in lead- practices can bring us into the present There are two realities we must other person. ership. As you shed your many layers and slow us down. This can disrupt us accept as we travel through this jour- Be consistent and stay on mes- of outer wear, how are you attending and stop us from relying on old pat- ney we call life. The first reality is that sage. Your worst enemy and strongest to your inner growth this spring? terns and instead establish new lead- if we are to accomplish great things, detractor may never respect you or We perceive leaders as out- ership practices. Becoming leaders is we should expect and prepare for great what you stand for, but they will al- wardly focused individuals and too about practicing leadership skills and obstacles. A writer once said, “Noth- most always respect your consistency. often think the work of leaders is ex- capacities. ing great has ever happened without You may even win some of them over ternal. Much of the work is internal There are so many opportunities great challenges.” Reaching for great- because of it. and behind the scenes. Great leaders for us to grow as leaders in our ca- ness in any capacity at any level in- Next, be a good listener. Open know and understand themselves. reers and communities. Everyone that vites challenges organically with no both your ears and your mind. Often, They spend time on self-reflection, wants to has the potential for leader- special effort; greatness and obstacles passion for agendas causes acrimony self-growth, and emotional intelli- are joined at the proverbial hip. ship by cultivating leadership behav- and trepidation. If the room is full of gence. There are many great self-as- The second reality is that if we iors and practices. Not everything has good intentions and shared goals, sessment tools out there that can give are to make a real lasting impact on to be inward-focused, but it’s a great methods and styles can and should be you a window into yourself and your others, we should condition ourselves negotiated. If the what is the same, the place to start. Take the opportunity leadership style: DiSC, Myers- to face real opposition from others. As how has a better chance of becoming this spring to spend some time on Briggs, the Enneagram, and pure as our hearts may be with the a reality. Silence is often misinter- your own growth and getting to know StrengthsFinders to name a few. greatest intentions for the benefit of preted, but never misquoted. These are great starts to understand- yourself. By tilling your internal others, there will always be some op- Lastly, be decisive. Making a de- ing yourself and how your personality ground, you are creating conditions position. Some may ask, “Why is cision to not move forward with a par- influences how you relate to others, for seeds to grow. You’re your best this?” The answer is that everyone ticular plan or abrogating a your energy level, fears, and motiva- asset and are worth the cultivation. ■ doesn’t think the same, nor are all the relationship can be extremely difficult, tors. This will also give you insight as most of us would rather take the into how others may perceive you. path of least resistance so that we’ll Daniel Goleman writes about feel better or be happier in the end. “primal leadership” and how great 413-273-4022 What we should seek, however, is sat- leaders tap into our emotions. Lead- isfaction that we did the right thing. ership is also about managing and Feeling good and being happy is driving emotions. When we ask peo- something we should all desire, but ple about leaders they admire, they satisfaction and peace of mind should often talk about how the leaders make rule the day. them feel. They make them feel better Specializing in Siding, Repairs on siding, Insulation, Windows, (To view this editorial and Smith’s past and more confident. Their enthusi- Roofing, Drywall, Flooring, Painting and much more! articles, visit www.springfieldy.org/cate- asm can be contagious. This takes gory/news/president-ceo-editorials.) ■ POV_April_1_2015_POV_April_1_2015 3/26/2015 5:02 PM Page 17

afam point of view page seventeen april 1, 2015 COMMUNITY POLITICAL HAPPENINGS The Springfield City Council Young Professionals Subcommittee and the Springfield Business Justin Hurst, Esquire Improvement District would like to invite everyone to join them in celebrating Springfield’s finest At-Large Springfield cuisines during Restaurant Week 2015. City Councilor jhurst@springfieldcity- hall.com 413-374-5844 Live. Work. Play. Eat. mouth-watering meals during Spring- and menus will be posted on Spring- “We’re proud to forge a partnership field Restaurant Week 2015. The fieldDowntown.com /DineSpring- with the YP Subcommittee to pro- event will occur in the Metro Center field. mote a vibrant downtown through from April 23 to May 2, 2015. Young Professionals are the fu- supporting Springfield restaurants.” Don’t forget to bring your ap- ture of Springfield, and are critical to The Springfield City Council petites because many of the Down- the long term stability and economic Young Professionals Subcommittee town and Riverfront restaurants are development of this City. The chair of and the Springfield Business Im- featured in this event. These include the Springfield City Council Young provement District would like to ex- Chef Wayne’s Big Mamou, Currents Professionals Subcommittee, City tend their gratitude to the sponsors (Marriott), Champions (Marriott), Councilor Justin Hurst, says, “At- who made this event possible: Luxe Burger Bar, Nadim’s Mediter- tracting and retaining young profes- Baystate Health, Williams Distribut- ranean, Panjabi Tadka, PICKS/MVP sionals to this great City has always ing, White Lion Brewing Co., Garten, SPRINGFIELD, MA ― Get out (Sheraton), Plan B Burger, The been my priority, and Restaurant LLC Landscaping and Services, your forks and knives because it is Fort/Student Prince, Theodore’s, Week is a great start to bringing this Farmington Bank, MassLive, and In- Pizzeria Uno, Adolfo’s, McCaffrey’s vision to fruition. It is an opportunity spired Marketing, Inc. time to take a bite out of Springfield! Public House, Blackjack Steakhouse, for not only young professionals, but Make sure you remember to The Springfield City Council Young and Shakago. Each restaurant will families, and the community at large #DineSpringfield. For any further in- Professionals Subcommittee, part- offer a special two or three course to experience the unique spread the formation and updates, please visit: nered with the Springfield Business dinner menu for a set price of City has to offer.” Assistant Director http://springfielddowntown.com/dine- Improvement District, are serving up $20.15 per person. Further details of the BID, Morgan Drewniany, stated springfield/. ■ Together We Can Fight Substance Abuse By MA State Senator Eric Lesser ne of the most urgent prob- which will investigate and recom- ers, EMTs and other first responders several additional lems facing our community is mend ways to better prevent, inter- from getting access to this lifesaving bills aimed at Osubstance abuse, and, in par- vene, and treat opioid addiction across medicine. My bill would help save combating opiate ticular, opioid addiction. Nearly 1,000 the Commonwealth. I’ll be sure to money by pooling resources and get- abuse. These in- State Senator people in Massachusetts died of unin- send updates about my work on this ting a better price from the manufac- clude legislation Eric P. Lesser tentional opioid overdoses in 2013, committee throughout the year. turer. requiring any drug more than double the number of motor Second, we know one of the pri- I’m also working with my col- manufacturer operating in Massachu- vehicle deaths and a 46 percent in- mary gateways to heroin addiction is leagues to support local programs to setts to contribute to the Drug Stew- crease over the previous year. via prescription drug abuse. That’s combat substance abuse. In February, ardship Program, which provides safe Here in Springfield, the hard why I’m sponsoring legislation to Senator Welch (D-West Springfield), take-back and disposal of unwanted work of police and community leaders close the pharmacy shopping loop- Senator Humason (R-Westfield), Sen- prescription drugs. I’ve also co-spon- has led to numerous arrests of heroin hole, by requiring pharmacies to re- ator Downing (D-Pittsfield), and I sored a bill requiring all opiates in dealers. But addiction and overdose port their distribution of commonly hosted a delegation of Senators led by Massachusetts to be prescribed elec- remain a large problem across Hamp- abused prescription drugs within 24 Senate President Stan Rosenberg and tronically to allow for better monitor- den County, where the rate of individ- hours, rather than the current 7 days. Minority Leader Bruce Tarr on a tour ing. uals with prescription drug abuse has This will help pharmacists, public of Western Massachusetts. One of the While substance abuse is a seri- exceeded the state average since 2009. health officials and law enforcement most important stops we made was to ous challenge, by working together, Given the escalating nature of to stop this dangerous practice before the Hampden County Sheriff’s sub- we can help make our neighborhoods this crisis, I wanted to share some of it becomes deadly. stance abuse treatment facility, where safer and improve quality of life in the work I’ve been doing at the State Third, I’m sponsoring a bill to lawmakers learned first-hand about Springfield and the wider region. House to help reverse its direction. examine statewide bulk purchasing of treatment programs with a proven State Senator Eric P. Lesser represents the First, I was recently appointed as Narcan, a successful anti-overdose track record of success. First Hampden and Hampshire District, a member of the Senate’s Special drug. Unfortunately, the price is sky- Finally, I’m working with my which includes Springfield. You can con- Committee on Opioid Addiction, rocketing, preventing police, firefight- colleagues in the House and Senate on tact Sen. Lesser at 617-722-1291. ■ POV_April_1_2015_POV_April_1_2015 3/26/2015 5:02 PM Page 18

afam point of view page eighteen april 1, 2015 COMMUNITY COMMUNITY FOCUS LATIN @ GROOVE Episcopal Elevation Poets Change the World Celebration of Bishop and Duggan Expeditionary Learning School Talbert W. Swan, II By Magdalena Gómez cuses on such issues as spiritu- Magdalena Gómez is the chose curriculum content that reflects ality, education, economic de- Co-founder and Artistic the demographics of the children who velopment, family issues and Director of Springfield’s attend the school. I selected the most first and only crime prevention. He will work Latin@theater, simple work to the most complex, so with his jurisdictional bishop, Teatro V!da. that students would self-select the Bishop Bryant Robinson Jr., as Ms. Gómez has been a poet they wished to study and whose well as with the international teaching artist for work was within their reach as well over 35 years. church to advance its mission. as relatable. We then set high expec- The denomination has over 60 n the mid-1990s I worked with tations of leadership, research, en- churches in Massachusetts and Mary Kay Brown, the current gagement, consistent participation, over 12,000 congregations na- IMagnet Administrator at the John punctuality, follow-through, comple- tionwide. J. Duggan Expeditionary Learning tion of all assignments, personal ac- The keynote speaker for the School for Social Justice located in countability, learning the art and Inaugural Banquet is Bishop Charles E. Blake, Sr., Presiding Bishop of the Church Of God In Christ and pastor of the West Angeles Church of God in Christ, one of the largest churches in the United States, with a membership of over Bishop Blake consecrates Bishop Swan to the 25,000. He is recognized as one office of bishop November 9, 2014 of the great preachers of this he Inaugural Celebration hon- generation with a message that minis- oring the episcopal elevation ters to the whole person and brings to- Tof Bishop Talbert W. Swan, II gether people of various racial and to the sacred office of bishop in the ethnic backgrounds. Church Of God In Christ will convene President Barack Obama ap- Friday, April 24, 2015 at 6:00 PM at pointed Bishop Blake to serve on his the Downtown Marriott Hotel, 25-person White House Advisory Springfield, MA. Bishop Swan is the Council on Faith-Based and Neigh- First Residency Family Night pastor of the Spring of Hope Church borhood Partnerships. This appoint- Springfield, MA. We met when I was language of positive and productive Of God In Christ and President of the ment is a testament to his passion for a consultant with the Gender Equity critique, shared and individual learn- Greater Springfield NAACP. the community and his desire to unite Center of Western Massachusetts. We ing, collaborative and individual writ- The Church in God in Christ is all people for the common good. In later collaborated at Sci-Tech when I ing and performance. Some of the the country’s oldest and largest Pen- his capacity as Presiding Bishop, worked with their extraordinary students are involved in the social tecostal denomination with more than Bishop Blake consecrated Bishop music director, Gary Bernice, collab- media component of the residency, 6 million members in 63 countries. In Swan to the office of bishop on No- orating on poetry and music perform- documenting the work of their peers, addition to his duties as auxiliary vember 9, 2014 during the 107th In- ances on and off campus. with the support of the school librar- bishop, Swan is the denomination’s ternational Holy Convocation in St. Last year, Mary Kay invited me ian, Laura Luker. The students are advisor on social justice, associate Louis, MO. to create a residency for Duggan. I using media technology to capture White House Liaison and assistant For additional information on settled on a poetry and music-based their vision of the evolution of the general secretary. this historic event or for information residency, Poets Change the World, residency as both documentation and As an auxiliary bishop, Swan on the purchase of tickets for the In- where students would receive an in- as part of the final performance. will assist in overseeing churches in augural Celebration, contact Leslie S. troduction to the role of poets and po- Some of the poets being studied his geographical area, and promoting Smith at (413) 433-6126. ■ etry in social justice movements. are: Langston Hughes, Otto René I designed the program and the vision of the church, which fo- continues to page 33 POV_April_1_2015_POV_April_1_2015 3/26/2015 5:02 PM Page 19

