Af-Am Your VOICE Your COMMUNITY POINT OF VIEW Your POINT OF VIEW www.afampov.com Our Community News Magazine february 1, 2019 (RACE MATTERS!) SPRINGFIELD PUBLIC SCHOOLS… CELEBRATING BLACK HISTORY “School committee members are well aware that By Frederick A. Hurst there is a disproportionately low number of teach- ay what you may, the rise the “Great migration,” our fami- ers and administrators of color within the district.” By Denise M. Hurst – 6 of two young, Black lies have come a long and far SSpringfield residents to more difficult way than European DON’T LET HISTORY DICTATE serve simultaneously as presi- immigrants, altogether too many “…what remains very clear in my mind, even to dent (Justin Hurst) and vice of whom, too often, still think this day, is the fact that I went to an elementary president (Marcus Williams) of America should be theirs alone. school in Rapid City, South Dakota, and was the only African American child in my school.” Springfield’s City Council is It’s worth mentioning that the By Patricia Spradley – 8 historic. But the back-story is opportunities America offered to even more interesting because European immigrants were far BEYOND THE FIRST FRUITS… the parents of both Justin and more gentle and generous than All woven into the histories. Herstories. Live sto- Marcus were born into families those offered to early African ries – that comprise the foundation of Black His- that can only be described as “immigrants,” who were forcibly tory, but are often never told beyond predominantly black worlds. Often these words – very poor. But their parents taken from Africa to slavery in these experiences – are deemed less than. Not wor- managed to work their way out America and later, after manu- thy. Or irrelevant to the white majority.” of poverty against incredible mission, forced into a Southern By Gianna Allentuck – 9 odds and provide the two and form of apartheid called Jim their siblings with the opportu- Crow that eventually led to their THE BLACK CHURCH’S nity to serve their families, com- flight to an imagined Northern MANDATE… The Black Church cannot continue to remain silent munity and city. promise land in pursuit of a non- about injustices that occur in the very neighbor- Without making too much existent American Dream where, hoods where they minister. To do so undermines of our families’ struggles, which instead, they were herded into our Christian witness.” might have been as American as ghettos where they suffered a By Bishop Talbert Swan II – 15 apple pie except for the slavery more subtle form of apartheid A LEGACY OF FRIENDS and post-slavery struggles that that was gentler though, ar- forced the elders of both fami- guably, more pernicious and One person in my childhood who delighted in hav- City Council President, Justin Hurst ing meaningful conversations with me was Don lies to make the trek north along more durable. and Vice President, Marcus Williams Santito. Don Santito was Afro-Borinqueno, a with so many others as part of continues to page 24 proudly Black Puerto Rican. I had grown weary of colonized adults in my family who denied their Blackness, identifying as Indio….Thanks to friends like Don Santito and Elsie, I grew up know- WHITE PRIVILEGE: ing Black is Beautiful.” By Magdalena Gómez – 16 “THE POWER OF NORMAL” By Tristin Hurst BLACK HISTORY MONTH… “We, as African Americans, can never assume our e all know what white Jewish female friend suggested the are racist. I re- work is done in terms of forging and sustaining our privilege means. It’s obvi- topic of the music video should be plied that I wasn’t places in the annals of history.” Wously an Obama White white privilege. My music teacher certain that he re- Tristin Hurst By John Roberson – 17 House conspiracy to make white and I thought this was a great idea, ally understood people feel bad about themselves. It’s but our third group member sug- what white privilege means. He re- BLACK HISTORY IS LITURGICAL “Black history is inherently liturgical. Because it a good thing the Trump White house gested we use a topic that won’t of- sponded that he is not an idiot and had to be built with less tools and resources than has dispelled this crazy notion. After fend the white people who see the knows what white privilege is. He the history of others, many hands and hearts came all, “white privilege should not be video. The three of us looked at him stated that he understands what I go together to construct it.” talked about because it’s racist to- disdainfully and returned to our dis- through as an African American male By Rev. Marcus Toure B. McCullough – 26 wards white people.” This last philo- cussion. But the third student was in- (Really?!), but classifying it as white sophical comment was made by a sistent so my Jewish friend and I privilege is not the way to reach peo- “IMPROVING THE RACE…” “There is, however, a movement among Afro-Lati- student in my music class. asked for clarification. ple. I muttered to myself that white nos who strongly oppose this mentality (mejorando Two of my three-person music The third student’s point was privilege meant that I had to deal la raza) and are proud of their blackness…” class group decided to create a music that white privilege is not a sincere with people like him every day. By Beverly Guerrero-Porter – 28 video as a long–term project. My cause because not all white people continues to page 25 af-am point of view page two february 1, 2019 af-am point of view page three february 1, 2019 CLASSIFIED/REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONALS ...... 36 AN AFRICAN AMERICAN Point of View COMMUNITY 688 Boston Road, Springfield, MA 01119

