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December 2015 AfAm Your VOICE Your COMMUNITY POINT OF VIEW Your POINT OF VIEW www.afampov.com Our Community News Magazine december 1, 2015 A DELIGHTFUL SALUTE TO UNITY “Dr. Wise shared facts about the history of gospel music. He spoke about its origins. Its differences The Gift of Presence: from European music, and its importance in the lives of slaves who used song to communicate, tell their stories, and honor their God.” PSALM AGAINST DESPAIR By Willette Y. Johnson – 5 By Magdalena Gómez WHO DO YOU LISTEN TO? “Listening to people that always agree with you Winter comes too late isn’t wise. Rarely are they able to help. They resurrected roses sing think like you. Growth occurs when we’re forced a Mother’s Day refrain to look at things from different perspectives.” doors brag pudgy holly wreaths By Patricia Spradley – 6 that have no need of rain …TRANSFORMING YOUTH children dream of snowflakes “They learn that they don’t need to belong to a as resting Nature wakes gang to be a member of a family or a group of weary of endless giving close friends. They learn they can work for what she hides, she hoards, she takes they need and solve problems without resorting the balance out of living; to violence. They come to recognize people they lessons for the indolent can trust to help them transform their lives.” who’ve taken her for granted By John Roberson – 17 gluttonous years of gathering …SHEDDING POUNDS when we should have planted. “While staying on track is never easy for any weight loss plan, Nathan and Dawnelle believe a As it was and is. healthier lifestyle is within reach for every fam- One prepares for battle, ily. ‘If we can do it, anyone can…’” the other for surrender. By Azell Cavaan – 19 To those who say “No more!” CO-FOUNDER OF who by mindful will and work #BLACKLIVESMATTER… change the course “It’s about organizing and exercising collective of a wild and headless wind power. Everyone in this room is an agent of so- to them I give my gratitude cial change. We need to re-inject this country to them I sing this hymn. with the humanity that it claims.” I am because they are Alicia Garza – 23 as the will to live within me dies ...VIOLENCE IN THE INNER CITY Photo taken by Magdalena Gómez; detail from my essence recovers fortitude “The operative word in news is “new.” Unfor- Harriet Tubman monument in Harlem, NYC as courageous voices rise: tunately, there is nothing new about six thousand continues to page 16 murders of young men annually in the inner cities of our country.” THE CHANGING FACE MY WHITE MAILMAN By E. W. Jackson – 25 With the Beard and Bad Attitude TRAVELING OF HEROIN USE: PAINS AND PLEASURES How Hampden County Sheriff By Frederick A. Hurst “Apparently that toothpaste posed a threat to the Candidate Nick Cocchi ail service is so bad. And getting worse. The safety of all passengers. I never saw her dispose Put it All in Perspective cost of a stamp keeps creeping up. Regular of it so I assume she took it home. She stole my Movernight delivery that we had become so toothpaste!” By Bishop Talbert W. Swan, II comfortable with no longer exists. And it is disconcerting By Willette Y. Johnson – 28 assachusetts Governor Charlie Baker’s pro- to get a letter postmarked out of Hartford instead of “HEROS AND LEGENDS EXHIBIT” posed bill that will expand the state’s involun- Springfield especially when mail arrives one, two or three “…features (Ed) Cohen’s photography of indi- Mtary commitment law to allow doctors to days later than in the past. And at any time of the day! viduals who have made significant contributions continues to page 14 continues to page 24 in the areas of the arts and politics whom he has Please visit, follow, subscribe, comment, like, tweet, read or explore on our website at: www.afampointofview.com or www.afampov.com photographed throughout his career.” www.facebook.com/AfAmPointofView https://plus.google.com/+PointofViewSpringfield www.twitter.com/AfAmPointofView Press Release – 29 afam point of view page two december 1, 2015 Need health insurance? I’ll help you sign up! It’s Open Enrollment time at the Massachusetts Health Connector, where you can find high-quality health and dental plans from leading insurers. Most people who sign up qualify for help paying for their insurance each month. Sign up for a plan online at MAhealthconnector.org. Or get free in-person assistance signing up from one of our experts. Where to Get Help: Baystate Health Tapestry Health - Springfield 759 Chestnut Street 1985 Main Street 413-794-0000 413-733-6639 Mercy Medical Center MassHealth Enrollment Center 271 Carew Street 333 Bridge Street 413-748-9357 413-785-4100 Caring Health Center 1049 Main Street 413-739-1100 Lydia Sanchez Enrollment Expert Caring Health Center afam point of view page three december 1, 2015 BUSINESS & FINANCE