afam point of view page nineteen april 1, 2015 COMMUNITY COMMUNITY FOCUS 5th Annual Carl Joseph Walker- The Black Men of Greater Hoover Foundation Springfield Hold 1st Annual Anti-Bullying Scholarship Gala Boys to Men Breakfast

he Black Men of Greater received numerous honors, including Springfield are proud to an- being named an Ambassador Tnounce their 1st Annual Boys on Aging by the White House in the to Men Breakfast on Saturday, April early 1990s. He currently serves as a 18th at 9am. This year’s inaugural Strategic Diversity Advisor and event will take place at Third Baptist CEO of Ted Childs, LLC. Church right in the heart of Spring- Youth ages 6-18 are invited to 2014 Scholarship Recipients field at 149 Walnut Street. attend free of charge. Please register Keynote speaker will be Mr. Ted on our website at www.bmogspring- SPRINGFIELD, MA (March 1, Gwynnetta Sneed, founder of The Childs, a native of Springfield and re- field.org. As always the Black Men 2015) ― The 5thAnnual Anti-Bully- Carl Joseph Walker- Hoover Foun- tired IBM executive, who has trav- Of Greater Springfield thank you ing Scholarship Gala is being held in dation. elled the world extensively and for your support!! ■ memory of Carl Joseph Walker- The Gala will be held on April Hoover, a former student at New 19, 2015 from 3pm -5:30pm at The Leadership Charter School in Spring- Log Cabin in Holyoke, MA. Anchor field, who committed suicide at age Dave Madsen of abc40/Fox 6 Spring- 11 after suffering repeated bullying at field will host this year’s event and school. Kirk Ray Smith, President & CEO of The Gala serves to extend his the YMCA of Greater Springfield legacy by recognizing the efforts of will be the guest speaker. Tickets pur- our young people and to reward those chased in advance are $45 Adults/$25 students who have been shining ex- Students and at the door $50 amples of our motto to: “Be a Buddy Adults/$30 Students. For ticket infor- Not a Bully.” The funds raised at both mation visit: www.carljoseph.org. our Scholarship Gala and the Back to About School Anti-Bullying 5K Walk/2K The Carl Joseph Walker-Hoover Run are used to fund all of our schol- Foundation was established in 2010 arship efforts. to bring awareness to the extreme “We are proud that in five years measures that some children will take of existence, we have awarded as a result of bullying. Eleven-year- $63,500 to 61 high school graduat- old Carl Joseph Walker-Hoover took ing seniors from across the country. his life after being repeatedly tor- Our efforts were recognized by the mented at school. The Foundation’s Mayor of Springfield through his mission is to help ensure that bullying is no longer tolerated in our commu- designation of a “Stand Up Against nity. The Foundation has established Bullying Weekend.” The purpose is an annual community scholarship not only to remember Carl, but to re- gala and an anti-bullying 5k road member all children who have lost race/2kwalk in memory of Carl. their lives due to bullying,” said POV_April_1_2015_POV_April_1_2015 3/26/2015 5:02 PM Page 20

afam point of view page twenty april 1, 2015 COMMUNITY FOCUS CONGRATULATIONS!!

The Springfield Fire Dept recently held a badge pinning ceremony at Fire Dept Headquarters. From L to R: Fire Dept chaplain Pastor Zachary Slater, Fire Com- missioner Joseph Conant, newly promoted Springfield Fire Dept. Lieutenants Ed Parson and Kelly Jones, and Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno Melisa Jones with newly pinned Photos by Ed Cohen husband Lt. Kelly Jones

MGM Springfield ceremonially breaks ground on new casino

Rosemary Tracy Woods (right) holds artists reception and book signing of Dahlma Llanos Figueroa’s “Daughters of the Stone” (left) and quilter Barbara Stroup (center) displays her original work POV_April_1_2015_POV_April_1_2015 3/26/2015 5:02 PM Page 21

afam point of view page twenty-one april 1, 2015 “BLACK LEADER?” WHAT’S THAT? GUEST VIEWPOINT continued from page 15 those relationships. where he died a bitter expatriate. So Appreciating As I have observed its usage over But on the more serious side, it while Du Bois is now celebrated as time, I’ve come to believe the term was Southern Black ministers who the most prominent early Civil Rights Committed “Black leader” is a less toxic deriva- eventually emerged to power the leader of a movement that was to tive of the European term “chief,” modern Civil Rights movement, blossom many years later under the which the Online Etymology Diction- which placed them in leadership roles leadership of such greats as Rev. Dr. Lives ary describes as a Latin-based word that were often in conflict with White Martin Luther King, Jr., it is arguable By Donald Brown, Ed.D. used by Europeans to mean “highest interest, especially in the South. And that Booker T. Washington, who was (Originally printed in the Glorified in rank or power,” etc. In Europe it they were called Civil Rights leaders. both effective in helping Black folks Christian Times Newspaper and was an outmoded tribal designation I don’t know how or when the term and inoffensive to White folks, be- reprinted here with permission of both) that pretty much reflected European “Civil Rights leader” became popular came somewhat of a prototype for the culture and politics as they had been. but it certainly made sense. It applied concept of the modern “Black leader” But Europeans, who had long ago to those – religious or secular – who whether he intended to or not.” traded the term for themselves for led the fight for civil rights regardless It’s not unreasonable to view the more “noble” (“civilized?”) titles, of color, although the most recogniz- term “Civil Rights leader” as a post- used the term in places they con- able Civil Rights leaders were Black. slavery successor to the term applied quered or colonized or intended to It is a precise term that doesn’t lack to an individual who worked to free conquer or colonize as a convenient, clarity. Everyone knows that every le- the slaves – “abolitionist.” And simi- though often imperfect, tool for mak- gitimate carrier of the title led people larly, in my opinion, the term “Black Donald Brown ing the natives more “manageable” in pursuit of their civil rights. Civil leader” can reasonably be considered ecently, I had the pleasure of and “useful” for the realization of Eu- Rights leader Stokely Carmichael! a post-Civil Rights term since it attending a lecture by Tavis ropean ends. Civil Rights leader Benjamin Swan! seemed to gain in popularity after the RSmiley wherein he shared ex- Europeans imported the term to Civil Rights leader Medgar Evers! passage of the Civil Rights Act of cerpts from his new book, Death of a America and imposed it on the Indian Civil Rights leader Rosa Parks! Civil 1964 and the Voter Rights Act of King. It was a wonderful talk that tribes just as they did to tribes in much Rights leaders Angela Davis and 1965. For these new laws to become centered on the last year of Dr. Martin of Africa. It was a deliberately divi- Huey Newton! One didn’t have to like real in the lives of everyday Black Luther King, Jr.’s life. My takeaway sive term intended to separate natives all of them or all of their methods. But folks, they had to be executed upon. from the talk is a whole new appreci- who would be favored from those what was indisputable is that each was But executing upon them was difficult ation for what it means to live a life who would not be. The favored ones leading others in pursuit of Civil and apparently too slow for the trans- committed to serving others. Like formative times. And while folks in were those willing to work in the in- Rights. And we all know what Civil most of us, I suppose, I had not given positions of authority – both Black terest of the Europeans and often Rights are because they are encapsu- a lot of thought to the monumental and White – puzzled over execution against the interest of those who were lated in the Constitution and clarified sacrifices that Dr. King made—and of the new laws, events took an omi- not favored, which also happened to in its Bill of Rights. ultimately the greatest sacrifice of all, nous turn dramatized by the seven- include the vast majority of those In the early 20th century, W.E. B. his life—to the cause of social justice. day Watts riots in August of 1965 in whom they intended to exploit. Many Du Bois, “co-founder” of the NAACP Mr. Smiley shared that the last year Los Angeles, California involving up of those African “chiefs” who were and founder of its predecessor, the Ni- of Dr. King’s life, immediately fol- to 35,000 Black folks over 46 square favored were complicit in the colo- agara Movement (1905), became fa- lowing his “Beyond Vietnam: A Time miles of the city that left the area look- nization of Africa and in the African mous as America’s early secular Civil to Break Silence” speech given on ing like a war zone. slave trade and they were well re- Rights leader. Unlike his contempo- April 4th, 1967 at the historic River- The riots eventually spread to warded for their roles. rary, Booker T. Washington, who side Church in New York City, was Detroit, Newark and Washington, D. But the term “chief” was inap- counseled Black folks to accept seg- beyond agonizing. The day after giv- C. and many other urban centers, in- propriate for enslaved Black Ameri- regation and to “cast down (their) ing that historic speech and continu- cluding to smaller cities like Spring- cans who were subject to the absolute buckets” where they were, the in- ing onward, Dr. King was excoriated field, Massachusetts. They were rule of the slave master. It had no util- your-face Du Bois rebelled and be- by major newspapers, previously disruptive and far more than just seri- ity. And even after slavery, Black min- came the intellectual opposite of white liberal supporters, and leading ous inconveniences to the status quo. isters in the South, where the vast Washington, whose Tuskegee Insti- Black organizations—most notably They were a reflection of a deep- majority of Black folks still lived, be- tute’s success was propelled by White the NAACP—for his stance opposing seated unrest among a rebellious- came the closest thing to “chiefs.” money. the war in Vietnam. minded Black populace that had They emerged as the go-to leaders for Washington became White folks’ Despite the criticisms of those overtly rejected the top-down leader- who turned their backs against him, White folks who often used them to favorite moderate and prospered ship of the Civil Rights movement Dr. King never deviated or equivo- “manage” the freed, but very much while Du Bois, who often offended that White folks had finally come to cated on his commitment to the cause oppressed and tightly controlled, White folks with his politics and his terms with. They were, for the most of social justice. I now have an even Black population. Some ministers still prolific writings, struggled to get trac- part, spontaneous, leaderless, and greater appreciation for these few play a modified version of that role. tion for his Civil Rights movement from the bottom up and left White lines taken from Dr. King’s speech The play Purlie Victorious by Ossie and his ideas. In the twilight of his Davis personified the lighter side of life, he fled the country for Ghana continues to page 26 continues to page 24 POV_April_1_2015_POV_April_1_2015 3/26/2015 5:02 PM Page 22

afam point of view page twenty-two april 1, 2015 Around Town & . . .

UMass Professor John Bracey, Poet Sonia Sanchez and Professor A Go Red for Women Healthy Heart event was held at Springfield City James Smethurst recently held a book signing for their book, SOS― Hall. Participants included students and staff from Brooking Calling All Black People: A Black Arts Movement Reader, at New Elementary School, the American Heart Association, and the Africa House at the University of Massachusetts. City of Springfield Health and Human Services Dept.