Phone: (413) 796-1500 ● Fax: (413) 796-6100 CHD - Human Interest ...... 17 CONTENTS E-mail: [email protected] ● Website: www.afampointofview.com Community Beat ...... 19 www.facebook.com/ https://plus.google.com/ www.twitter.com/ AfAmPointofView +PointofViewSpringfield AfAmPOV Community Calendar ...... 37 Point of View is a monthly news journal with an African American orientation. It is distributed Community Focus - CT...... 22 free to select locations in Hampden and Hampshire counties and in Connecticut. Letters, Community Perspectives...... 15 articles and comments appearing in the newspaper reflect the opinions of the contributors Congratulations Corner ...... 17, 33 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 From the State House ...... 14 of the publisher and editor. Distribution locations are listed on our web site. POV assumes no financial responsibility for failure to publish an advertisement, incorrect placement or ty- Good News...... 34 pographical errors in its publication. Advertisers are solely responsible for the content of Latina Groove...... 16 their advertising and claims and offers contained within their advertising. POV reserves the right to refuse advertising for any reason. No portion of this publication may be reproduced Law Notes ...... 23 without written permission. Leadership Pioneer Valley...... 14 PUBLISHER: Frederick A. Hurst EDITOR: Marjorie J. Hurst Political Happenings - Springfield City Council...... 5, 13 CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: THIS ISSUE EDITORIAL Artist in Residence Renée Flowers Law Notes Dr. Bridgette Baldwin, Editor Book Review Feature Azell Cavaan Artie Berns AF-AM Newsbits ...... 4 CHD - Human Interest John Roberson Leadership Pioneer Valley Lora Wondolowski Letters to the Publisher...... 24 Children’s Book Corner Terri Schlichenmeyer Let’s Connect Beverly Guerrero-Porter Community Beat Kenneth Harris Life’s Challenges Sweets H. Wilson, PhD My View (continues from the cover) ...... 24 Community Calendar Jynai McDonald Parents & Community Patricia Spradley EDUCATION Community Perspectives Bishop Talbert W. Swan II Pen & Ink Juanita Torrence-Thompson Cover Feature Article Tristin Hurst Berdia M. Brown Early Education & Care ...... 8 CT - Community Focus Dwight Bachman Early Education & Care Nicole Blais Political Happenings Justin Hurst, Esquire Education & Hope...... 9 Education & Hope Gianna Allentuck Reading to Succeed Sally Fuller Parents & Community...... 8 Entertainment Review Yvonne Mendez Religious Point of View Rev. Dr. Atu White, Editor Food for Thought Zaida Govan Rev. Marcus Toure B. Reading to Succeed ...... 7 From the Statehouse Rep. Carlos Gonzalez McCullough School Committee Happenings...... 6 Good News Jay Griffin School Comm. Happenings Denise M. Hurst Health Matters Doris Harris, Editor Schools of Higher Educ. HCC, STCC, Westfield State Schools of Higher Education in the News ...... 10, 19 Whitney Dobbs Special to the POV Robert “Bobby” Jones FEATURE Latina Groove Magdalena Gómez Your Health Baystate Health Artistic/Multimedia Director - Marie Zanazanian ● Distribution Manager - Shawn Merriman Special to the Point of View...... 25 Photographer - Ed Cohen HEALTH LOCATE OUR ADVERTISERS Health Matters...... 12 Your Health...... 11,12 Alden Baptist Church------27 MGM Springfield------2 Alterations & Dress Making by Lewins------19 Mount Calvary Baptist Church------27 LIVING Baystate Health ------11 Mt. Zion Baptist Church------27 Let’s Connect...... 28 Bright Futures Early Learning Center ------13 & 19 New Jerusalem C.O.G.I.C.------27 Canaan Baptist Church of Christ------27 PHYX, LLC------36 Life’s Challenges...... 28 Center for Human Development (CHD) ------17 Progressive Community Baptist Church ------27 PHOTO GALLERY ...... 20-21,38-39 Century 21 - Aida Ruiz-Batiste------36 Real Living Realty Prof. - Roberta B. Johnson -----36 RELIGION Committee to Elect Jynai McDonald------5 Revival Time Evangelistic Center ------27 Ed Cohen Photography ------33 Shiloh Seventh-Day Adventist Church ------27 Religious Point of View ...... 26 Family Church ------27 Solid Rock Community Baptist Church------27 Religious Directory ...... 27 First Time Home Buyers of New England Inc. -----40 Springfield Neighborhood Housing Services------15 THE ARTS Hall & Hall Siding ------36 Springfield Technical Community College ------6 HCS Head Start, Inc. ------6 St. John’s Congregational Church ------27 Artist in Residence ...... 29 Home Inspections by Marco, Inc.------36 Third Baptist Church------27 Book Review Feature...... 30 Hurst & Hurst, P.C. ------36 WEIB 106.3 Smooth FM------34 Children’s Book Corner ...... 29 L & A Fine Men’s Shop------36 Wesley United Methodist Church------27 Maplegate Rehab Inc.------12 Westfield State University------7 Entertainment Review...... 31 Mason Wright Senior Living ------18 WTCC FM 90.7 ------31 Pen & Ink ...... 32 af-am point of view page four february 1, 2019 decision to shut down the federal to the discretion of individual police AF-AM NEWS bits government affected the livelihoods officers who will be influenced by By Frederick A. Hurst of only 800,000 people when it actu- their individual biases, which means, ally has impacted millions. Most of of course, that we will soon be seeing RACE MATTERS And word is that she is pounding the the 800,000 have family members, all more arrests of Black and Brown must admit to “blowing some pavement. She is young and exactly what is needed to strengthen what is of whom are suffering. I can’t vouch drivers over White drivers for driving Ismoke” when I headlined our cur- for its accuracy but my research while under the influence of mari- rent Black History Month issue’s already a strong city council that could use the voice of another expe- shows that the average American juana and more academic studies that front page index “RACE MAT- confirm the disparity long after Black rienced woman. If Henry Twiggs family size is 2.6 people per house- TERS” and highlighted the articles in and Brown people have been tried does not run, she will likely win. If hold which increases those affected the issue relating to race. I thought it and convicted and served their pun- Twiggs decides to run again, victory to 2,080000. And that figure doesn’t would be provocative and an em- ishment. My view is about as close as will not be easy but, with hard work, even count the millions who are con- phatic reminder of my article of the any prognostication can come to still within reach. The Ward 4 race tractors and those who work for them same title in our December 2018 being an immediate fact and we best will be one of the more exciting 2019 who can’t even expect to recoup their issue, which also contained the same get ready for the fallout. races, especially since it has been ru- losses when the government reopens. front page headline. I was surprised We’re talking millions of Americans, mored that other folks are also plan- GOOD NEWS that some normally reasonable White many of whom had to stand in bread- ning to run. he move to allow convicted folks recoiled at the assertion in my lines. And there is collateral damage felons who have served their December article that race matters. YOUNG BLACK PEOPLE, that we can only speculate about al- T So I thought it would be instructive time to vote is picking up speed. WAKE UP! though we know that all of us will to highlight articles in our current he day of “one” is done. And the eventually be affected by the damage issue that demonstrate how many KAMALA HARRIS field of political opportunity is the shutdown did to our economy… other folks of African descent – both T e don’t yet know her well wide open. But the minimum require- all for the folly of a wall the nation Brown and Black – feel similarly. Wenough to judge her chances in ment for success is that you must try! does not need nor want. the 2020 presidential race but she I WAS THINKING… Cheryl Coakley-Rivera was just OUR HERO, NANCY PELOSI sounds good and within 12 hours of sworn in as Hampden County Regis- her announcement, she raised $1.3 ouldn’t it be a welcome event ou see, a bully is a bully is a ter of Deeds. Who would have million, most of which was in small Wif, when voting in the Septem- bully. Wherever you encounter a thought a Puerto Rican woman would Y donations averaging $37. It is also ber elections, folks who think the bully, the formula for changing his/her replace Donald Ashe? Ayanna Press- impressive to note that she is not mayor is narrow minded and unfair behavior is the same. Fight back! And ley is in Congress replacing a ten- afraid to embrace her Blackness. Her on many things relating to Black and watch the bully back down. If you term White male veteran whom she mother is Indian and her father Ja- Brown voters left the mayoral ballot doubt it, just keep watching Nancy dared to challenge. Similarly, maican but she has stated publicly check box blank? Or, even better, in- Pelosi bringing Donald Trump to heel. stead of voting for the mayor, why Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez also re- that she is African American. Good not write in the name of “Captain” placed a ten-term White male New LONGMEADOW, MA start! York Congressman. They dared to Robert L. Caulton whose name and ow! For a tiny town, Long- HOW DID SHE DO IT? memory the mayor maligned with try. Justin Hurst lost the city council Wmeadow sure can conjure up here’s been a revolution, par- such callous indifference? It’s just an race his first time out and now, after some big disputes. Four of its elected ticularly among Democrats, in idea you might want to think about. three terms in office, he is president “T school committee members resigned how campaigns are financed. No Of course, if he has a viable oppo- of the Springfield City Council be- after the overwhelming passage of a longer do candidates focus on getting cause he wasn’t afraid to try, brushed nent, we might have to rethink the recall amendment which was in- deep-pocketed donors (and their off failure and ran again, coming in equation. tended to eventually lead to a reversal spouses, families and friends) to give all three times as a top vote-getter! of a decision in November by the four them the maximum allowable dollars JYNAI MCDONALD: WATCH That’s what politics is all about. Jynai of the committee’s seven members to under federal rules. Now it’s all about HER CLOSELY McDonald likewise lost her first race terminate the contract of the town’s ord has it that E. Henry Twiggs getting as many people as possible to for city council and picked herself school superintendent against the will give your campaign $10 a month.” Wwill not run for re-election and right back up and is running again. of almost everybody. You talk about it would probably be for the best. He (The Boston Globe, January 23, That’s what politics is all about. We democracy in action! 2019) is an old warrior in the cause of civil need you young people in the game. rights who has made his contributions The many races you deserve to try MARIJUANA COURTROOM THE DEMOCRATIC and paid his dues and earned the title out for are just waiting for you on the NIGHTMARE FUNDRAISING SHORT of “emeritus.” Most who have tried to School Committee, City Council and haven’t been away from the prac- CUT OF CHOICE take his place on the Springfield City State House. They are sitting there Itice of criminal law long enough ost Democrats use a Council have come up short because waiting for you to rise to the chal- not to be willing to say emphatically “MSomerville-based platform they started late and simply failed to lenge. But you must do the work. that the arrest of drivers for being called ActBlue, which sets up regular do the work necessary to convince under the influence of marijuana will donations by automatically charging 800,000 IS A FALSE Ward 4 voters that they were worthy result in a courtroom nightmare. No donor credit cards each month.” (The replacements. Jynai McDonald is NUMBER valid test exists for determining Boston Globe, January 23, 2019) starting early as witnessed by the ad- istening to the news you might whether or not a person is under the vertisement announcement on page 5. Lthink that Donald Trump’s dumb influence of marijuana. It will be up continues to page 24 af-am point of view page five february 1, 2019

POLITICAL HAPPENINGS - SPRINGFIELD CITY COUNCIL Remarks of Newly Elected President of the Springfield City Council By Justin Hurst, Esquire Glory be to God for without him I would not ick A. Hurst, Publisher of An African-American be standing before you today. There is no doubt He Point of View, today is as much your celebration as has shown favor on me and my faith in Him has it is mine. You instilled in me the importance of never wavered. public service at an early age and your actions have To my wife, school committee woman Denise always embodied a selfless commitment to the bet- Hurst, I can’t thank you enough for all that you do terment of the community over all else. Thank you hank you to my Fraternity Brother Rev- and sacrifice to keep our family afloat. You have for leading with dignity and I promise you that as erend Dr. Love, the one and only blessed me with two beautiful children, Justin Jr. the next president of the City Council I will strive “TVanessa Ford, my good friend and busi- and Jackson, and you continue to be my inspiration to do same. ness partner Jonathan Crane, Reverend Gordon C. in life. Your courage and resolve in the midst of the The inspiration for this speech today arose O’Neal, Jr., the Honorable Judge Charles Groce III, most trying times motivates me to dream big and from a recent trip to Israel that I was fortunate and, of course, my son Justin Jr. for being a part of speak truth to power regardless of the conse- enough to attend with a few of my colleagues in this very special moment with me. I am honored quences. public office throughout Massachusetts, some of and greatly appreciative that you accepted my invi- I would be remiss if I didn’t thank my mother- whom are in the audience today. What stood out for tation to be a part of the program today. in-law, Maria Estrada, Janice and the rest of the vil- me most about that trip was when our tour guide, I’m humbled to look out into the crowd and lage who lend a helping hand in raising our children Mike, made it a point to say that “if you learn any- see so many friends and family members who have while Denise and I go from one meeting and event thing from this trip, it should be that understanding all played instrumental roles in me being here today. to the next. I couldn’t ask for my kids to be molded Israel as a country and its role in the Middle East is I appreciate you more than you know and can’t by a better team. complicated.” thank you enough for your advice, encouraging Finally, to my mother, former School Commit- words, and constant prayers. tee woman Marjorie Hurst, and my Father, Freder- continues to page 35 af-am point of view page six february 1, 2019 EDUCATION SCHOOL COMMITTEE HAPPENINGS

Denise M. Hurst, Springfield School Springfield Public Schools Staff Committee Member [email protected] (413) 330-1030 Demographics Special Committee By Denise M. Hurst

or the 2019 year, School Com- administrators of color within the Hartford, Boston or New York where race/ethnicity, gender, sexual orien- mittee Vice Chair Christopher district. These concerns have been there are different/more opportuni- tation and faith perspectives. FCollins has created a special raised by current faculty and staff ties and attractions. The committee will be chaired committee, “Staff Demographics,” to and various community members. Considering the changing de- by Ward 1 School Committee look at the current staff make-up The struggle to recruit and retain mographics of our students and the woman Maria Perez, and includes within the school district, examine teachers of color is not a phenome- city’s population, the committee’s LaTonia Monroe Naylor and myself, the disparities and submit sugges- non that affects only Springfield, as scope will encompass looking at Denise M. Hurst. tions as to how those inequities can this is an issue across the state and be resolved. The ultimate goal will the country. The data and literature be to better understand how the dis- state that fewer people of color are trict retains and recruits a diverse and going into education. In Springfield, inclusive faculty and staff and how we face not only the issue of fewer to improve and modify existing poli- people choosing a career path in cies and practices. teaching but also the challenge of re- School committee members are cruiting and retaining our younger well aware that there is a dispropor- generations to stay in the area versus Maria Perez LaTonia Monroe Denise M. Hurst tionately low number of teachers and moving to metropolitan areas such as Naylor