AN AFRICAN AMERICAN Point of View Celebrating Entrepreneurs ........................................................10 688 Boston Road, Springfield, MA 01119 CLASSIFIED..............................................................................36 Phone: (413) 796-1500 ● Fax: (413) 796-6100 CO E-mail: [email protected] ● Website: www.afampointofview.com COMMUNITY www.facebook.com/ https://plus.google.com/ www.twitter.com/ Community Focus .........................................................15, 22, 38 AfAmPointofView +PointofViewSpringfield AfAmPointofView Community Focus - CT.............................................................23 Point of View is a monthly news journal with an African American orientation. It is distributed Community Information......................................................34, 36 free to select locations in Hampden and Hampshire counties and in Connecticut. Letters, Community Perspectives (continues from cover) .....................14 articles and comments appearing in the newspaper reflect the opinions of the contributors Events....................................................................................... 37 and do not constitute an endorsement by POV and are subject to editing. POV assumes no responsibility for photos, articles, letters, press releases or unsolicited materials. Decisions Food for Thought ......................................................................18 as to the editing and publishing of material are based on space availability and the discretion Good News............................................................................... 34 of the publisher and editor. Distribution locations are listed on our web site. POV assumes Latin@ Groove (continues from cover)....................................16 no financial responsibility for failure to publish an advertisement, incorrect placement or ty- Leadership Pioneer Valley.........................................................17 pographical errors in its publication. Advertisers are solely responsible for the content of Our Love ...................................................................................19 their advertising and claims and offers contained within their advertising. POV reserves the Political Happenings ...........................................................15, 39 right to refuse advertising for any reason. No portion of this publication may be reproduced N without written permission. Positively Life Changing...........................................................17 PUBLISHER: Frederick A. Hurst EDITOR: Marjorie J. Hurst EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: THIS ISSUE AF-AM Newsbits ........................................................................4 Art for the Soul Rosemary Tracy Woods Op-Ed E. W. Jackson From the Publisher’s Desk (continues from cover) ..................24 Artist in Residence Renée Flowers Our Love Azell Cavaan Op Ed by E. W. Jackson............................................................25 Children’s Book Corner Terri Schlichenmeyer Parents & Community Patricia Spradley EDUCATION Community Perspectives Bishop Talbert W. Swan II T Pen & Ink Juanita Torrence-Thompson Early Education & Care ..............................................................9 Early Education & Care Nicole Blais & John Tranghese Whitney T. Fritze Education & Hope.......................................................................8 Education & Hope Gianna Allentuck Crystal Senter-Brown Features Willette Y. Johnson Political Happenings Sen. Eric P. Lesser Parents & Community.................................................................6 Dr. Alonzo D. Sheffield Positively Life Changing John Roberson Reading to Succeed.....................................................................7 Moyah Smith Reading to Succeed Sally Fuller School Committee Happenings...................................................6 Food for Thought Zaida Govan Religious Point of View Rev. Dr. Atu White, Editor Good News Jay Griffin FEATURES Dr. Kirk Byron Jones EN Health Matters Doris Harris, Editor School Comm. Happenings Denise M. Hurst Springfield Unity Festival...........................................................5 Mandi Summers The Urban Cook Rhonda Jones Targeted Health Challenges of Minorities.................................13 Latin@ Groove Magdalena Gómez Leadership Pioneer Valley Lora Wondolowski Youth Premier Soccer David Kelley Education: Our Foundation (New Release) ..............................37 Life’s Challenges Sweets H. Wilson, PhD Artistic/Multimedia Director - Marie Zanazanian Stevie Wonder at the XL Center in Hartford.............................32 Mama’s Boyz Jerry Craft Distribution Manager - Shawn Merriman FOOD TALK Musings. Willette Y. Johnson Photographer
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