Rev. Cummings (2nd from left) and the assembled congregation Rev. Timothy Jones, pastor of Community Baptist Church in New obviously approved of Rev. Jones’ words. Haven, CT, was the Guest Preacher at Rev. Catherine A. Cummings, pastor of Wesley United Methodist Church, 2nd Pastoral Anniversary Celebration.

Springfield Central High School Lady Golden Eagles won the Western Springfield Putnam High School Boys Basketball Team won the Western Mass Division 1 Girls Basketball tournament and also won the Mass Division 1 Boys Basketball tournament and also won the MIAA MIAA Division 1 State semi-final game which took place at the Division 1 State semi-final game for the third consecutive year. MassMutual Center. POV_April_1_2015_POV_April_1_2015 3/26/2015 5:02 PM Page 23

afam point of view page twenty-three april 1, 2015 . . .In The Community

Kemba Smith (center), whose dramatic memoir chronicles how she went The Springfield Cultural Council members recently completed the 2015 from college student to drug dealer’s girlfriend to domestic violence victim grant cycle for awarding grants to be completed in Springfield, MA. to federal prisoner, recently spoke at Western New England University. From L to R: Benjamin Smith, Ed Cohen, Mischa Epstein, Molly Son, Andrew Cade, Waleska Dejesus, and Yvette Frisby.

Springfield Urban League Vice President Yvette Frisby, Partners for Community Deputy Director Vanessa Otero, Springfield School Springfield Urban League President and CEO Henry M. Thomas III Committee Member Denise Hurst, and Springfield City Councilor (left), Youth Achiever Awardees Imani Wiggins and Elliot Dejesus, and Justin Hurst at the Springfield Urban League Dinner. Springfield Technical Community College Dean of Academic Advising & Student Success Kamari Collins at the Springfield Urban League Dinner.

Springfield Urban League Board Chair Robert C Jackson, Community Builder Awardees Dr. Adrienne Y. Smith, Jacob Waah and Nicole Griffin, The Sankofa Award was recently awarded to two Springfield Technical Dinner Committee Chairman Fire Dept. Capt. Curt Marcellin, Community College staff members. From left to right: Francene Springfield Urban League President and CEO Henry M. Thomas III Clinton, Awardees Vonetta M. Lightfoot and Maria Zayas-Bonilla, Myra at the Springfield Urban League Dinner. Smith, and STCC President Ira Rubenzahl POV_April_1_2015_POV_April_1_2015 3/26/2015 5:02 PM Page 24

afam point of view page twenty-four april 1, 2015 COMMUNITY POLITICAL HAPPENINGS - NEW HAVEN ganizations and “Are Privileged Blacks Doing Some institutions have been the catalyst for such changes Good While Doing Well?” and it has been the By Arlene Davis-Rudd, a reprint needs, aspirations uring my recent search decades, considerable attention has More recently, however, Affirmative and frustrations of through decades of archives, been paid to middle class or upscale Action developments in such fields as the masses of un- Arlene Davis-Rudd DI discovered this thought-pro- Black Americans. Some of their in- education, housing, employment, and derprivileged voking article which I believe offers come levels and consumption patterns procurement, have continued to blur Blacks that have powered the move- great enlightenment, keen insight, and have reached relatively impressive that interdependency in the minds of ment and have commanded the atten- provokes asking the question: “What heights. Of course when wealth, as many of the beneficiaries. tion of the powers-that-be.” can you do for our Black communi- well as current income, is taken into “Most of today’s privileged Fitzhugh insisted that “There ties, especially in our major cities?” account, many of these privileged Blacks have been educated in deseg- needs to be an acknowledgement of The article, “Are Privileged Blacks do not meet general American regated grammar schools, secondary some degree of commonality, mutual- Blacks Doing Some Good While ‘middle class’ standards.” schools, colleges and universities. ity, responsibility, and opportunity Doing Well?” was written by H. Nay- Fitzhugh continues, “The com- Many have found employment in pre- with respect to other Blacks. Then lor Fitzhugh, who, according to mon Black experience is the arena in dominantly white institutions or in should follow a personal commitment Wikipedia, was one of the first African which privileged Black Americans Black- owned business firms serving to find some appropriate ways to use Americans to graduate from Harvard can and should play a significant, cre- white customers. As laudable as those one’s talents or other resources to in- Business School. He received a full ative middle class role. (creative here developments are, there is, unfortu- spire, guide, or otherwise assist some scholarship to Harvard at the age of meaning simply recognizing a legiti- nately, a temptation to interpret them less privileged brothers and sisters.” 16, while still a student at Dunbar mate need and helping effectively to as personal escapes from the Black Before ending his message, High School in Washington, D.C. fill it). experience. Fitzhugh wrote, “In a basic social Howard Naylor Fitzhugh graduated “Over the years, many privileged “The truth is, that such break- sense, privileged Blacks will have to cum laude from Harvard University in Blacks have, consciously or uncon- throughs significantly affect a very do some good in order to continue 1930. His article first appeared in sciously, played a significant interme- small portion of Black Americans, and doing well. Their input is sorely THE CRISIS three decades ago. Here diary role between the power structure yet have occurred in the name of and needed to help implement the oft-pro- are excerpts from that informative, and the Black masses. Prior to deseg- through the struggles of millions of claimed strategy, ‘No one will fully spirit-lifting and remarkable piece. regation and Affirmative Action, this underprivileged Blacks. Many pre- save us but us,’ or ‘If it is to be, it is The article begins, “In recent interdependency was clearly visible. dominantly or exclusively Black or- up to me.’” ■ GUEST VIEWPOINT Yes, I am at a different place in pediency; who have their priorities understanding and appreciating what straight and in proper order; whose Appreciating Committed Lives it means to live a committed life. handshake is an ironclad contract; When I reflect on the commitment who are not afraid of taking risks to and, by extension, our nation as a continued from page 21 exuded by the men and women advance what is right; and who are whole. Among the giants of our race “The Drum Major Instinct”: above, I begin to think about many as honest in small matters as they are that put their lives on the line for a so-called leaders who are in leader- “Yes, if you want to say that I in large ones. The world needs more more just and humane America were ship positions for all the wrong rea- was a drum major, say that I was a men and women whose ambitions drum major for justice. Say that I such men and women as Malcolm X, sons. In far too many instances, these are big enough to include others; who was a drum major for peace. I was a who like Dr. King died early at the leaders’ integrity is highly question- drum major for righteousness. And age of thirty nine; Bishop Richard able. know how to win with grace and lose all of the other shallow things will not Allen, who led Black parishioners out The African American commu- with dignity; who do not believe that matter. I won’t have any money to of the St. George’ s Methodist Epis- nity is crying out for leadership. Au- shrewdness (craftiness) and cunning leave behind. I won’t have the fine copal Church in Philadelphia where thor Lawrence Reed aptly describes and ruthlessness are the three keys to and luxurious things of life to leave they were forced to sit in the balcony; the kind of leadership that our com- success; who still have friends they behind. But I just want to leave a Reverends Gabriel Prosser, Denmark munity, and by extension the nation, made twenty years ago; who committed life behind.” Vesey, and Nat Turner, who led slave needs in this quote from his book ti- put principles and consistency above Especially during this Black rebellions; Harriet Tubman, who led tled Are We Good Enough for Lib- politics.” History month, I will remember the more than 300 of our enslaved erty? : commitment demonstrated by others brethren and sisters to freedom; and “The world needs more men and (Dr. Donald Brown, a seasoned higher edu- who cared little about fortune and Frederick Douglass, who spoke elo- cation administrator, is the founder and Pres- women who do not have a price at ident of Christian Soldiers, Inc., & Director fame, but rather cared about improv- quently and indefatigably on the abo- which they can be bought; who do not of the Azusa Pacific University’s Los Angeles ing the quality of life for our people lition of slavery. borrow from integrity to pay for ex- Regional Center) ■ POV_April_1_2015_POV_April_1_2015 3/26/2015 5:02 PM Page 25

afam point of view page twenty-five april 1, 2015 Are the Republicans Fit To Govern? One of Point of View’s readers felt it was important that we share with the community the letters that have gone back and forth between the Senate Republicans and Iran’s Hard-Liners with respect to the Iranian Nuclear Peace Talks. We agree so below you will find the letter sent by the 47 members of the Senate along with the response from Iran’s Hard-Liners. And on page 27, you will find a related Op - Ed by Victor Woolridge. —The Publisher Letter From Senate Republicans Response from Iran’s Hard-Liners to the Leaders of Iran to the 47 Republican Senators

“A rare direct congressional intervention into diplomatic negotiations, March 11, 2015 Republicans stated that the leaders of Iran “may not fully understand Dear senators: our constitutional system.” The letter was signed by every Senate Re- Thank you for your letter of March 9 explaining your system of govern- publican except Lamar Alexander and Bob Corker of Tennessee, Dan ment. We were unfamiliar with the complexity of your laws. For three years Coats of Indiana, Thad Cochran of Mississippi, Susan Collins of Maine, we have been negotiating a nuclear energy agreement with your president. We Jeff Flake of Arizona and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska.” now realize our mistake. As your letter makes clear, the authority to establish (Taken from nytimes.com) such agreements on behalf of your country rests with your Congress. We are in your debt for this clarification. Moreover, your letter has prompted us to undertake a broader study of the American political system. What we have learned has opened our eyes. For 35 years, we have treated you as an adversary. Our intelligence agencies told us that your culture and your political system were radically different from ours. We now understand that we were misled. Your country is much like ours. Indeed, your Republican Your letter explains that our discussions with your president have been in vain because “anything not approved by Congress is a mere executive agree- ment,” which can easily be cast aside by a future president or Congress. Under your Constitution, as you point out, “the president may serve only two 4-year terms, whereas senators may serve an unlimited number of 6-year terms.” Therefore, the ultimate authority to make and interpret your country’s policies resides with you, not with your president. As you note, “President Obama will leave office in January 2017, while most of us will remain in office well beyond then—perhaps decades.” Your Republican Congress is much like our revolutionary Islamic coun- cils. We were delighted to read this sentence. What you have described—a cir- cle of overseers who work in perpetuity to restrain the president—is very fa- miliar to us. Our president, like yours, is limited to two consecutive four-year terms. His powers are also severely circumscribed. He has a national security council, but he and his council do not establish our nation’s policies. In our system, true power lies with the chamber that oversees the presi- dent. For you, this chamber is the Senate, controlled by your Republican cau- cus. For us, it is the Council of Guardians. Members of our council, like members of your Senate, serve six-year terms. The council may veto any leg- islation, which, in its judgment, violates our republic’s guiding body of law. For us, that body of law is Sharia. Our intelligence agencies told us that in your country, the guiding docu- ment is your Constitution. Recently, however, we watched videos from your “Conservative Political Action Conference.” Several of your senators spoke there about the abomination of homosexual marriage and the importance of protecting religion. Our assessment is that your senators interpret your Con- stitution in accordance with the Christian Bible, just as our council applies our Constitution in the light of the Holy Quran. We particularly enjoyed the speech of your senator from Texas, Ted Cruz, who called on your government to fight for Christians abroad. This is in agreement with our own policy of coming to continues to page 40 continues to page 40 POV_April_1_2015_POV_April_1_2015 3/26/2015 5:02 PM Page 26

afam point of view page twenty-six april 1, 2015 EDITORIAL FROM THE PUBLISHER’S DESK “BLACK LEADER?” WHAT’S THAT? calm. But unlike the term “Civil Rights consider retiring and replacing with But his plea accomplished little. leader,” the term “Black leader” con- more precise terms that truly reflect The real rioters were everyday simple tains an inherent vagueness that gives the nature and emerging diversity of