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See all of our programs & classes and register at stcc.edu/wdc af-am point of view page seven february 1, 2019 EDUCATION READING TO SUCCEED “It’s Time to Read!” Sally Fuller, retired community lead for By Sally Fuller Reading Success by 4th ● Sneezy the Snowman Grade, still committed! (Maureen Wright) ● The Princess and the Pea (Rachel Isadora) t’s winter. It’s February. It’s Black ● The Twelve Dancing History Month. Combined, that Princesses Isays to me, “It’s time to read!” (Rachel Isadora) If you are like me, you love ● Dancing in the Wings book lists. So thanks to the Spring- (Debbie Allen) field City Library and other valuable ● Whoever You Are sources, I am going to share a book (Reading Rainbow Best in Snow Life in Motion: An list that should keep you and your Books) (Mem Fox) Winter Wonderland Juba!: A Novel ● The Colors of Us (April Pulley Sayre) (Jill Esbaum) Unlikely Ballerina (Walter Dean Myers) children reading together all month (Misty Copeland) and beyond. (Special thanks to grow- (Karen Katz) ● The Shortest Day Celebrating Kool Herc and the Creation of ingbookbybook.com.) ● We’re Different, We’re the Same the Winter Solstice (Wendy Pfef- Hip Hop (Laban Carrick Hill, My advice to you: find your (Sesame Street) (Bobbie Kates) fer) Theodore Taylor III [illustrator]) nearest branch of the Springfield City ● Africa Dream (Eloise Greenfield) ● Winter Days in the Big Woods ● When Grandmama Sings Library, get a library card, take out ● Henry’s Freedom Box: A True (Laura Ingalls Wilder) (Mitchell/Ransome) some of these books and read them Story from the Underground ● Winter Wonderland (Jill Es- ● Just Us Women (Reading Rain- with your children. Railroad (Kadir Nelson) baum) bow Books) (Caines, Cummings) Geared for littles: Geared for Grades 1 – 4: ● When the Beat Was Born: DJ ● When Harriett Met Sojourner ● Martin’s Big Words (Doreen (Clinton, Evans) Rappaport, Bryan Collier [illus- Geared for Grades 4 – 6: trator]) ● What Color is My World: The ● Please, Baby, Please (Lee, Lee, Lost History of African-Ameri- Nelson) can Inventors (Kareem Abdul- ● Lola at The Library (Anna Mc- Jabbar) Quinn) ● The Voice That Challenged a ● Best in Snow (April Pulley Sayre) Nation: Marian Anderson and ● Bunny Slopes (Rueda) the Struggle for Equal Rights ● Sleep Tight Farm: A Farm Pre- (Russell Freedman) pares for Winter (Eugenie Doyle) ● Life in Motion: An Unlikely Bal- ● First Snow (Claudia Bomi Park) lerina (Misty Copeland) ● Red Sled (Lita Judge) ● Tracks in the Snow (Wong Her- ● Little Leaders: Bold Women in bert) Black History (Vashti Harrison) ● Snowman’s Story (Will Hillen- brand) Geared for Grade 6 and Up: Preschool – Grade 2: ● Juba!: A Novel (Walter Dean ● The Snowy Day (Ezra Jack Myers) Keats) ● The Mitten (Jan Brett) And while you’re reading with ● Snowmen at Play (Carolyn Beuh- your children, please think of post- ner) ing a selfie to Facebook, Reading ● Katie and the Big Snow (Virginia Success by 4th Grade (for public Lee Burton) viewing), Twitter or Instagram with ● Blizzard (John Rocco) #413reads and you will be entered ● The Big Snow (Jonathan Bean) to win a $50 gift card from Pride ● Over and Under the Snow (Kate Stores! Messner) af-am point of view page eight february 1, 2019 EDUCATION PARENTS & COMMUNITY EARLY EDUCATION & CARE Don’t Let History Dictate Black History Month By Patricia Spradley Many of us have had unpleasant at Head Start By Nicole Blais Patricia Spradley is Chief situations throughout our lives where Administrator for others thought less of us than we a hair salon/barber shop in the dra- Parent and would have preferred. But the bless- matic play area of the classroom. Community Engagement, Nicole Blais is Director Dramatic play is a type of play where Springfield Public Schools ing and the lesson is that we don’t of Community a child pretends to take on a role of (413) 787-6597 have to become what other people Engagement HCS Head Start, Inc. someone or something else, imitating think of us. It is what we think that we [email protected] those actions and movements. Chil- here’s not a lot that I remem- become. This is a fact because HE dren can pretend they are Sarah ber about my elementary and said, “For as a man thinketh in his “Madame” C. J. Walker, the first Tjunior high school years. It heart, so is he...” Therefore, unless CS Head Start is excited to Black woman millionaire. Ms. may have something to do with the you hold on to, and even worse, in- share some engaging pre- Walker earned her millions by devel- fact that my father was in the air force ternalize their thoughts towards you, Hschool friendly activities you oping and marketing a line of beauty and we moved quite a bit. Therefore, can do in the classroom or at home to and hair products for black women. they have no impact on who you can I changed schools often. Additionally, commemorate Black History Month Stock the area with doll brushes and potentially become. as a middle child, I always attended and throughout the year. combs, dolls with hair, foam curlers, school alone, while my siblings at- The direct relationship to who Children love to move their bod- play hair dryers, spray bottles and tended school together. However, you become is only in what you think ies and dance to a good beat. A book empty shampoo bottles. Read books what remains very clear in my mind, of yourself. It is for that reason you called This Jazz Man by Karen like, I Love My Hair! by Natasha even to this day, is the fact that I went must not continue to repeat the nega- Ehrhardt can help turn the classroom Anastasia Tarpley or My Hair Is to an elementary school in Rapid tive that others speak about you. You or your living room into a jazz club. Beautiful: Because It’s Mine by Paula City, South Dakota, and was the only cannot continue to relive the stories Famed musicians Charlie Parker, Dejoie. Creating this environment African American child in my school. helps to reinforce a child’s sense of and inaccuracies that others think and Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington Unfortunately, that may be why and the sweet sounds of jazz are in- self and belonging which is important share about you. Once they settle in my next most memorable account of troduced to children in a fun scat-tas- to the healthy social emotional devel- those years was not quite so pleasant. YOUR thoughts, there is a greater tic way. Download some of your opment of children. I remember how much it hurt when I likelihood that they will materialize. favorite jazz tunes and have the chil- It is never too early to introduce found out that many of the students Yes, the words of others have painful dren work on their fine motor skills concepts of diversity and equality to didn’t like me. They wondered why I consequences. But YOUR words and by tapping their toes and snapping young children and it should be done, was there, where I came from, what YOUR thoughts have greater power their fingers to the rhythm of the age appropriately, throughout the could I possibly know and how soon and impact in YOUR life than anyone melody. course of the school year. February I would be leaving. And they spent a reminds us to reflect on the rich his- else’s thoughts concerning you could Moving over to the STEM (sci- lot of time and energy trying to make ence, technology, engineering and tory and celebrate the countless con- ever have! me think the same. math) area, an inventor by the name tributions that Black and African There is tremendous power be- I am certain all these years later, of Garrett Morgan invented the traffic Americans have made to this country none of them probably have any re- tween your ears. It is there where the light. Play the old school game of then and now. ■ call of those incidences. So why power to succeed exists and it is also Red-light, Green light. Red light would I reach so far back to pull from there where the power to fail resides. means stop and green light means this memory just to prove a point? Daily, you get to make a choice on take a 3 steps forward and whoever Because there is someone still living which power will succeed. Remem- gets to the traffic light first wins. out the pain of what others thought of ber, your thoughts will become your Children can also make their own you many years ago and it’s time to reality. traffic light out of construction paper realize that their thoughts don’t have and glue. To take it a step further, pro- It’s important that you consis- to become your thoughts. Their vide recyclable items such as boxes, thoughts don’t impact your future un- tently think and say positive things paper towel holders and plastic con- less you allow them to take up valu- about yourself and not let history dic- tainers and ask the children to design able occupancy in your head. tate your future. ■ their own inventions. I stumbled upon this cute idea Happy Valentine’s Day on Preschool Plan It, a website de- From your friends at voted to everything preschool. Set up HCS Head Start af-am point of view page nine february 1, 2019 EDUCATION EDUCATION & HOPE Gianna Allentuck is a Mother, Educator, and Beyond the first fruits… Community Volunteer. To connect with By Gianna Allentuck Gianna regarding There is so much. Education and Hope topics discussed herein, please contact her at It is time to harvest… [email protected]. Not in the blazing fields on the ur world – and especially our backs of African Americans, but on Country – is full of people our own knees seeking forgiveness Otalking. Expressing. Words. and offering praise and thanks to those Words. Words. Good ones. Bad ones. whose wisdom, strength, and courage Persuasive. Alienating. Positive. Neg- are the footprints of Black history; and ative. Unifying. Dividing. Motivating. Degrading. Circulating and swirling to those whose hearts continue to through our airwaves, social media, carry, share, and invite us into that his- books, print, personal space, and real tory. This invitation a lesson in humil- and virtual worlds in a hurricane of ity. In humanity. Members of the Amherst Community held a Kwanzaa celebration content overflow and overload. And when our words of praise at the Bangs Community Center in December Sometimes – depending on the and thanks are done, we should speak Author’s note: Before finalizing -this piece, I reached out to POV Editor Mar- actual word, purpose, intent, and de- no more. Deplete ourselves, so that we jorie Hurst for her thoughts on my messaging. I did not want my message to livery – we receive or reject the word. can fill our hearts and souls with the be that of another white person feeling entitled to take something else of value We hear it. Feel it. Think it. Act on words of Kwanzaa. from the minority. First we stole the land from Native Americans; then we stole it. Joyfully plucking the love emoji. life, liberty, and power from African Americans in order to cultivate that land. Angrily typing a response. Silently There are only seven. This piece was even originally titled “Time to harvest” but the pain and suffer- weeping with hope. Passively or sar- Simple yet profound. ing endured by African Americans during the harvest made me pause. And castically sniping. Gratefully express- though the phrase “It is time to harvest” remains herein, my meaning is that ing appreciation. When I see the words and reflect we should allow ourselves to feel inspired by African Americans. More so, this Words possess this power. To on the principles of Kwanzaa, I wish essay is not intended as an edict or invitation to white people to covet Kwanzaa; move us in any direction. By this, I am for this to be a common way of life for but is an urging to all people to live in the spirit of Kwanzaa… inspired. all of us. I envision the quelling of the According to Wikipedia at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kwanzaa, In considering Black History Kwanzaa (/ÈkwQÐn.zY/) is a celebration…[that] honors African heritage in hysterical storm of maddening words Month, I recognize that our African African-American culture. Kwanzaa has seven core principles (Nguzo Saba). plaguing our society. Twits and American heroes and pioneers – fa- It was created by Maulana Karenga (previously known as Ronald McKinley mous or unsung – have given us tweets. Quips and bleeps. Instas and Everett and then as Ron Karenga) and was first celebrated in 1966–67. Kwanzaa words throughout history. Inspira- memes. Videoed scenes. A war of “is a communitarian African philosophy,” consisting of what Karenga called tional. Poetic. Musical. Scientific. Ma- words in a world at war. Between love “the best of African thought and practice in constant exchange with the world.” jestic. Dark. Mathematical. Legal. and hate. From which there seems no ● Umoja (Unity): To strive for and to maintain unity in the family, community, Loving. Brilliant. Courageous. Truth- escape. nation, and race. ful. Beautiful. Real. But there is Kwanzaa. Not polit- All woven into the histories. ● Kujichagulia (Self-Determination): To define and name ourselves, as well ical. Not religious. Not controversial. Herstories. Life stories – that com- as to create and speak for ourselves. Not commercial. Not exclusive. Not prise the foundation of Black history, ● Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility): To build and maintain our com- but are often never told beyond pre- irrational. Not messy words. Or con- munity together and make our brothers’ and sisters’ problems our problems dominantly black worlds. Often these voluted concepts. and to solve them together. words – these experiences – are Kwanzaa is pure. A celebration ● Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics): To build and maintain our own stores, deemed less than. Not worthy. Or ir- of the first fruits of the harvest. Of shops, and other businesses and to profit from them together. relevant to the white majority. gifts of heritage. And culture. Of past, ● Nia (Purpose): To make our collective vocation the building and developing of our community in order to restore our people to their traditional great- The ignoring or suppressing of present, and future. Of greetings of these truths is shameful. And must ness. Joyous Kwanzaa. Of seven words that ● Kuumba (Creativity): To do always as much as we can, in the way we can, stop. Now more than ever… should be breathed and lived. Daily. in order to leave our community more beautiful and beneficial than we in- Instead of quashing, we should Forever. herited it. be embracing. Appreciating. Celebrat- Yielding an endless bounty for ● Imani (Faith): To believe with all our hearts in our people, our parents, our ing Black history. all mankind – beyond the first fruits… teachers, our leaders, and the righteousness and victory of our struggle. af-am point of view page ten february 1, 2019 EDUCATION SCHOOLS OF HIGHER EDUCATION IN THE NEWS Westfield’s Urban Education New Hope for ‘New Arrivals’ Program Turns 50 WESTFIELD, MA – Westfield State The UEP was founded in 1968 to University hosted a 50th golden an- provide collegiate opportunities to niversary celebration for its Urban first generation students, students of Education Program (UEP) on No- color, and students who were finan- vember 17, 2018 on its campus. cially struggling. Seven students were enrolled in 1968. Since then, 1,500 alumni have completed the program, enjoying much success as students and after graduation. “The program provides educa- tional access and opportunities for stu- dents who might not otherwise have Students, faculty and staff from HCC's Puerto Rican New Arrivals advocates or mentors, helping them to Program celebrate after completing classes on Dec. 20. succeed as students and thrive as HOLYOKE, MA – In Puerto Rico, Dec. 20 celebration that included a alumni,” said UEP Director Azanda before Hurricane Maria forced thou- feast of traditional Puerto Rican food. Seymour ’92. sands to flee the devastated island, “The teachers and advisers have a Several individuals who were commitment to us, and I don’t quit. I Guest speaker and Professor key contributors to the Program’s suc- Maria Crespo Santos had been work- Emeritus of Ethnic and Gender ing as a medical technician in a have to follow my dreams. Follow my cess were recognized at the event. goals. I have challenges, but I try very Studies Dr. Kamal Ali pathology laboratory and blood bank. Among them were Gus Chrisan- hard.” thopoulos, the visionary “I like to work with people,” she said recently. “I like to work in the The Puerto Rican New Arrivals who founded the Urban Program started July 23 and con- Education Program, and medical field.” The storm, however, had caused cluded Dec. 20 with a recognition cer- guest speaker Dr. Kamal emony and feast at HCC’s Picknelly too much damage and, like so many Ali, Westfield State emer- Adult and Family Education Center others, she left. itus professor of Ethnic (PAFEC) in downtown Holyoke. The “It was horrible,” she said. “I and Gender Studies, re- HCC division of Business and Com- don’t live in Puerto Rico; I survive in ceived Awards of Distinc- munity Services offered the free Puerto Rico.” tion from the UEP for their ESOL program specifically for resi- Crespo Santos, 58, moved to contributions. dents of Puerto Rico who left the is- The UEP’s Summer western Massachusetts about a year land after Hurricane Maria and Bridge Program starts the ago. She now lives with her sister in Urban Education Program Founder relocated to western Massachusetts. summer before the stu- Chicopee and works in retail, but Gus Chrisanthopoulos, student Classes were held Mondays dents’ first fall semester. thanks to a special Holyoke Commu- Jazzmun Baez ’19, and UEP Director through Thursdays, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., First-year students enroll nity College ESOL program for Azanda Seymour ’92 and funded through a National Dislo- in a 3–6 credit program Puerto Rican evacuees like her, she is cated Worker grant administered by over a five-week period. on the road back to a career in the the MassHire Hampden County The Program allows these medical field. Workforce Board in partnership with students an easy transition She was one of more than two the MassHire Holyoke and MassHire into college life through dozen students recognized for com- Springfield career centers. support from student lead- pleting the five-month, English for The program focused on much ers and staff. Speakers of Other Languages pro- more than just English language A portion of the gram. skills, however. Students received les- nights’ proceeds will sup- With her improved English sons in computer literacy at the Gill port UEP students and its skills, Crespo Santos has already been Technology Center on the first floor Joan E. Fuller and Kamal accepted into a medical assistant of PAFEC, and they received job H. Ali scholarships. Fuller training program at HCC that begins search and resume development sup- is a Westfield State staff in February. port from advisers at HCC and coun- Jose Delgado ’08, Devin Streeter ’09 emerita and a former di- “It’s a pleasure and an honor to selors at the MassHire career centers. and Miguel Maria rector of the UEP. ■ be part of this group,” she said at a continues to page 19 af-am point of view page eleven february 1, 2019 HEALTH YOUR HEALTH Baystate Medical Center To Hold Free “Heart & Vascular Health” Lecture Series Beginning Feb. 3 SPRINGFIELD, MA – Baystate of four free seminars at the Baystate betes influences heart health, and what tions today. Participants will learn Medical Center will hold its popular Health Education Center on 361 Whit- can be done to help control this seri- who qualifies for this heart surgery free Heart & Vascular Health Lecture ney Ave. in Holyoke. His presentation ous risk factor. and discover the latest advances in Series during the month of February will focus on the warning signs of a Also, on Feb. 17, Dr. E. Jesus treatment for those who suffer from beginning with a look at “Acute Chest heart attack, different types of heart at- Duffis, director, Neurointerventional coronary artery disease. Pain and Heart Attack” on Sunday, tacks, as well as the latest treatments, Surgery Division, Baystate Medical Heart healthy light refreshments Feb. 3. prognosis and recovery after heart at- Center, will present “Advances in will be served at the lectures and edu- The Heart & Vascular Health tack. Stroke Treatment.” The session will cational handouts on heart and vascu- Lecture Series, presented by the All lectures will be held at the focus on warning signs, treatments, lar health will be provided. There will Baystate Heart & Vascular Program as Baystate Health Education Center and the latest advances to help mini- also be time for questions and an- part of American Heart Month, will from noon to 2 p.m. mize adverse effects and enhance re- swers. Parking is free. focus on presentations designed by The free lectures will continue covery. Registration is required for Baystate Medical Center physicians to with “Diabetes and Heart Disease” on The series will conclude on Feb. each session by visiting baystate- inform those attending on the latest Feb. 10, presented by Dr. Abraham 24 with “Surgical Treatment of Coro- health.org/events, or calling 413- advances in heart and vascular care Thomas, MPH, chair, Department of nary Artery Disease 2019: Modern 794-5200. and how they can maintain or improve Medicine, Baystate Medical Center. Treatment for an Age-Old Disease,” The lecture series is sponsored their heart and vascular health. Diabetes is considered a major risk presented by Dr. Thomas Schwann, by Health New England. Dr. Evan Lau, interventional car- factor in the development of heart dis- chief, Cardiac Surgery, Baystate Med- To learn more about Baystate diologist and director of the Cardio- ease, affecting over 400 million peo- ical Center. Coronary artery bypass Medical Center’s life-saving cardiac genic Shock Program at Baystate ple worldwide. Participants will learn graft surgeries are some of the most capabilities, visit www.baystate- Medical Center, will present the first about the types of diabetes, how dia- commonly performed major opera- health.org/bhvp. ■