OF VIEW folks from the hood. And there was it a unique flexibility that allows it to the leadership that has come to char- Frederick A. Hurst MY POINT no stopping them. The assassination be all-inclusive and applicable to any- acterize a maturing and increasingly continued from page 21 of King was the final catalyst that one with Black skin and which, unfor- independent Black population. folks across the country baffled by burst the damn that contained the tunately, has also imbued it with the (My May article on Black lead- their own complete loss of control. pent up emotions that had been build- inherent potential for abuse by both ership will outline why I think the It may all read to some like eso- ing for decades. The riots ushered in White folks and Black folks alike, term “Black leader” has lost its use- teric gobbledygook but it’s important a new and ominous era in America. which is why I consider it a “run- fulness and what should replace it and to a clear understanding of where we And White folks were stunned and away” term that we all might want to why.) ■ are today. Never before in the history genuinely confused by the realization of America had Black folks demon- that a significant segment of the LETTERS TO THE PUBLISHER strated such a uniform inclination to Black communities’ embrace of pas- fight back with violence against per- sive resistance died with King and that their control over disenchanted Councilor Hurst, ceived (and, of course, real) White African Americans had slipped to oppression. The two oldest Civil hank-you for your informative and enlightening column in this month’s Point levels so apparently dangerous that Rights organizations, the NAACP Of View, “Let the Facts Speak for Themselves” (March 1, 2015). Keep up the they feared for their lives and liveli- T and the National Urban League, had good work! I know your devotion to public service is much appreciated by Spring- hoods. And it was in this context that been sidelined long ago by Black field’s citizens that you serve. I am especially proud of you as well as all other I believe the concept of “Black folks as too moderate. The Black honest and dedicated politicians that serve us across this great nation of ours. We leader” truly blossomed. Power movement was in full swing need more politicians who are honest above reproach and committed to providing And I don’t think it’s unfair to and the Black Panther Party was at the best for the constituents that they represent. say that confused White folks re- center stage. And passive resistance, verted to a familiar model. They Respectfully, the fundamental, philosophical un- began searching for Black folks Jim & Dawn Crane (3/6/2015) derpinning of the Civil Rights Move- through whom they could manage ment that led to the new this new and fearsome paradigm. s I am so often reading my Point of View news magazine during my break at antidiscrimination laws, was on Some did so with good intentions, shaky ground, which at least partially Amy work place, my principal has taken notice! He is requesting if Duggan can others did so with not so good inten- be a drop off place for approximately 20 copies of the Point of View as we are now explains why the 1965 Watts riots tions. They scrambled to identify resonated with Black folks across the a Social Justice learning environment. Mr. Calvanese further stated that “The Point “chiefs” within the Black community, View is a strong engine to help him to be more informed about our community.” country. Black folks who could be counted on I was in the crowd when the late to control the rebellions and (for Thanks, Stokely Carmichael (Kwame Ture) some) with whom they could work to Beverly Showell (3/19/2015) stood on the steps of Frederick Dou- make the improvements the country glas Hall on the Howard University had embraced through the new Civil Letters to the Publisher and other content MUST be sent electronically campus in Washington, D.C. in 1968 Rights laws and the new poverty pro- to: [email protected] and pulled out his .38 revolver and grams that buttressed them. (Please reference a subject matter or e-mail is automatically deleted.) pointed it toward the sky and hollered And they found plenty such We would really like to hear from you, please visit, follow, in anger over the assassination of folks but they surely couldn’t call Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., them “chief.” The term was too toxic. subscribe, comment, like, tweet, read or explore on our “We’re going to burn tonight!” The And Black pride wouldn’t tolerate it website at: www.afampointofview.com or college crowd roared its approval! anyway. But the term “Black leader” www.afampov.com But its members were not the ones to didn’t carry the fundamental mal-in- riot in the streets of Washington that tent of the term “chief” and had the www.facebook.com/AfAmPointofView night and for several days thereafter– potential to be broadly applied to any not the students and not the intellec- Black person who White folks could https://plus.google.com/+PointofViewSpringfield tually-oriented Stokely Carmichael, be convinced would quell riots or the who quickly realized that inciting a inclination for riots and, of course, riot could lead to jail and he later who might also show the ability to www.twitter.com/AfAmPointofView wisely went on television to plead for lead. POV_April_1_2015_POV_April_1_2015 3/26/2015 5:03 PM Page 27

afam point of view page twenty-seven april 1, 2015 OP-ED

By Victor Woolridge n my view, our community needs to be aware goal is to ensure that Iran is never able to obtain a doubt and derision. Jackie of things of this importance that could impact nuclear weapon. It’s unclear to me how taking this Robinson, the Tuskegee Air- Ithe security of this nation and the world. The unprecedented action in violation of accepted men, and so many others who elected Senators in Washington, while playing pol- norms, and in contravention of the interests of our were the first to achieve a mile- itics and promulgating their expressions of personal five other allies, achieves this goal. Literally over a stone, understood this burden. Victor Woolridge distain for the President, are cleverly playing out billion lives are at risk, and they take this action just The explosion of race related incidences across this the same behavior of the Ferguson city officials on so that they can undermine this President. Senator nation has been fueled by radio and TV stations a global scale. While weaving together a feeble Rand Paul, who has steadfastly objected to Ameri- questioning the President’s place of birth, religious logic intended to educate the leaders of Iran on the can military intervention abroad, said he signed on beliefs, patriotism, and dismissing him as not being virtues of our constitutional system of government, to the letter because “this president doesn’t listen.” a “real American.” When a major political party de- this gang of 47 has openly allowed their personal So are we to understand that as a means of bringing fines as its national priority its intention to prevent animus for the President to undermine our system this President to heel, Senator Paul believes it’s in this President from being re-elected, and works tire- of government and its national security by directly our national interest to undermine global security, lessly over four years to undermine every policy interfering with diplomatic relations. As outraged international relations with our allies and nuclear and decision, it’s an indication that there is some- and focused as we are on the issues occurring in non-proliferation efforts? It’s absolutely true that thing seriously wrong in the country. When the de- Ferguson, MO, as well as other unabated attacks on other presidents have been severely challenged by bate skips the merits of a piece of legislation and African Americans across this country, these actions opposition parties with an entirely different view of focuses on the sponsor, then there is an unspoken by 47 U.S. Senators represent another expression public policy and international relations, but never message being delivered, and to some of us, the of these same prejudices at a national and interna- have we seen this kind of preemptive intervention message is clear. No, we are not paranoid, nor con- tional level. I realize this is a harsh assessment and in a president’s ability to negotiate treaties. Con- spiracy theorists, we’re just acutely aware of iden- a difficult logic to prove, but so are all of the other gress does indeed have the right to ratify or amend tifying those things that quack and walk like a duck. barriers woven into the fabric of American society any treaty that a president negotiates, but it does not The preservation of the republic for which it that undermine acceptance of unwelcomed people, have the right to undermine or interfere in on-going stands is too important to be diminished by people but yet we know these truths to be self-evident. negotiations in this manner. who refuse to be true to the spirit of America which The freshman sponsor of this letter says his What is it about this President that seems to beckons to aspiring global citizens through the sym- have brought out so bol of a lady called Liberty, who stands on the much disdain and disre- shores of this distant land, with a lit torch as a guid- AF-AM NEWS bits spect? In general, peo- ing light to all of those tired and hungry masses By Frederick A. Hurst ple of color and African yearning to be free. Who are these wretched souls THE UNIVERSITY OF OKLAHOMA Americans, in particu- who would dare to dampen or extinguish this light lar, understand this no- of hope by shutting the door of freedom to those FRAT CHANT tion of having to be who don’t look like or think like them? I hope that There will never be a n….r in SAE. twice as good to be ac- someday soon we’ll bring back honor, decency and There will never be a n….r in SAE cepted, while still hav- respect to this nation, by upholding high these You can hang ‘em from a tree ing to bear the weight of ideals for which we stand. ■ But there will never be a n….r in SAE

group of White student members of the University of Oklahoma Chapter of Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) fraternity were riding on a Abus chanting this “poetic verse” when one of them filmed it and sent it up on Youtube for all the public to “enjoy.” The reaction was fierce and two of them are no longer at the university or in the fraternity, which was also tossed from campus. The fraternity members’ defense is that they were taught the verse. Of course, not one of them shared the name of the teacher.

COHABITATION ON THE RISE ore than a quarter of births to women of childbearing age – de- fined here as 15 to 44 years old – in the past five years were “Mcohabiting couples, the highest on record and nearly double the rate from a decade earlier, according to new data from the Centers for Dis- ease Control and Prevention….Cohabiting parents now account for a clear majority – 59% of all births outside marriage,… In all, 40% of the 3.93 million New North Citizens Council Inc. recently held their Annual National births in 2013 were to unmarried women.” (The Wall Street Journal, March Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day at the Mason Square 11, 2015) ■ Library. Pictured are members of the panel and program participants. POV_April_1_2015_POV_April_1_2015 3/26/2015 5:03 PM Page 28

afam point of view page twenty-eight april 1, 2015 RELIGION RELIGIOUS POINT OF VIEW Dr. Atu White, Editor, Pastors, Ministers, Professors and Theologians, please submit your serves as Pastor of the Mt. Zion Baptist Church, articles for this page to Rev. Dr. Atu White at [email protected] 368 Bay Street, Springfield, MA and as Second Vice President of the United Believe Again Baptist Convention of Massachusetts, Rhode By Rev. Dr. Atu White Island, and New Hampshire. [email protected] went to the top physicians but to no a parent, the man in the scripture ex- beyond what you see or experience. avail. He went to church and Jesus’ hausted his options. We should resist God, I believe that as long as t’s spring! We can hear the laugh- disciples prayed for him, but the out- the urge of allowing disappointment you reign there is still a glimmer of ter of birds, see the squirrels play- come remained the same. Finally, he to overshadow the small possibility. hope. I choose to prove you right. The ing, and feel the sun shining. The I encounters Jesus. After explaining his Do not allow that glimmer of hope to laughter of the birds, the playing of frigid winter tried its best, but we pre- journey, out of frustration, he insults die. There is life, opportunity, and squirrels and the warmth of the sun vailed because we did not give up. Jesus by saying, “Heal my son if you hope in the glimmer. Is there still a remind us of your resurrected power. Are you fatigued by the frigid reali- can.” Jesus gives a classic response, slight chance I can be healed? Is there Our declaration is simple. Hopeless- ties of your life? We should take “Anything is possible if you believe.” still a possibility my business will re- ness cannot win. I believe light con- comfort in the newness of life. This The frustrated father reveals the se- bound? Is there still hope that my life quers darkness, hope vanquishes month we celebrate and commemo- vere depth of pain. He says, “I believe will finally get on track? despair, health triumphs disease, and rate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. but help me overcome my unbelief.” We Believe Again when we prosperity eliminates poverty. Help The resurrection allows us to hear, We Believe Again when we prove God right. If you are struggling us God to Believe Again . see, and feel the words of Christ com- choose a glimmer of hope. In reality, with the above questions and more, ing alive in our hearts. some seasons of life last longer than the glimmer tells you ‘yes’ and your Scripture tells of a man who felt others. In those seasons, we become actions will then prove God right. the pressure of the frigid realities of faint. Life is further complicated The man said ‘yes’ to himself and life. His child continued to suffer when we have done our part but our ‘yes’ to God. Jesus healed his son. I from a debilitating condition. He reward does not equal our effort. As urge you this season to believe again

Rev. Steven Williams of Revival Time Evangelistic Center recently cele- brated his 11th Pastoral Anniversary. Pastor Williams (center) and 1st Lady Denise Williams (in front of him) with some of the women of the church.