I WAS ON LIFE-SUPPORT.“ BUT I KNEW I WANTED TO LIVE.

” - Ernie

Ernie’s heart was getting worse every day. “I was because the LVLVVAAD pump provides continuous blood scared. When your doctor tells you your heart is flow, patients like Ernie live without a pulse. failing, that’s a hard pill to swallow,” he says. “It’s been two years, and I feel great. I’ve been given So, Ernie’s cardiac care team at Baystate Medical a second chance at life,” he says. In addition, Ernie is Center recommendeded that he become the first LVLVVAAD paying it forward, helping facilitate an education and patient in the region.n. An LVVAAD heart pump, or Left support group for LLVVVAAD patients. Ventricular Assist Device, is surgically attached to the TToo watch ErnieErni ’s amazing story, go to aorta to help restore proper heart function. And BaystateHealth.org/Ernie. af-am point of view page twelve february 1, 2019 HEALTH HEALTH MATTERS Representation Matters Doris Sexton-Harris, Health Consultant, Doris can be By Whitney Dodds contacted at stigma related, as to why they are ap- Wellness and mental illness are of societal re- [email protected] prehensive of seeking treatment. One perceived and manifest differently sources. We as reason in particular, which I have across cultures. Understanding this as counselors should found difficulty in refuting, is that well as cultural norms will determine be able to ac- n 2018, we are seeing a multitude there aren’t many people of color in whether or not treatment is successful. knowledge the Whitney Dodds of blatant acts of racism. Under this field. Working in this field for Many people who seek treatment feel ways the environment influences a Ithe current administration the cli- even a short amount of time, I have as though they will spend the majority client’s development to challenge sys- mate of the U.S. has catapulted back- heard statements related to the lack of of their time in session educating their temic barriers that block their psy- wards 100 years. Needless to say, all people who “look like them.” Despite therapist instead of receiving much chosocial development. Most often, the events have had a negative effect there being amazing helpers of all needed help. For example, a person in clients’ issues are reactions to, or on the mental state of people of color. backgrounds, having someone who the black community who is also reli- symptoms of, deep seated problems in Besides advocating for more people of understands your cultural norms and gious might use the excuse “the devil the social environment, like microag- color to invest in their mental health, beliefs eliminates some of the fears as- made me do it” when explaining the gressions or good ole systemic racism. we have to worry whether the people sociated with seeking treatment. I have reason for their poor decision making. A good resource to locate a men- that we send them hold underlying bi- and I am constantly examining my This same person could be diagnosed tal health therapist of color is Psychol- ases or prejudices. Or are flat out world view! Although I am a black with schizophrenia. Although that’s ogy Today. Each therapist will have racist. This now means we must advo- woman who came from a low SES making light of a situation, there are individual specialties. You may also cate for more representation within (socioeconomic status), I still have to many scenarios that are similar. reach out to me for assistance with lo- mental health workers. account for the other moving parts of I believe all people have the right cating a therapist at Wellness- Many people of color already my intersection that wheel themselves to equitable treatment, support for fortheculture.com on the contact have barriers, some cultural, some into the session. their human rights, and fair allocation page. ■ YOUR HEALTH Prostate Cancer Scoring Method May Underestimate Mortality Risk in Black Men BOSTON, MA ― Black men diagnosed with However, some men with Gleason 6 cancers nonblack patients (0.22 percent) at a median fol- prostate cancer classified as low risk may actually opt for treatment rather than surveillance. “Data low-up of 36 months. In other words, the death rate have a more aggressive form of the disease that is suggests that African American men who have sur- – while low – was almost double in the black men more likely to be fatal than in nonblack men placed gery for Gleason 6 cancers are more likely to have with Gleason 6 disease, even after accounting for in the same prognostic category, a new study sug- more aggressive surgical features than predicted socioeconomic status and treatment patterns. gests. prior to surgery than nonblack men having sur- The researchers did a similar analysis in a This disparity emerged from research led by gery,” said Brandon Mahal, MD, of the Department larger cohort of 62,736 black and 340,286 nonblack a Dana-Farber Cancer Institute scientist and pub- of Radiation Oncology at Dana-Farber and first au- men who had been followed for a longer period. lished as a report in JAMA. The study analyzed thor of the report. While the reasons for this aren’t continues to page 13 databases of hundreds of thousands of men diag- clear, he said, “the reasons are likely multifactor- nosed with prostate cancer and assigned a Gleason ial—it could be that Gleason 6 cancer in black men score on the basis of a biopsy and examination of is inherently more aggressive or it may have to do samples of the cancer under a microscope. Gleason with other non-tumor related factors such as how scores range from 6 to 10, with higher numbers (7- we perform the biopsies – maybe we are undersam- 10) indicating greater risk and higher mortality. pling their tumors and missing more aggressive dis- The study findings focused on men who were ease – and lastly there could be other classified as Gleason 6, which signifies a favorable socioeconomic or access to care factors that drive prognosis with a low risk of death, and a cancer that differences.” doesn’t necessarily need to be treated – at least not The study found that the overall risk of immediately. Many men in this category, after a prostate cancer death was not statistically signifi- conversation with their doctor, adopt an “active sur- cant between 31,841 black and 160,383 nonblack veillance” approach, which may include monitoring patients, after accounting for socioeconomic status of PSA (prostate-specific antigen) levels, digital and treatment patterns. But when the analysis fo- rectal exams, and repeated biopsies. If there is evi- cused on patients with Gleason grade 6 cancer, dence the cancer is progressing, treatment may be there were 51 deaths among 12,707 black patients warranted. (0.40 percent) versus 155 deaths among 70,938 af-am point of view page thirteen february 1, 2019 COMMUNITY POLITICAL HAPPENINGS - SPRINGFIELD CITY COUNCIL

Justin Hurst, Esquire At-Large Springfield 2019 CITY COUNCIL SUB-COMMITTEES City Councilor jhurst@springfieldcity- *CHAIRPERSON hall.com 413-374-5844 SCHOOL BUILDING COMMITTEE ON ELDER AFFAIRS** Kenneth Shea* **the duties and responsibilities of this commit- FINANCE tee will be absorbed by Health and Human ANIMAL CONTROL Timothy Ryan* Services Melvin A. Edwards* E. Henry Twiggs Timothy C. Allen SUSTAINABILITY AND ENVIRONMENT SPECIAL COMMITTEES GENERAL GOVERNMENT Jesse Lederman* CASINO OVERSIGHT Melvin A. Edwards* Adam Gomez Michael A. Fenton* Timothy Ryan Melvin Edwards E. Henry Twiggs Tracye Whitfield MAINTENANCE and DEVELOPMENT Adam Gomez Timothy C. Allen RACE and CIVIL RIGHTS** Marcus Williams* Kenneth Shea Marcus Williams* Jesse Lederman Tracye Whitfield Kateri Walsh DIVERSITY Kenneth Shea SPECIAL PERMIT REVIEW Marcus Williams* AUDIT **the duties and responsibilities of this commit- DOG PARK COMMITTEE Tracye Whitfield* tee will be absorbed by Economic Development Orlando Ramos* Timothy Ryan PUBLIC SAFETY Kateri Walsh MARIJUANA REGULATION Orlando Ramos* Michael A. Fenton* ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Tracye Whitfield Marcus Williams Adam Gomez* Jesse Lederman Adam Gomez Kateri Walsh Kenneth Shea HEALTH and HUMAN SERVICES Jesse Lederman* EnrollEnroll STATE and FEDERAL RELATIONS Timothy C. Allen Orlando Ramos* Tracye Whitfield Yo u r ChiChi ldld Michael A. Fenton Timothy Ryan REO Melvin A. Edwards* CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT Timothy C. Allen Timothy C. Allen* YOUR HEALTH less frequently among African Amer- Prostate Cancer Scoring Method ican men. “That probably is partly be- cause of provider preferences and continued from page 12 Asked what the study results partly because of patient prefer- The 12-year prostate cancer mortality imply for clinical practice, Mahal ences—both of which are likely im- CallCall 423-734-6300423 7347 66300 rate in patients with Gleason scores 7 said, “These data would be an impetus to 12 was 5.5 percent in black men for randomized, prospective trials to pacted by historically observed CChooseBrightFutures.orghooseBrightFutures.org both better characterize Gleason 6 dis- disparities,” said Mahal. versus 5.3 percent in nonblacks. But

We warmly care for infants through pre-K again, a disparity appeared in Gleason ease in black men and to test different The corresponding author of the re-

     


  6 prostate cancers: the 12-year mortal- management strategies,” i.e. immedi- port is Franklin Huang, MD, PhD, of 
 ity rate was 2.2 percent in black pa- ate treatment versus active surveil- the University of California, San

  
tients versus 1.4 percent in nonblacks. lance. He said that in the United Francisco. The research was sup- ported by the Prostate Cancer Foun- activities This difference, the authors wrote, States, data suggest that an increasing dation, the American Society for