Fresh Anointing COGIC held their third annual Black History Luncheon, “Ordinary Women Doing Extraordi- nary things.” Seated from L to R: Hon- orees Deaconess Lillie Menton Hill, Della Blake, Mother Ladell Carr, Mary Custard and Shawna Roberson. Stand- ing from L to R: Keynote Speaker Bishop Elizabeth Williams, Mother Carrie Roberson, First Lady Stephanie Roberson, Pastor Anthony D. Rober- son, Sr., and Guest Host Springfield Health and Human Services Commis- sioner Helen Caulton Harris. POV_April_1_2015_POV_April_1_2015 3/26/2015 5:03 PM Page 29

afam point of view page twenty-nine april 1, 2015 RELIGIOUS DIRECTORY New Life Calvary ÂT W|äxÜáx cxÉÑÄx ã{É tÜx PROGRESSIVE bÇx ÉÇ fÉÄÉÅÉÇËá cÉÜà|vÉÊ COMMUNITY BAPTIST Baptist Church CHURCH A NEW 599 State Street Springfield, Massachusetts BEGINNING B (413) 736-8844 Sunday School “A Church Determined To Follow Christ” 9:00 AM Acts 5:12b Sunday Worship— 10:45 AM Morning Worship Sunday School— 9:00 AM Service Tuesday— Book Club — 7:00PM Rev. Joe C. 10:00 AM Wednesday—“Noonday Hour of Power” Rev. Jesse E. Prayer/Bible Study With Lunch Long Jr., Williams Sr., Wednesday Thursday— Live Bible Study — 7:00PM Pastor Pastor/Teacher Ordinance of the Lord’s Supper 6:00 & 7:00 PM First Sunday— 4:00PM 981 Wilbraham Road Spring- 17 John Street, Springfield, MA 01104 (413) 737-9583 Sunday Worship - 10:00 a.m. field, MA 01109 Sunday Bible School - 9:00 a.m. (413) 796-1600 Dr. Mark E. Flowers, Senior Pastor Solid Rock Community Baptist Church Mountcalvarybaptistchurchspringfield.org Bible Study - Wednesday - 6:30 p.m. 821 Liberty Street, Springfield, MA 01104 Shiloh Seventh-Day Telephone (413) 734-5441 Alden Baptist Church Adventist Church 649 State Street Fax (413) 734-5438 Springfield, MA 01109 Transportation (413) 575-4035 797 State St., Springfield, MA 413-788-9910 413-734-0103 “We believe God has called us to be a vital sign of faith Sunday Morning Worship 10:30 am [email protected] at work in the community. This vision is actualized Weekly Bible Study/Prayer Service Tuesday 7:00 pm Sabbath School 9:00a.m. through our Ministries.” Sabbath Services: Bishop Curtis L. Shaird, Pastor (Saturdays) Reverend Harold P. Dixson, Assistant Pastor Divine Worship 11:00a.m. Adventist Youth Services — 6:00pm Adventist Sunday School Wednesdays Overflowing Love Community Service 9:00 a.m. Noon & 6:00 p.m. Dr. Walton H. Mondays & Tuesdays Church of the Living God Rose, Pastor Sunday Morning Bible Study 10:00a.m. — 1:00p.m. Mondays & 22 King Street, Springfield, MA Worship Service Prayer Meeting Wednesdays (413) 739-0164 10:00 a.m. [email protected] The Church Wednesdays 7:00 p.m. Weekly Service Schedule In The Heart 7:00p.m. Prayer Service Youth Ministry Church School (SSAJA) Mondays Sunday School 10:00 am of The City Fridays Monday — Friday 6:00 p.m. 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. Sunday Morning Worship 11:30 am Morning Bible Study Wesley United Methodist Church Wednesday Morning 10:00 am g{|Üw UtÑà|áà V{âÜv{ Adult & Youth Bible Study 149 Walnut Street “Open Hearts. Open Minds. Open Doors.” Wednesday Evening 7:30 pm P.O. Box 91166 Bishop Naomi Barber 741 State Street Springfield, MA 01139 Springfield, MA 01109 413-734-4143 413-734-3233 Join us for our Worship Services Office & Fax BETHEL AFRICAN Sunday School Sunday Worship Service : WesleyUMCSpringfield METHODIST EPISCOPAL Reverend Nathaniel 9:30 a.m. 10:00 a.m. Email: [email protected] CHURCH Smith, Sr., Pastor Prayer Meeting & Bible Study 27 Pendleton Avenue Thursday 6:00 p.m. Sundays Springfield, MA 01109 Âg{x YÜ|xÇwÄç V{âÜv{Ê f|Çvx DKIL Rev. Catharine A. Sunday School (all ages) 9:30 a.m. (413) 734-7611 Where all who enter may be blessed Cummings, Pastor Morning Worship Service 11:00 a.m. Rev. Angelo S. Dawson, Pastor Rev. Donald A. Thomas, Associate Minister Canaan Baptist Rev. Amelia Eddy, This Space is Available Associate Minister Church of Christ 1430 Carew Street James D. Bullock, for your AD Minister of Music Springfield, MA 01104 413-739-5053 Pastor’s Bible Study Sunday Morning Sunday Divine Worship Sundays 9:00am to 9:50am 10:00am Rev. Dr. W. C. Sunday School (all ages) ------9:15a.m. Watson, Jr., Pastor Call 413-796-1500 or Church School Bible Study/Prayer Morning Worship Service ----10:45a.m. Saturday & Class Meeting Church Life Wednesdays email [email protected] 11:00am Wednesday – 6:00pm Worship, Prayer, Mid-day Prayer & Praise--12:00-1:00p.m. Praise & Study Bible Study ------7:00 p.m. POV_April_1_2015_POV_April_1_2015 3/26/2015 5:03 PM Page 30

afam point of view page thirty april 1, 2015 GOOD NEWS Jay Griffin, Stone Soul Festival Program Chairman April 2015 [email protected] A Collaboration of Stone Soul, Inc. & Point Of View

BIRTHDAYS OF BLACK AMERICANS end us your good news 4/1 Gil Scott-Heron, “The revolution will not be televised” S(birthdays, births, wed- 4/2 Marvin Gaye, Motown Legend dings, anniversaries, etc.) by 4/4 Maya Angelou, Poet, Educator & Actress April 15th for the May edi- tion of the Point of View. We 4/5 Booker T. Washington, Founded Tuskegee Institute will acknowledge the Good 4/9 Paul Roberson, Concert Writer, Civil Rights Activist & Lawyer News each month. The max- 4/11 Jane M. Bolin, First Black American Judge to receive Law Degree from Yale University imum submission is 15 4/15 Asa Phillip Randolph, Labor Leader - Civil Rights Activist words. There is a $5.00 cost 4/16 Frederick A. Hurst, Lawyer, MCAD Commissioner, Publisher that must accompany your 4/17 Miffin Wistar Gibbs, First Black Elected Municipal Judge Good News information. Send to: 4/18 James McCure Smith, First Black to earn a medical degree and run a pharmacy in the U.S. 4/23 Granville T. Woods, Invented many devices to improve railway cars (a Black Edison) Stone Soul, Inc., P. O. Box 90031, Springfield, MA 01109 CONGRATULATIONS Let’s get the Engagement of Robert McCoy to Imani Griffin Good News rolling! CONGRATULATIONS CORNER

ongratulations to Dawn Leaks, Woman of ongratulations to Moyah Smith, a lifelong res- Confidence Coaching and Consulting, LLC CEO, ident of Springfield who has been hired by United Cwho will be the Director of Customer Develop- CBank, as Community Outreach Officer responsible ment of Lioness Magazine. Through the partnership, for covering Western Massachusetts. Her responsibilities Woman of Confidence is responsible for Lioness brand will include organizing and participating in financial lit- growth and enhancing brand and customer equity. “Li- eracy programs and classes and promoting and guiding oness is an innovative, forward thinking, global publica- local residents through the entire home buying process. tion and Woman of Confidence is thrilled to be a part of She will also hold the title of mortgage loan officer for the company’s growth and expansion,” said Leaks. “I am looking forward United Bank. to adding my skills and experience to a dynamic team as we work to take the magazine to the next level.” ongratulations to Springfield Central High School teacher Naomi Volain who was a finalist for Cthe $1 million Varkey Foundation Global Teacher Prize that honors a teacher “who has made an inspirational impact on their students and their community.” Being in the top 10 netted her a trip to Dubai for the award cere- mony. More than 5,000 teachers from 127 countries were ongratulations to Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance nominated. She has been a teacher at Central for 17 years Company (MassMutual) on being named a World’s Most Ethical and teaches advanced placement environmental science, botany, ecology and biology. Her students, colleagues, principal, superintendent, school com- CCompany by Ethisphere for the second year in a row. The recogni- mittee members, mayor and the entire city of Springfield join in applauding tion demonstrates the company’s commitment to ethical leadership. This her. recognition comes on the heels of another very recent recognition where MassMutual was named a Top 50 Company for Executive Women for the fourth year in a row by the National Association for Female Executives, and were touted for identifying and promoting successful women. The company ranked among the top 10 companies on the list of 50 with exceptional scores in female leadership, hiring, retention and employee programs. www.facebook.com/AfAmPointofView POV_April_1_2015_POV_April_1_2015 3/26/2015 5:03 PM Page 31

afam point of view page thirty-one april 1, 2015 2015 PARTNERS IN PROGRESS AWARDS Presented at DevelopSpringfield’s 4th Annual Celebrate Springfield Dinner

Awardee Jerald Jay Griffin with board member Armando Feliciano and Awardee Evan Plotkin with board member Armando Feliciano and Mistress of Ceremony Jill Monson of Inspired Marketing Mistress of Ceremony Jill Monson of Inspired Marketing

Awardee Kevin Kennedy with board member Armando Feliciano and DevelopSpringfield staff team from L to R: Danielle McKahn, Mistress of Ceremony Jill Monson of Inspired Marketing Paige Thayer, President & CEO John “Jay” Minkarah and Ben Murphy

Awardees Kevin Kennedy (center) seated and Evan Plotkin (center) Standing from L to R: Sheldon Griffin, Joyce Davis and Al Griffin; standing, surrounded by family, friends, and members of CNR Seated from L to R: Imani Griffin, Freda Griffin, Awardee Jay Griffin Changchun Railway Vehicles and Rick Hurst POV_April_1_2015_POV_April_1_2015 3/26/2015 5:03 PM Page 32

afam point of view page thirty-two april 1, 2015 THE ARTS CHILDREN’S BOOK CORNER ARTIST IN RESIDENCE “Birdology” Renée Flowers is Point of View’s Artist in Residence. More of her original art pieces can be viewed at our office at 688 Boston Road, By Monica Russo, Photographs by Kevin Byron Springfield. You can also contact her directly at (413) 209-9882 to c.2015, Chicago Review Press $15.95/$18.95 Canada 108 pages arrange a private viewing of her work. (See May 1, 2014 POV Com- Let’s start with the bird’s body. munity Focus article on Renée by Emurriel Holloway for more infor- The Bookworm is Terri Did you know that all birds have Schlichenmeyer. Terri has mation on the artist @ www.afampointofview.com.) been reading since she feathers? And did you know that birds was 3 years old and she are the only creatures with feathers never goes anywhere with- (though some dinosaurs had them, out a book. She lives on a too). Without feathers, a bird couldn’t hill in Wisconsin with two dogs and 11,000 books. fly or keep itself warm. You might have heard the old omebody called you a bird- saying that someone eats like a bird. Sbrain last week. That could be very interesting, be-

At first, it really made you mad. cause birds don’t have teeth. They do Every month different paintings created by What kind of a thing is that to say? have beaks, however, and those beaks Renée Flowers are displayed at You’re way smarter than a bird and are specialized to help the bird eat its Point of View, 688 Boston Road, Springfield, MA your brain’s much bigger, but what dinner of seeds, plants, bugs, fish, or are you gonna do? small animals. When a bird opens its marabou stork’s wingspan is about and bird watching in this book, in You’re going to read “Birdol- beak to “speak up,” what it says could twelve feet! Some birds build nests terms that challenge them but won’t ogy” by Monica Russo, photo- warn its flock of danger, remind oth- underground, while the nest of the frustrate them. Author Monica Russo graphs by Kevin Byron and next ers to stay away, or tell you what kind Australian malleefowl is taller than and photographer Kevin Byron don’t time someone says you’re a birdbrain, of bird you’re hearing. you. Pigeons are non-native; they overwhelm their readers but they do you’re going to say “Thank you!” Even a bird’s feet can indicate a were imported from Europe. Spar- include activities, a glossary, and re- No matter where you live – city lot about its home and habitat. Ducks’ rows came from Europe, Africa, sources; parents and grandparents or country, apartment or house – there feet are wide and webbed, to make it Great Britain, and Asia. And if you will be happy to note that the authors are birds outside (and sometimes in- easier to swim. Ruffled grouse have want to help birds, then volunteer – urge a look-don’t-touch bird watch- side). There are, in fact, “at least” feet that help it walk on snow. Insect- learn more inside this book! ing method, so kids can enjoy this 9,000 different bird species in the eating birds have feet that can grasp So now who’s the birdbrain? hobby safely. world, and more than 700 species are twigs, while large birds – the ones Not your youngster. Not your curious This is a great book for natural- found in North America. That makes that hunt for meat – have sharp talons future ornithologist, especially when ists and bird watchers to share with a bird watching an easy hobby for just at the end of their feet for capturing you put “Birdology” in her hands. 7-to-12-year-old who wants to know about anywhere. prey. From bird anatomy to habitat what the feathered fuss is all about. But what, exactly, are you A hummingbird’s wingspan is and volunteer opportunities, children Once you’ve got “Birdology,” you’ll watching for? around three inches, while the will find a good overview of birds both be singing its praises. ■ POV_April_1_2015_POV_April_1_2015 3/26/2015 5:03 PM Page 33

afam point of view page thirty-three april 1, 2015 THE ARTS LIVING PEN & INK LIFE’S CHALLENGES JUANITA TORRENCE-THOMPSON: Pushcart nominee. Published fiction, chil- dren’s stories, feature articles, hundreds of her award-winning poems in dozens of U.S. and international journals, 12 anthologies, 7 books including her Talking With The Fear of Being Successful Stanley Kunitz (2012). Writes print & online newspaper poetry columns; produces By Sweets S. Wilson, PhD poetry salons and reads internationally. Editor-in-Chief and Publisher of acclaimed You may realize that you are 30-year-old Mobius, The Poetry Magazine. Her poetry is translated into 15 foreign Dr. Sweets S. Wilson is a languages. Talking With Stanley Kunitz and New York and African Tapestries were Christian life purpose typically most comfortable in sur- best pick by Small Press Review. Mobius, The Poetry Magazine, best pick 2007 thru coach, motivational 2012 www.poetrytown.com roundings that are most familiar. speaker and CEO of Even if you do not particularly like Inspire ME, LLC. wilson.sweets@ some aspects of your life, you may Haiku — Chaos gmail.com or find that you have become comfort- By Juanita Torrence-Thompson 860-869-8067 able with them if for no reason other Earth now in chaos FROM HARTFORD, than the fact that they are familiar. Ozzie and Harriet World CONNECTICUT Breaking out from the familiar may Gone like dinosaurs. ear of success appears to be not be very comfortable and it may Copyright 2014 by Juanita Torrence-Thompson connected to the fear of failure. conjure up some fears or risks in your FResearch has shown that both mind. The risks have more to do with Two Island Of Dreams conditions share many of the same new successful behaviors than they symptoms. Both are marked by anxi- do with the fear of failure. ety symptoms in certain situations, Here are some tips that may help Haiku such as taking a test or a job interview. you get over the fear of being suc- Both conditions can be crippling, By Juanita Torrence-Thompson cessful: leading the sufferer to take few risks A dove’s loud laughter and make only safe, conservative ● People are always scared of what Loon’s silent meditation choices. they do not know, so learn. On island of dreams Fear of success appears to be re- ● Take time to find your authentic- lated to the level of control that the ity by taking the time to reflect on On island of dreams sufferer feels in his or her life. Those Some things are not what they seem your life and figure out your pur- who feel that external forces are in Daylight has moonbeams pose in this world? control tend to be at a higher risk for ● Copyright 2014 by Juanita Torrence-Thompson fear of success than those who feel In the meantime, keep asking that they are somewhat in control. yourself what you want out of life Some people seem to fear both and why you want it. LATIN @ GROOVE success and failure concurrently. This ● Live in balance by taking each can be a very difficult situation to be step feeling grounded and bal- Poets Change the World and in, as every choice that the person anced. makes must be weighed against these ● Continually remind yourself that Duggan Expeditionary fears. It is entirely possible for some- you are part of something larger one in this situation to become para- than you and it is important to Learning School lyzed with indecision, unable to make make time for yourself. family in tow. Next up, families for any choices at all. continued from page 18 ● Create a library of inspirational Bagels at the Bing. Connecting with Have you become accustomed to Castillo, Maya Angelou, Naomi Shi- quotes to use whenever you have families beyond the school. life as it is for you now? Of course hab Nye, Sandra María Esteves, self-doubts. Jimmy Santiago Baca, among others. My interns from Teatro V!da, you have, even if what you have be- On our first family night, the stu- Eilish Thompson, Francheska come accustomed to is not quite what What have you told yourself Morales and Jeremy Turgeon, are full you would prefer. We have all heard dents designed and facilitated most of about taking the risks necessary to the evening, addressed the parents ex- participants in all aspects of student the expression “comfort zone,” and create what you want? What have plaining the intention of the resi- learning as we share the arts-based most of us have been in a discussion you found useful in overcoming ob- dency, and led community building teaching model that I have developed or two about the role of the comfort theater games ― all which they had throughout four decades as a teaching zone in holding people back. Al- stacles, in creating your own version learned in less than six hours of total artist. Together we are building a though some people miss the real of success in life? Be positive by training as a formed group. One of the community with the students and power of this notion by wrongly as- practicing daily mindfulness and you students attended and performed at their families that we hope will con- suming that the comfort zone refers to will notice how your negative attitude Teatro V!da’s Ign!te the M!c, entire tinue long after we are gone. ■ something about being comfortable. will start melting away. ■ POV_April_1_2015_POV_April_1_2015 3/26/2015 5:03 PM Page 34

afam point of view page thirty-four april 1, 2015 FOOD TALK FOOD FOR THOUGHT THE URBAN COOK Musings On Social Justice Looking Back By Zaida Govan By Rhonda Jones though you are a U.S. citizen, you are which is mostly my fault. Things took Zaida Govan is a native of Springfield via Puerto not allowed to vote in the “mainland” a turn for the worst and I’ve been Rico with a passion for elections. The proud people of Puerto Rhonda Jones is a cooking ever since. Somewhere in be- improving the community Rico are fighting against becoming a Personal Caterer and a tween the age of thirteen to seventeen, she serves. She can be Food Consultant state of these United States because things went astray. My advice is to let reached at 413.301.2533 they are angry at how they have been [email protected] or your young kids help you cook in the treated. The territory of Puerto Rico is [email protected] kitchen; teach them how to cook even divided by this; some are in favor of if they do get in the way or make a he other day I was driving on becoming a state while others are was getting a pedicure one day, mess. It will be worth it in the long Rt. 291 towards downtown adamantly opposed to it. The reasons and while I was sitting there TSpringfield and I saw a big are complicated. They are reminded Isoaking my feet, this savory run. billboard advertising Medical Mari- about Mexico and how one night aroma filled the room. I asked my Now I’m worrying about my juana with doctors in East Long- Mexicans woke up and half of them nail technician what she was cooking daughter because you know they say meadow and Greenfield and then I were Americans and the other half for dinner because it smelled so good. “a way to a man’s heart is his stom- remembered the day before there was weren’t. The problem is that while we She began to tell me that her daughter ach.” Maybe I can give her a crash a news story about two young Latino are called Americans and considered was cooking supper tonight and that course in cooking. The only good men who were arrested in Holyoke for U.S. citizens, we are not treated that each one of her kids had a night to thing that I know she can make is possession of marijuana. The oxy- way. cook, including her son. Ever since scrambled eggs with cheese and moron in that is evidence to me that The politics in this country are they were young, they have cooked. crepes. As for my son, it’s a lost racial justice has not yet been reached meant to divide us and they do it very She told me that she was working so cause! in this country. well. Any person who cannot become everyone in the household was re- Michelle Alexander, author of white in this country is for all intents sponsible for cooking. Zela’s Crepes The New Jim Crow, wrote, “Here are and purposes a second class citizen. I was blown away; although I’m white men poised to run big marijuana That is why Russians, Italians and not sure why because this is how my 1 cup of flour businesses, dreaming of cashing in others come here and lose the lan- mother raised me and my sisters. We 2 teaspoons sugar big—big money, big businesses sell- guage and their culture as quickly as cooked, cleaned and cut the grass. 2 eggs ing weed—after 40 years of impover- possible. They give up so much to be- My parents worked and paid the bills, ½ cup milk ished black kids getting prison time come white and to enjoy the privilege put a roof over our heads and kept us ½ cup water for selling weed, and their families associated with it. Darker skinned cleaner than the Board of Health. The ¼ teaspoon salt and futures destroyed. Now, white people and people with different last sad thing about this is that I do all of 2 tablespoons melted butter men are planning to get rich doing names cannot become white no matter the above for my children and it’s like precisely the same thing?” how much they want to. The govern- once they became teenagers, they for- In a bowl mix together flour and Unfortunately this paradigm will ment is fighting really hard for got about cooking. When they were eggs and sugar. Stir in milk and not shift any time soon. From my per- Latino’s to check the “white” box so pre-teens, they would cook and create water. Add salt and butter. Beat spective, people of color have been their numbers will stay up, and we as all types of dishes. Yes, mostly Vi- until smooth. Heat a frying pan treated like this for centuries. I learned a population must make ourselves enna Sausages and Oodles and Noo- with oil. Pour batter in pan and tilt that Puerto Rico, my island of birth, aware and fight to make sure we are dles, along with an instant pack of was destroyed and taken over by the seen, heard and respected. So I will macaroni and cheese but it worked pan until batter coats the entire United States and the reason my par- continue to honor my ancestors and I and they liked it. surface. Cook crepe for 2 minutes ents came here when I was 3 years will continue to fight for human jus- Now they are so picky. I do be- then turn to cook other side until old. Puerto Rico was invaded by the tice. ■ lieve they have too many choices, done. ■ United States and became a territory of the United States. The people on ANNOUNCEMENT the island were not treated well at all. Farms were stolen from families, parts HEAR YE! HEAR YE! HEAR YE! of the islands have been destroyed by experimental bombings, and the peo- A Reunion Celebration is Being Planned for All ple are citizens of the United States Former Beautillion Participants. without the privileges. These things continue to this day. Please Contact Mrs. Juanita H. O’Neal at [email protected] or at 508-481-9596. When you live in Puerto Rico, al- Send your name, address, telephone/cell phone number and e-mail address. POV_April_1_2015_POV_April_1_2015 3/26/2015 5:03 PM Page 35