       “support the hypothesis that low- number of men with Gleason 6 Radiation Oncology, and the Depart- grade prostate cancer may be distinct prostate cancer are opting for active ment of Defense Prostate Cancer Re-      in black men.” surveillance, but that option is used search Program.          
        
af-am point of view page fourteen february 1, 2019 COMMUNITY FROM THE STATE HOUSE Representative Carlos Gonzalez to Lead the Massachusetts Black and Latino Legislative Caucus in the 191st General Court of the organization, Representative tative Frank Moran (D -Lawrence). ● Representative Russell Holmes Carlos Gonzalez (D-Springfield) He continued, “I look forward to see- (D – Boston) stated, “I am humbled and honored to ing Chairman Gonzalez continue the ● Representative Liz Miranda serve as the new Chairperson and I great work and tradition of this Cau- (D – Boston) look forward to working with my col- cus in creating a more just and inclu- ● Representative Frank Moran leagues to advance the causes that sive Commonwealth for our (D – Lawrence) impact the communities we all repre- communities of color.” ● Representative Jon Santiago sent.” Chairman Gonzalez will lead the (D – Boston) Representative Carlos Gonzalez newest iteration of the Caucus as they ● Representative Jose Tosado (D-Springfield) comes into the role as welcome in three new legislators and (D – Chicopee) he enters his third term in the legisla- one returning member. The bicameral ● Representative Chynah Tyler ture. Last session he served on the Caucus was originally formed in (D – Boston) ● Representative Vargas committee of Ways and Means, Com- 1973 by seven members and has (D – Haverhill) munity Development and Small grown to its current membership of ● Representative Aaron Vega Business, Technology and Intergov- the following 13 legislators: (D – Holyoke) ernmental Affairs and Global Warm- ● Chairman Carlos Gonzalez ● Representative Bud Williams Representative Carlos Gonzalez ing. (D – Springfield) ( ) (D – Springfield) D-Springfield “It was a distinct honor to serve ● Senator Sonia Chang-Diaz The Massachusetts Black and Latino Leg- BOSTON, MA — The Massachusetts as Chairman for our Caucus and I am (D - Boston) islative Caucus is a group of state legisla- Black and Latino Legislative Caucus thrilled to see that my colleague will ● Representative Marcos Devers tors seeking to define, highlight and (MBLLC) will have a new Chairman have the opportunity to experience (D – Lawrence) analyze those issues and concerns affect- ing people of color in the Commonwealth. as the body prepares for the 2019- that privilege as well,” said former ● Representative Nika Elugardo For more information, please visit: 2020 legislative session. Taking helm MBLLC Chairman, State Represen- (D – Boston) www.mablacklatinocaucus.com LEADERSHIP PIONEER VALLEY cessible, inclusive networks of in- discover upon arrival that although we The conversations of our board spired individuals who are leading were able to enter the motel, the bath- members as they navigated the impor- Ramps of and connecting the communities in room wasn’t accessible. I learned that tance of both accessibility and then in- which they live and work.” there are degrees of accessibility. clusion underscored the responsibility As we developed the statement, As the Americans with Disabili- of inclusion. Black history month re- Inclusion we had a discussion about some of the ties Act came into effect, my dad minds us that this country has made By Lora Wondolowski key words and their meanings. Many began to have access to more estab- great strides towards accessibility. We of the small groups spent time on the lishments. But access did not equal in- have struck down laws that divide us Lora Wondolowski, words “accessible” and “inclusive.” clusion. Many handicapped sections and added others to increase accessi- Director of Leadership There were some very powerful dis- were in the back of the room or in the Pioneer Valley, she is bility for all. Yet inclusion is much passionate about cussions on the differences between aisle. The majority of store clerks and harder to tackle. Women and folks of strengthening the these two words. For some, it was not wait staffs that we encountered did not color are increasingly able to be at the Pioneer Valley. immediately apparent that they are dif- include my father. They chose to speak table, yet are not always made to feel Contact her at ferent. to other members of the family instead 413-737-3876 or welcome. We may have built the hand- www.leadershippv.org As the daughter of a parent in a of him. wheelchair, accessibility was always As a woman, I have also seen this icapped ramps but still put the seats in ur board has just finished the on our minds. Much of the world in first hand. There are several “men’s” the back of the room. process of creating a vision the 1970s and 1980s was not accessi- leadership groups in the area that meet I look forward to listening more statement for Leadership Pio- O ble. There were places and activities regularly―I and other women will for the voices of those who still don’t neer Valley. I am proud of the inclu- that were simply not available to my never have access. Additionally, there feel included and find ways to make sive and deliberative process that we dad. In some instances, we were able is another group that is open to women our board rooms, offices, and commu- undertook. At the end of the process, a to access places if we were willing to but has never accepted one in its ranks. nities more inclusive for those whom board member commented that they carry my dad up a flight of stairs and One board member remarked that we have invited to participate (that’s couldn’t think of a single word that endure the humiliation of the specta- there are opportunities she didn’t even assuming that we are accessible). This they would change. Our new vision is cle. In other instances, we would re- know that exist. I know many other is how we will make our vision a real- for a “vibrant Pioneer Valley with ac- serve a handicapped room and groups have similar experiences. ity for the Valley. ■ af-am point of view page fifteen february 1, 2019 COMMUNITY COMMUNITY PERSPECTIVES