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afam point of view page thirty-six april 1, 2015 SPRINGFIELD SPORTS YOUTH PREMIER SOCCER David Kelley is the co-founder and Vice On Being a Volunteer Soccer Coach, President of SFC. He serves as current Head Coach of BU15 Premier Are You Interested? team and BU14 District Select Team. By David Kelley He can be contacted at: ment it brought knowing I would be [email protected] out there with my friends playing the fter being cooped up all win- sport that I lived for. Now, as a coach, ter, it will be nice to get back I never want to lose sight of that feel- Ato grass stains and opening ing―knowing that how I teach and the car windows to evacuate the represent the game to the players I stench of winter season. You soccer coach will impact how they view the moms know what I am talking about. game in their adult years. That spring sun beating down, while As I am writing this, it is hard not the fresh air carries in the aroma of to get sentimental when soccer has new life. Cheering for your team and played such a major part in my life. there goes little Billy in for a slide My hopes are for every child we tackle. Yup, that will be a tough stain coach within Springfield FC to have a to get out. For the soccer player, it is positive experience. When they reach vision of what we are looking to ac- In reality, they are not coaches in the all about getting back to the open field their adult years they can think back complish through our programs. true definition. That being said, there with your teammates and having fun. about their time playing youth soccer Coaching is a position of leader- were still lessons learned from those Spring soccer is such a fantastic and reflect on the impact soccer ship. The ability to share your experi- situations. Nevertheless, I believe way to shake away cabin fever. It played in their life. What a positive ence and skills with an impressionable coaches are to be positive developers takes me back to my childhood as a snowball effect it would be for that player is priceless. Players look for of people and assist those under their player. Transitioning from practices experience to play out in their children guidance not only in increasing their servitude in how to navigate life both all winter in the middle school gym to and, if they coach, other children’s skill and knowledge of the game, but on and off the field. that beautiful lined green field. I per- lives. That is why we look for coaches also in their everyday life. Reflecting sonally loved putting on my outdoor who are likeminded and have bought on the coaches that I have had, I can If you are interested in coaching boots and feeling them dig into the into this philosophy. From our start in say there were two that made a direct for a fantastic organization or just soil beneath. Spring does that to me. I 2013, we have grown as a club and are impact on my life. Playing for many want to gain a better understanding as love reminiscing about my years play- looking for volunteer coaches who not years, I did come across those “win at to what SFC is all about, we would ing youth soccer. The joy and excite- only love the game, but share in the all cost” coaches. You know the ones. love to hear from you. ■ BLACK SPORTS BLACK SPORTS INTERNATIONAL UCLA Announces Jackie Robinson Athletics and Recreation Complex os Angeles, California – The letes who will continue to be inspired clude: Acosta Athletic Training Com- University of California at Los by his courage, dignity and grace,” plex, Bruin Fitness Center, Elvin C. LAngeles (UCLA) announced said UCLA Chancellor Gene Block. “Ducky” Drake Track & Field Sta- that it is naming a series of recreation “Jackie detested injustice, fought for dium, Easton Stadium, Gifford Golf and athletics facilities in honor of civil rights and his spirit of breaking Practice Facility, Hitch Outdoor Bas- Jackie Robinson, the legendary four- barriers has been and always will be a ketball Courts, UCLA Intramural sport Bruin star who went on to break guiding force of UCLA past, present Playing Fields, Jackie Robinson Sta- the color barrier in Major League and future.” dium, J.D. Morgan Athletics Center, Baseball, and earn a place in Base- In an official naming ceremony John Wooden Center, Kinross Recre- ball’s Hall of Fame. on the Drake Stadium concourse, ation Center, Los Angeles Tennis Cen- “Jackie Robinson’s name and his UCLA officials said 22 facilities will ter, UCLA Marina Aquatics Center, legacy are an honor to this University, be named the Jackie Robinson Athlet- North Athletic Field, North Pool, and to all the students and student-ath- ics and Recreation Complex. They in- continues to page 37 POV_April_1_2015_POV_April_1_2015 3/26/2015 5:03 PM Page 37

afam point of view page thirty-seven april 1, 2015 BLACK SPORTS BLACK SPORTS INTERNATIONAL Evelyn Ashford Jackie Robinson Athletics and USA Olympian Extraordinaire Recreation Complex

velyn Ashford is a retired of the favorites to win the 100 meters continued from page 36 stances – in short, I expect them to American athlete, the 1984 title at the inaugural World Champi- Edwin W. Pauley Pavilion, South meet the standard set forth by Jackie EOlympic Champion in the 100 onships in Helsinki. In the final, how- Pool, Spaulding Field, Spieker Aquat- Robinson.” meters. She has run under the 11 sec- ever, she pulled a hamstring muscle ics Center, Student Activities Center, Chief among campus’ recogni- ond barrier over 30 times, and was the and fell. The other main favorite, Mar- Sunset Canyon Recreation Center and tion of the complex will be an in- lies Göhr of East Germany (who had first to run under 11 seconds in an Sycamore Tennis Courts. ground number 42 at each entry point already beaten Ashford earlier that Olympic Games. The naming ceremony included to UCLA’s training centers, competi- year) went on to win. Ashford was born April 15, 1957, remarks from Chancellor Block, tion sites, fields and stadiums as a re- in Shreveport, Louisiana. She attended At the 1984 Summer Olympics, UCLA Athletic Director Dan Guerrero minder of Robinson’s tremendous Roseville High School, and upon Ashford had a chance to win a Gold and Vice Chancellor Janina Montero. courage in the face of adversity. graduation, went to the University of Medal. However, she had to withdraw To a crowd of distinguished guests, “The name Jackie Robinson is California at Los Angeles. from the 200 meters heats with a Rachel Robinson, the wife of Jackie synonymous with excellence and As a 19-year-old, Ashford fin- minor injury. She competed in the 100 Robinson and a UCLA Medal recipi- sports equity,” said Mick Deluca, As- ished 5th in the 100 meters event at the meters, winning the event in a new ent, recalled both her husband’s legacy sistant Vice Chancellor of Campus 1976 Summer Olympics. After beat- Olympic Record of 10.97 seconds. As Life. “It is a tremendous honor and ing the World Record holders in the the anchor runner for 4 x 100 meters and their time together at UCLA. The testament to inclusion knowing that 100 meters and 200 meters in 1979, relay team, she won a second Gold ceremony, which culminated in a cel- going forward, UCLA students, fac- she was one of the potential medalists Medal. In the absence of World Cham- ebratory naming and photo opportu- ulty, staff, and athletes of various for the 1980 Summer Olympics, but pions and world record holders from nity to commemorate the occasion, is backgrounds, interests and abilities these Games were boycotted by the East Germany, the U.S. Team clocked the first of two special events celebrat- United States. one of the fastest times in history, and ing the legacy of Jackie Robinson on will have the opportunity to partici- Ashford was ranked #1 in the won by the biggest margin ever at an the 75th anniversary of his arrival at pate in an athletics and recreation world by Track & Field News over Olympics, 1.12 seconds. UCLA. complex that now bears his name.” 100 meters in 1979 and 1981, and over Later in the season, she finally “Jackie Robinson was one of the On Saturday, November 22, dur- 200 meters in 1981. She also was defeated her main rival Göhr at the great athletes of the 20th Century,” ing the first quarter break of the named Track and Field News “Athlete Weltklasse meeting in Zürich, said Guerrero. “Yet for all of Jackie’s UCLA-USC football game at the of the Year” twice, in 1981 and 1984. Switzerland. The race saw Ashford athletic achievements, it is his human- Rose Bowl, Jackie Robinson’s legacy On July 3, 1983, she set her first make up half a meters or so over Göhr, ity that sets him apart from the others. was honored through a special in-sta- World Record (be it at altitude) for the and lower her own World Record to As UCLA Athletic Director, I expect dium video. 100 meters, running 10.79 seconds at 10.76 seconds. That race proved to be our student-athletes to represent the Additionally, to celebrate the the National Sports Festival in Col- Ashford’s personal record. It still university with class, character and naming of Jackie Robinson Athletics orado Springs, Colorado, and was one continues to page 38 dignity under any and all circum- continues to page 38 FOR MORE SPORTS GO TO: www.blacksportsthemagazine.com POV_April_1_2015_POV_April_1_2015 3/26/2015 5:03 PM Page 38

afam point of view page thirty-eight april 1, 2015 BLACK SPORTS BLACK SPORTS INTERNATIONAL Jackie Robinson Athletics and Evelyn Ashford Recreation Complex continued from page 37 continued from page 37 ranks as the #8 Individual all-time. Ashford, un- and Recreation Complex, Robinson’s surprisingly, regained her #1 Track & Field News iconic number 42 was painted onto the ranking. Rose Bowl field and worn on the hel- At the 1988 Summer Olympics, she was the mets of each UCLA football player. flag bearer for the United States Team at the Seventy-five years ago, Jackie Opening Ceremony. She was beaten in the 100 Robinson claimed a place at UCLA. Rachel Robinson (l), the meters by Florence Griffith Joyner, who had bro- From 1939 to 1941, he starred in four Wife of Jackie Robinson ken her World Record earlier in the season at the Olympic Trials. In the 4 x 100 meters relay, she sports. In football, Robinson played endured it all with grace and dignity - both offense and defense, returned again ran the final leg, winning her third Olympic not to mention exceptional play - earn- Gold Medal despite a sloppy last exchange that punts, caught and threw passes, kicked ing Rookie of the Year honors and a extra points and in the process, earned meant she had to make up some ground on Göhr. National League Most Valuable Player At her last Olympics in Barcelona, Ashford, aged 35, was eliminated in honorable mention All-American ac- Award in addition to helping the colades. In basketball, he twice led the the 100 meters semi-finals by 1/100th of a second. She went on to win her third Dodgers win the 1955 World Series. A straight Olympic 4 x 100 meters relay Gold, this time running 1st leg. She is Pacific Coast Conference in scoring. career .311 hitter, Robinson played in In track, he won the NCAA champi- one of only six women to have won four Gold Medals in track and field six World Series, six consecutive All- Olympic history. onship in the broad jump. And in base- Star games was inducted into the ball, he began his legendary journey as Ashford twice came back from season ending injuries to reach the top of Baseball Hall of Fame in 1962 during the sport in the following year. After injury in 1983, she became double a highly-regarded shortstop for the his first year of eligibility. Olympic Champion in 1984. In 1987, a hamstring pull prevented her from com- Bruins. Fighting tirelessly for civil rights peting at the World Championships, then a season later added an Olympic Silver Six years later, Jackie Robinson and integration in professional sports and third Gold Medal to her collection.On May 30, 1985, she gave birth to her claimed a place in history. Wearing long after his time on the diamond was daughter Raina Ashley Washington, and again came back for an excellent 1986, number 42 for the Brooklyn Dodgers, over, Robinson perhaps best summed losing only once over both the 100 meters and 200 meters, and earning another on April 15, 1947, he shattered the up his own legacy with a typically un- #1 ranking by Track & Field News over the shorter distance. color barrier in Major League Baseball derstated yet poignant quote – “A life After parting ways with her coach Pat Connolly (herself a 3-time forever. Despite enduring racial abuse, is not important except in the impact Olympian) in 1985, Ashford was largely self-coached. In 1997, Ashford was jeers of fans and fellow players, death it has on other lives.” ■ inducted into the National Track and Field Hall of Fame, where she is said to threats and profound harassment, he be “one of the greatest track and field runners ever.” ■ Re-print permission and photos courtesy of www.blacksportsthemagazine.com. FOR MORE SPORTS GO TO: www.blacksportsthemagazine.com Spotlight On: Johnny Grier First African-American Referee in the History of the NFL ohnny Grier was an American worn by Jerome Boger, another football official for 23 years in the African-American referee. JNational Football League (NFL) Grier attended college at the Uni- from 1981 to 2004. He began in the versity of the District of Columbia. NFL as a field judge before becoming Grier began officiating football at the first African-American referee in age 18, and started as a high school the history of the NFL with the start of football official in 1965, later moved the 1988 NFL season. on to college football in 1972, and Grier has officiated in one Super eventually the NFL in 1981. His ca- Bowl, Super Bowl XXII in 1988, reer ended abruptly during the 2004 Grier now serves as an officiating which was his last game as a field NFL season when he was forced to re- supervisor for the NFL and previously judge and the same game in which tire due to a leg injury suffered during served as Supervisor of Football Offi- Doug Williams became the first a series of games. He was replaced by cials for the Mid-Eastern Athletic African-American quarterback to win the back judge on his crew, Scott Conference (MEAC). the Super Bowl. On the field, he wore Green, who had previous experience Re-print permission and photos granted uniform number 23, which is now as a referee in NFL Europe. by www.blacksportsthemagazine.com. ■ POV_April_1_2015_POV_April_1_2015 3/26/2015 5:03 PM Page 39