Bishop The Black Church’s Mandate for Social Justice Talbert W. Swan, II By Bishop Talbert W. Swan, II, M.Div. is Pastor of The Spring Of people it ministers to every day, re- hoods where they minister. To do so musicals, concerts, revivals, and con- Hope Church Of God veals a serious disconnect between our undermines our Christian witness. ferences, God is trying to arrest our at- In Christ Spirit-filled worship and what should How can we remain silent when tention through the words of the Old be our Spirit-led activism. the people that we minister to and who Testament prophet Amos: “I hate, I de- f there was ever a time for the We can ill afford to continue support our ministries suffer under an spise your festivals, and I take no de- Black church to embrace the heart prophesying blessings to black people unjust system that oppresses them so- light in your solemn assemblies... Take Iof Jesus Christ, not just by holding and telling them that “what God has cially and economically? The respon- away from me the noise of your songs; conferences, convocations, revivals, for you is for you,” while refusing to sibility to speak out does not belong to I will not listen to the melody of your and quoting scripture but by embrac- speak out against the racist systems civil rights organizations and commu- harps. But let justice roll down like ing the social justice mandate He de- that have systematically oppressed our nity activists alone, especially when waters, and righteousness like an ever- lineated in His first sermon, the time people and continue to suppress our the church has a biblical mandate to do flowing stream” (Amos 5:21, 23-24). is now. When Christ went to the tem- advancement. An entire generation is so. The Black Church has lost credi- The church has majored in the issues ple after being tempted in the wilder- turning a deaf ear toward a church and bility as the voice of the community about which God has spoken so little ness, He quoted the prophet Isaiah and church leaders who neglect social jus- because of a distorted understanding and minored in the matters He has declared, “The Spirit of the Lord is on tice and the social empowerment of of Jesus’ mission and ministry. There spoken so much about. Under the me, because he has anointed me to our people in exchange for a pacifying are major issues that must be ad- power of the Holy Spirit, Jesus inau- gospel, which only requires that we dressed by the church: education, po- proclaim good news to the poor. He gurated His public ministry with a so- pray away the social injustice that has lice brutality, mass incarceration, has sent me to proclaim freedom for cial justice message that set the tone crippled our communities for multiple voting rights discrimination, and the prisoners and recovery of sight for for everything He did from that point generations. The Black Church cannot poverty to name a few. the blind, to set the oppressed free, to until His crucifixion and resurrection. continue to remain silent about injus- Over the jubilant noises of our proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor” We live in a world full of racism tices that occur in the very neighbor- Sunday morning worship celebrations, (Luke 4:18-19). This was Jesus’ and oppression, where impoverished prophetic manifesto, which was em- and disenfranchised people feel that bodied in His actions, lifestyle, they can never rise up. People are preaching and teaching over the being sex trafficked and enslaved course of his entire ministry. A core around the globe while corruption on component of the gospel is, and al- local and societal levels are at work ways has been, social justice. To claim across the world. The church should anything otherwise is a blatant misrep- be speaking to all of these issues be- resentation of Jesus Christ who em- cause the Bible speaks against the in- phatically declared that He came to justices of poverty, racism, and proclaim the gospel to the poor and to corruption and makes them central to provide liberty for the captives and the message of Christianity. The healing for the hurting. prophet Micah defines what God re- With everything that is going on in the world today, it is time for the ally wants of people by saying, “do church to stop just making noise. We justice, and love mercy, and walk must start making a difference. Our humbly with your God” (Micah 6:7– actions should speak much louder than 8). Dr. James Cone, the late theologian our words. The Black Church, in par- and father of Black Liberation Theol- ticular, finds itself in a precarious po- ogy, opined in his classic book “God sition in 2019 as many of our people of the Oppressed” that “any authentic are turning away from the church be- theology must affirm that God is on cause they view it as a religion that the side of the oppressed. The Black generally disregards institutional Church should be a beacon of hope racism, mass incarceration, police bru- where the impoverished and margin- tality, and many other social ills that alized are empowered and social jus- affect our communities. While strange tice ministry has a primary focus. To fruit continues to hang from our trees, be anything less is a perversion of the the Black Church’s silence and indif- gospel and erodes the foundation of ference concerning the plight of the the Christian faith. ■ af-am point of view page sixteen february 1, 2019 COMMUNITY LATIN@ GROOVE Magdalena Gómez is the Don Santito’s home had a large Co-founder and Artistic terrace where a hammock hung and Director of Springfield’s A Legacy of Friends Aurora, his wife, the mother of seven first and only daughters, grew tomatoes and every Latin@theater, By Magdalena Gómez Teatro V!da. because throughout my life, the depth Black; I’m Indian.” It was a great feel- kind of healing and edible herb possi- Ms. Gómez has been a and substance of my education and ing to be around another “other” who ble. Elsie and I loved being on the te- teaching artist for rraza; it was our Puerto Rico. We over 35 years. understanding of what it means to be fully accepted himself. Don Santito part of peoples of the Diaspora, on my (his self selected diminution of Santo; sang pop songs, as she faked playing maternal and paternal sides, was ini- he assured me he was no saint, and an old toy guitar. I’d read her my tially inspired by the tutelage of that being a little bit of one was more poems and sometimes write ones friends. At a young age I came to the than enough) was the sexton of a local about her. What I remember most is understanding that not all Black peo- Baptist church. He was working on how very different we were, she could ple are African American. I under- saving my mother’s soul. My father barely scrawl her name or engage in stood that the unification of all Black was a devout cynic and devotee of deep conversation, and mostly non- conversant with others, but together peoples throughout the world, Pan- reason. Don Santito made warm and we laughed and sang our hearts out, Africanism, pointed to the possibility cordial weekly visits to our home. He giggling about all the boys on which of a more just world. I may not have was physically small with epic we lavished secret, distant crushes. known the words―the terms were not worker’s hands, so gnarled, wrinkled Don Santito showed me that a in use in my little world―but I under- and dry that I had to distract myself loving and accepting family was pos- stood and trusted my feelings. from them and the sadness they made sible. That being different was what It isn’t just education, might and me feel. Those worker’s hands carried made us strong, smart and beautiful. money that balance the scales of jus- my thoughts to cane, coffee and cot- The children and adults who came to tice, but numbers. Globally, people of ton fields. To the sweat shops where color have never been a minority and visit reflected all the melanin and an- my mother had been brutalized. I I have consistently rejected the word. cestral ethnic diversity of our people thought of my own father and his Virgilio Gómez Fernández As a child I despised the terms Col- and the people in the community. eighteen hour cruelly underpaid work- ored and Negro, unless Negro was Thanks to friends like Don San- “Tell me who your days as a cook hidden away at a time said in Spanish, and was clearly un- tito and Elsie, I grew up knowing when vitiligo was seen as a contagious friends are and I’ll tell derstood as Black, and used with re- Black is Beautiful. I learned that being disease. you who you are.” spect. I annoyed adults with smart was not a deficit or sin; that we “everybody has color” and I ques- Despite Don Santito’s advanced are not our skin, but our soul. I learned -Virgilio Gómez Fernández, my father tioned the “flesh” colored beige age, he had the soul and energy of a that the true measure of our intelli- crayon in the Crayola box decades be- young man. He took great pride in gence is in how we embrace the full y father spoke those words being a sexton, and when he finally to me often and I took them fore it became a public concern. humanity and all the identities of our- got my mother and me to attend to heart. If I were to meas- Needless to say, I was “othered” at a selves and others. I learned that the M church, I saw how he made that old ure my life by who my friends are, I young age and my precociousness words “diversity” and “inclusion” do brownstone sparkle. would have to say my life has been a was considered either disrespectful or not even begin to cover the extraordi- His youngest daughter, Elsie, paradise. Throughout all of life’s a nuisance. I can hear some of you nary lives we can choose to have, de- was born “slow” but was never made struggles, messiness and losses, joys who know me laughing now. spite our circumstances, when we to feel that way by anyone in her fam- and triumphs, we have always been One person in my childhood who cease to fear difference in ourselves or ily. We both loved music and animals there for each other. delighted in having meaningful con- in others. Friendship is a beautiful and versations with me, was Don Santito. and became fast friends. She’d gotten I can stand proudly in my fa- complex web of chance meetings; Don Santito was Afro-Borinqueño, a a Beatle’s haircut. She loved Paul, I ther’s ancestral presence, clear about brief eye contact; trust built over time; proudly Black Puerto Rican. I had loved John. I never told her how stu- who I am. My friends have helped me those inexplicable feelings that infer grown weary of colonized adults in pid I thought “I Wanna Hold Your know who I am, and they are key to divine intervention or destiny, deep in my family who denied their Black- Hand” and “She Loves You” were. I who I continue to become. the soul; the ones we know are the ness, identifying as Indio. “I’m not was the only girl not screaming in the Thank you my dears ones. You 4:00 a.m. friends; the ones that en- movie theater when “Help” came out. know who you are. ■ dure; and the ones meant for our mu- tual lessons and growth, regardless of time spent together or apart. Some re- main alive in memory, long after their souls have fled the confines of the ephemeral body. This month I celebrate friendship af-am point of view page seventeen february 1, 2019 COMMUNITY CHD - HUMAN INTEREST

John Roberson is Vice President of Children Black History Month: a Time to Reflect on and Family Services for The Center for Human Development (CHD), Our National and Local Success Stories 332 Birnie Avenue, Springfield, MA 01107, By John Roberson, VP of Children and Family Services for CHD 413-733-6624 certainly doesn’t tell the entire story. as we follow the current, troubling that, although quietly: overcome ob- I have been fortunate enough to political dialogue, it also strikes me stacles and succeed. But, they may s I reflect on the month of live to see the first Black President, that we, as African Americans, can not be public figures. In my view, February and its designation Barack Obama, become the 44th Pres- never assume our work is done in these are still pillars of our commu- Aas “Black History Month,” I ident of United States of America. It terms of forging and sustaining our nities, including pastors, coaches, think comprehensively about the was one of the proudest moments in places in the annals of history. tremendous achievements and the teachers, small business owners or my life. More recently, we saw the As a leader who works with at- devoted parents. They deserve recog- gains that have been made by African election of Ayanna Pressley, the first risk youth and children ― who at nition and celebration as well. Americans throughout history. It has African-American woman from Mas- times don’t always appreciate their During “Black History Month” always been my position that every sachusetts to be elected to the U.S. strengths and ultimately their poten- and beyond just one designated month is black history month. How- House of Representatives. In both tial ― it is always great to highlight ever, in celebrating the month of Feb- scenarios, it struck me that our chil- these wonderful examples of Black month, it is important to celebrate our ruary and its cultural relevance, it is dren no longer have to look far to find people who have overcome chal- wonderful culture and our accom- clear that countless African Ameri- many civic examples to aspire to in lenges and obstacles to reach their de- plishments, but it is also important to cans have made a profound impact on the African-American culture. sired goals in life, no matter how continue to find ways to have a voice this country’s history. The proverbial glass ceiling has high. in shaping public policies that have Recent political history is a sim- been shattered for people of color in Throughout history, there have an impact on outcomes for children ple and timely barometer, though it the highest levels of government. But been many individuals who do just and families. ■ CONGRATULATIONS CORNER ongratulations to Attorney Talia K. Gee who Cwas recently appointed as Springfield’s Chief Diver- sity & Inclusion Officer. Atty. Gee previously served as an attorney in the city’s Labor Relations Division. She is a graduate of St. John’s University in New York City and re- ceived her MBA and Law Degree from Western New Eng- land University. Gee is MCAD certified and previously worked at the Law Firm of Sullivan, Hayes & Quinn.

ongratulations to Dr. Willie Hill, Jr. who retires Cfrom the UMass Fine Arts Center (FAC) on February 8th. Having spent over 20 years at UMass, Hill is only the second director in the history of the Fine Arts Center. While there, he broadened the scope of the FAC and es- tablished its presence throughout the greater western Mass community while at the same time making substantial con- tributions to the entire region. He will be missed.