afam point of view page thirty-nine april 1, 2015 News From The State House Treasurer Deborah Goldberg hosted a round table conversation with members of ethnic media on Feb- ruary 26, 2015. Topics included financial education, economic empowerment and the Treasurer’s Governor Baker agenda for State Treasury. Point of View was in attendance. The Treasurer promised she would be fol- lowing-up on issues of diversity and excerpts below from her press release released as we went to print Media Sit-Down With show she means business. The full text can be accessed by contacting Matt Sheaff at 617-352-4812. Communities Of Color Goldberg Proposes Bold Prim Proxy Voting n Thursday, March 26th, Guidelines To Bolster Corporate Board Diversity Governor Charlie Baker Ohosted a statewide consor- BOSTON – Thurs- of climate change are no longer simply ad- tium of media organizations from day, March 26, 2015 – mirable social goals,” said Treasurer Deborah communities of color in his office Treasurer Deborah B. Goldberg. “These reforms will help protect the at the Massachusetts State House. Goldberg today pro- stability and financial success of the companies The sit-down was the administra- posed a series of re- that we invest in.” . . . tion’s first devoted solely to ethnic forms to the Pension In line with her commitment to enhance media and falls within the Governor’s first 100 days in of- Reserves Investment diversity, both in government and in the private fice. Inside the State House’s traditional corner office, Management (PRIM) sector, Goldberg proposed a new policy to vote media representatives who don’t regularly interact with Board’s custom proxy voting guidelines, tar- against all board nominees if less than 25 per- high-profile state officials had just short of an hour to bend geting board diversity, wage equality, renew- cent of the board is diverse in race and gender. the ear of the Commonwealth’s chief executive, presenting able energy, human rights standards and other . . . questions on both regional and community issues that are issues aimed to strengthen corporate gover- “The Treasurer is taking bold and fresh sometimes overlooked by larger media outlets. At time of nance and protect the value of the pension steps in the right direction to enhance diversity print, reporters from African-American, Haitian, Latino, fund’s investments. on corporate boards, as it should be,” said Dar- Brazilian, Portuguese, Chinese, and Indian outlets had “Demanding that companies create di- nell L. Williams, President and CEO of the planned their attendance as did Point of View and we will verse leadership teams and confront the threat Urban League of Eastern Massachusetts. . . .■ be giving an expanded report in our next issue. ■ Representative Jose Tosado Sponsors DMH Citizen’s Legislative Breakfast From L to R: Sena- tor Donald Huma- son, DMH Interim Commissioner Joan Mikula, DMH West- ern Mass Area Di- rector Susan Sprung, Representative Jose Tosado & Senate President Stanley C. Rosenberg SPRINGFIELD – Representative proud to have been a sponsor for an Jose Tosado recently sponsored the event that means so much for so many WTCC is your source for music - from jazz to R&R oldies, annual Massachusetts Department of people.” gospel to salsa, R&B to blues, Motown and more, Mental Health (DMH) Western Mass “This is an opportunity for the as well as Caribbean, Portuguese, Latino, Polish, Greek, Area Citizen’s Legislative Breakfast mental health community—con- Native American and Italian programming - in Scibelli Hall at Springfield Techni- sumers, families, providers and advo- plus talk shows with local hosts discussing local issues. cal Community College. The event cates—to meet with their legislators, provides an opportunity for people thank them for their support and dis- with mental illness, family members, cuss with them the many services providers and advocates to interact DMH provides to individuals with se- Your all-volunteer community radio station with state legislators. rious mental illness,” said new Interim broadcasting 24/7 from the campus of STCC Tosado stated, “The work done DMH Commissioner Joan Mikula. by the Department of Mental Health The theme of this year’s DMH is an important part of communities breakfast series is “Mental Health www.wtccfm.org across the entire Commonwealth, I’m Matters – Let’s Talk About It.” ■ POV_April_1_2015_POV_April_1_2015 3/26/2015 5:03 PM Page 40

afam point of view page forty april 1, 2015 Letter From Senate Republicans Response from Iran’s Hard-Liners to the Leaders of Iran to the 47 Republican Senators continued from page 25 continued from page 25 the aid of faithful Muslims everywhere. We are in great admiration of Sen. Cruz. In our republic, he would be an Ayatollah Uzma. We appreciate his signature on your letter and his steadfast- ness in correcting your president. Many of us were dismayed to learn that Sen. Cruz was criticized in your country for withholding the government’s operating funds in order to block the implementation of a health care law. Some Americans even called the senator a hostage taker. We also very much admire the principal author of your letter, Sen. Tom Cotton of Arkansas. Sen. Cotton, like many of our young militiamen, served in combat in Iraq and believes that he is an instrument of God. Some may consider him too young to assert dominion over your country’s foreign policy, at 37 years of age and with only two years of political experience. But we in Iran appreciate his vigor. He reminds us of the young men who seized your embassy here in 1979, two years after he was born. Those brave young revo- lutionaries did not wait for guidance from their elders. In Iran, all educational institutions are governed by our Cultural Revo- lution Council, which safeguards the faith of the people. We have been unable to locate such a council in your federal government. However, we recently learned that the state board of education in Sen. Cruz’s state, Texas, controls through its purchasing power the content of textbooks throughout your coun- try. The board has used this power to limit the teaching of evolution and pro- mote the celebration of your country as a Christian nation. Our cultural council protects Islam in the same way. Our system, like yours, has its critics. Some portray our Council of Guardians as unelected ideologues who override the will of the people. The charge is absurd, as your own experience demonstrates. In your country’s three most recent elections, which together produced your Senate’s entire cur- rent membership, the other party’s nominees won 5 million more votes than yours did. Nevertheless, you control the chamber. The true will of the people, as you know, is to follow those of us who understand what is best. Thank you once again for this enlightening exchange. Prompted by your letter, our council has decided to end the talks with your secretary of state and dismiss nuclear inspectors from our country. We look forward to working with you in the future on other matters of common interest, such as prayer, capital punishment, and troops in Iraq.

Sincerely, Council of Guardians The Islamic Republic of Iran (Taken from www.slate.com) DON’T MISS Our Upcoming May 2015 issue featuring our writers’ choices of their Best Articles POV_April_1_2015_POV_April_1_2015 3/26/2015 5:03 PM Page 41

afam point of view page forty-one april 1, 2015 APRIL 2015 EVENTS For more events, go to: www.afampov.com GO TO PAGES 8, 9, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20 & 44 FOR ADS AND ARTICLES LISTING ADDITIONAL EVENTS

THURSDAY―2 Museum of Fine Arts www.njfest.org; Tickets at Springfield Museum’s à la Carte Lec- 21 Edwards Street brownpapertickets.com SATURDAY―18 Springfield, MA ture—James McNeill Whistler & The Wistariahurst Museum presents Cy- Info: $4; $2 members; Case for Beauty, screening of new doc- FRIDAY―17 clonic, readings from The Queen of 413.263.6800 x 488 umentary by award-winning film- Springfield’s Taj Mahal, multiple Vaudeville: The Story of Eva Tanguay maker Karen Thomas Grammy winner and Lifetime Achieve- Springfield Museums Culture & Cock- When: 7:30pm When: 12:15pm ment Award winner, will play at the In- tails Where: Wistariahurst Museum, Where: Michele and Donald D’Amour finity Hall in Hartford as part of his When: 5―8pm 238 Cabot Street, North American tour Museum of Fine Arts Where: Michele and Donald D’Amour Holyoke, MA When: 8pm 21 Edwards Street Museum of Fine Arts Info: $20; $15 Members; Where: Infinity Hall, Front Street, Springfield, MA 21 Edwards Street 413.322.5660 or Info: $4; $2 members; Hartford, CT www.wistariahurst.org Springfield, MA Info: $84, $64, $54 413.263.6800 x 488 Info: $20; $5 members; 21 and WEDNESDAY―8, 15, 21 & 29 over only; 413.263.6800 x 488 The Springfield Food Policy Council SATURDAY―11 and the Mason Square Health Task DREAM Studios presents “Fashion Na- Force present the film screening of tion” Fashion Show “The Weight of the Nation” When: 6pm When: 5:30―7:30pm Where: Tower Square Meeting Room, Where: Springfield City Library 1500 Main St., Springfield, MA Community Room, Info: $20; 413.739.1500 or 220 State St., Springfield, MA [email protected] Info: Free and Open to the Public; light refreshments; THURSDAY―16 413.263.6500 x6539 or Springfield Museum’s à la Carte Lec- [email protected] ture—Winslow Homer as a Maker of Modern Art in the Later 1870s The National Alliance on Mental Ill- When: 12:15pm ness of Western Massachusetts will Where: Michele and Donald D’Amour hold opening reception for its 4th an- Museum of Fine Arts nual art show featuring the work of 21 Edwards Street artists living with mental illness Springfield, MA When: 6―8pm Info: $4; $2 members; Where: Chicopee Public Library, 413.263.6800 x 488 449 Front St., Chicopee, MA Info: Free and Open to the Public; Northampton Jazz Festival to Hold Refreshments and Art Works Fundraising Concert featuring duo by for sale; Exhibit runs to end of Saxophonist Houston Person and Vo- April calist Karrin Allyson performing with the Green Street Trio MONDAY―9 When: 6pm Reception; Springfield Museum’s à la Carte Lec- 7:30―9pm Concert ture—Great Gardens of the Northeast Where: Clarion Hotel Ballroom, from the Bronx to Maine and Festival Atwood Drive, of Flowers, April 9 - 12 Northampton, MA When: 12:15pm Info: $50 per person; Where: Michele and Donald D’Amour $90 per couple; Please visit, follow, subscribe, comment, like, tweet, read or explore on our website at: www.afampointofview.com or www.afampov.com

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afam point of view page forty-two april 1, 2015 COMMUNITY FOCUS - CONNECTICUT 2015 BUSINESS EXPO EXHIBITORS AT BRIDGEPORT, CT POV_April_1_2015_POV_April_1_2015 3/26/2015 5:03 PM Page 43

afam point of view page forty-three april 1, 2015 COMMUNITY FOCUS - CONNECTICUT EXPO EXHIBITERS MEET WITH POINT OF VIEW POV_April_1_2015_POV_April_1_2015 3/26/2015 5:03 PM Page 44

afam point of view page forty-four april 1, 2015