ongratulations to Carolyn Ware who was named CCommunity Relations Director for Florence Bank’s Springfield branch bank which recently opened at 1444 Allen Street in Springfield. This is a natural for Carolyn who is well known and very active in the community. Car- olyn previously served as Branch Manager and Vice Pres- ident and Retail Banking Manager of Hampden Bank. She also is the Director of Finance and Operations for St. John’s Congregational Church. af-am point of view page eighteen february 1, 2019 COMMUNITY FOOD FOR THOUGHT Zaida Govan is a native of Springfield Love Should Mean Being Informed and Voting via Puerto Rico with a passion for By Zaida Govan improving the community she about it. He said he wasn’t ready to YouTube if you miss any meetings. pay for them to be in those seats and serves. She can be reached at leave yet. I seriously only wanted to See what your elected officials are our votes put them there. What about 413.301.2533 or know why he was not leaving yet. deciding on. the Mayor? Have you been following [email protected] So I said that to say that if you If you love yourself and your him and his actions? He will be up for ove is in the air. If you love love yourself and your family and family, you will get informed on local re-election this year. Although, anything or anybody then this neighbors, now is the time to start elections and vote. This is where the School Committee members are not Lthe month for you. We always thinking about the elections coming decisions are made to increase taxes, up for re-election this year, don’t for- think of loving each other and people up this year in our city. I know! It’s legalize marijuana, bring a casino to get them. who are kind to us. But remember we only February and the election is not town. Yes, these questions were on a Now is a good time for you to until November or September if we local ballot so if you voted to legalize are supposed to love everyone even– start paying attention to the actions of need a primary but now you should marijuana or voted “Yes” for a or especially–our enemies. I am still all of these elected officials and de- start watching City Council meetings casino, here we are. If you voted working on that one. cide: Do I want them back in office? to see if your city councilors really “No” then you can say why you When I think of love this month, have your best interests at work. Do thought it was a bad idea. If you Pay attention and get involved. I am thinking of my city. The other you want to re-elect them? Have they didn’t vote then there is nothing you Maybe become a poll worker with the day one of my friends said he wanted kept their word on what they said can say about it. election commission. Get involved to leave Springfield and I innocently they would do for our city or are they City councilors are making de- with the League of Women Voters to asked him what was holding him just looking for photo-ops? Check out cisions on which streets the recre- learn more about our right to vote and back from leaving. He thought I was Focus Springfield on channel 15 or ational cannabis will be sold. Have voter suppression. If you love your- defending my city again and said he 16 Comcast. They televise the public you talked to your City Councilor self and your family and your city knew how I felt about the city. He meetings for City Council and School about this? Do you have access to like I do then please get informed and wasn’t going to say anything bad Committee. They are also on them? You should! Our tax dollars VOTE! HIGHER EDUCATION IN THE NEWS STCC Unveils Spring Ovations Seniors! Series Lineup SPRINGFIELD, MA – Springfield Author/Illustrator and National #& " & " "! &!& #&# Technical Community College an- Book Award Nominee Jarrett J. Medicaid and MassHealth based programs nounces the spring lineup for the Ova- Krosoczk, March 28, 11 a.m., in Sci- tions Educational and Cultural Event belli Hall Theater. Krosoczk, who are available for those who qualify! Series. was raised in Worcester, has published The Ovations Series is sponsored nearly 30 books and is a two-time win- by The Chicopee Savings Bank En- ner of Children’s Choice Awards, dowment for Academic Excellence, Third to Fourth Grade. His graphic memoir, “Hey, Kiddo,” a recent nom- the Office of Academic Affairs and the An Affordable Senior Community Honors Program at STCC. The events inee for the National Book Award, tells are all free and open to the public. the story of growing up in an unusual 74 Walnut Street
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# household. Professor and author Elizabeth Stodeur Pryor, Feb. 13, 10:10 a.m. Dorothy Jordan Pryor Award, April #&! &# and 11:15 a.m., in Scibelli Hall The- 3, 12:15 p.m., 7th Floor, Scibelli Hall: ater: Stodeur Pryor is an associate The Dorothy Jordan Pryor Award is Medicaid and MassHealth based programs professor of history at Smith College. given to an STCC member who has are available for those who qualify! She will discuss her article “Etymol- had an impact on STCC and the com- ogy of (the n-word): Resistance, Lan- munity beyond. This year’s recipient, guage, and the Politics of Freedom in Ruth Butler, an instructor in the STCC Affordable Care for Seniors the Antebellum North,” which won the Cosmetology Program, will accept the Ralph D. Gray Prize for the best article award on behalf of the entire program, 74 Walnut Street
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colonycareathome.com of 2016 in the Journal of the Early Re- which has lent its skills to numerous public. nonprofit events in the community. Always hiring CNAs and Licensed Aides! af-am point of view page nineteen february 1, 2019 COMMUNITY COMMUNITY BEAT

Ken Harris is a former Special Police Officer John Brown and the Underground Railroad and Corrections By Ken Harris Officer. He is a His white peers in the city had consider their equal. versial law, he formed a group called graduate of STCC. Follow him at contrasting views. While they op- John Brown was certainly a dif- the “League of Gildeadites” to expand shadowedu.blogspot.com posed the institution of slavery and ferent kind of outspoken critic of slav- his vision in the fight against the slave were willing to risk their lives to assist ery. He believed the institution could trade. In acts of courageous defiance, hen John Brown arrived in runaways, they believed blacks were only be crushed by the infliction of vi- this organization continued with aid- the town of Springfield, inferior in every way. olence across the southern landscape. ing runaway slaves. WMA in 1847 to settle with These conductors on the under- He lived in Springfield for only When John Brown left Spring- his family, the area was already boom- ground railroad were rarely seen in the four years. During that time, he be- field to move to upstate New York in ing with abolitionists and activists, company of fellow black conductors came acquainted with many black cit- 1851, he left a substantial impression black and white, who risked their lives or black citizens anywhere. izens. Brown was even overjoyed upon those who were active partici- to discreetly help runaway slaves It seems like these men and when he met visitors Sojourner Truth pants in the underground railroad. reach freedom in Vermont and women felt they had a moral obliga- and Frederick Douglass whom he be- Canada. tion to protect those who they per- friended. Perhaps that’s why it’s no secret his Brown eventually moved into ceived as weak in all shapes or forms. The Fugitive Slave Act of 1850 mark remains as steady as the moment the wool manufacture industry where Many, like the Reverend Samuel Os- strengthened and confirmed the na- he emerged as an unlikely friend to his two warehouses were used as a good, who used the backroom in his tion’s willing to temporarily bargain the black residents. layover for those fleeing the institu- house to conceal runaways, likely within itself amidst the growing tur- Ultimately, he was executed in tion of slavery embraced by the south- used their religious affiliation as the moil. While California was admitted 1859 after leading a failed attack at an ern states. He even shared his home in grounds for being involved in the un- as a slaveholding state, universal arsenal in Harper’s Ferry West Vir- the pursuit of hindering the efforts of derground railroad. measures were approved by the ginia for attempting to incite slaves to slave catchers and their vile hounds. Later during the Civil War, some shaken government to extend privi- join his group in overthrowing slav- John Brown was a different kind soldiers shared this mainstream per- leges to slave holders and slave catch- ery. of an opponent of slavery. spective which dominated the social, ers. It became a federal offense to Like good new stories? Follow He had no shame in openly min- political, and legal fabric of the time harbor or assist escaping slaves. me on my blog at gling with black businessmen and and even questioned their decisions to This did not deter John Brown. http://shadowedu.blogspot.com/ ■ civic leaders. join the Union cause to preserve the As his local business failed, he was He regarded blacks on the same fractured nation by fighting for the adamant about halting slavery in its intellectual level as any person. freedom of those whom they did not tracks. In response to the new contro- EnEnrollroll SCHOOLS OF HIGHER EDUCATION IN THE NEWS Yo u r ChiChil ldd your next steps,” said President New Hope for ‘New Arrivals’ Christina Royal. “Our purpose at Holyoke Community College is to continued from page 10 are here that can offer services they serve the community, and you are part might benefit from,” Dunkelberg said. Community integration and civic of our community. Thanks for being The students came in with differ- engagement was also part of the cur- part of this, and as you move on we ent levels of English language skills riculum, Kermit Dunkelberg, HCC hope you’ll think about the skills you and they are heading in different di- assistant vice president of Adult Basic need for the jobs you’re looking for rections, Dunkelberg said. Some have Education and Workforce Develop- and just know we are here to help.” ■ found jobs; others will continue to ment said. Guest lecturers included participate in HCC’s reg- state Rep. Aaron Vega and Holyoke CallCall 423423-734-63007347 66300 ular, free ESOL classes; mayor Alex Morse, who provided les- some, like Crespo Santos, CChooseBrightFutures.orghooseBrightFutures.org sons on state and local government. have enrolled in one of Classes took field trips to the Holyoke

We warmly care for infants through pre-K HCC’s workforce train- Public Library, Nuestras Raices farm

     


  ing programs. Many have and Springfield museums. 
 expressed an interested in “We wanted them to understand

  
continuing their educa- where they were culturally and talk activities tion as students at HCC. about what that change means for

       “I admire you so them individually and also connect much for focusing on      them to some of the organizations that          
        
af-amAround point of view Town & Inpage twenty The Communityfebruary 1, 2019 Local Kwanzaa Celebrations

Participants pose for a photo around the Kinara at the Kwanzaa celebration taking place at Rebecca Johnson School in December Ward 4 Democratic Committee Holiday Party

Muhammad’s Mosque #13 in Springfield on December 27th

Congratulations

The Springfield Central High School Golden Eagles football team players, coaches and mascot at the Division 3 state championship game screening Friends and family gather to celebrate the birthday of Tracey Thomas and Kevin (Legends) Spivey (center) at Smokey Joe’s. at MGM Springfield. af-am point of view page twenty-one february 1, 2019 Local Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Celebrations

January 15th: The Pastor’s Council of Greater Springfield presented their January 21st: Presenting Partners lead the singing of “We Shall Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. service with guest Preacher Bishop John Overcome” at the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Celebration at the Bryant, Retired Senior Bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church MassMutual Center. L to R: Benjamin Smith, DREAM Studios; Dr. Calvin Hill, Springfield College; Eileen McCaffery, Community (center) at St. John’s Congregational Church. Music School of Springfield; and Ronn Johnson, Martin Luther King Jr. Family Services.

January 18th: The Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Flag Raising Ceremony and NAACP New Officer Installation took place at Springfield City Hall.

January 19th: The 37th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Scholarship Breakfast, hosted by Wesley United Methodist Church, took place at the Springfield Sheraton. L to R: Mistress of Ceremonies Atty. Talia K. Gee; Bishop Bruce Shaw; scholarship recipients Nylan X. Baldwin, Benjamin Russell, Michael Denson, Jr. and Paris Lizana; Wesley pastor Rev. Catharine A. Cummings; School Committee members Barbara Gresham and LaTonia Monroe Naylor; Keynote Speaker Rev. Dr. Leslie D. Callahan; Mayor Domenic Sarno; and Pastors Council of Greater Springfield President J.P. Morgan, Jr. af-am point of view page twenty-two february 1, 2019 COMMUNITY CONNECTICUT - COMMUNITY FOCUS New Haven Register Names Justice Lubbie Harper Jr. Its “2018 Person of the Year!” By Dwight Bachman, Public Relations Officer, Eastern Connecticut State University ebration, a task completed within 24 an incredible display of what hours of Harper’s request to Johnson. America should be when a per- Johnson told Harper she would do any- son of good will who is commit- Dwight Bachman thing for him. More than five years ago, ted to public service and who understands and in 2013, Wilbur Cross High School ded- appreciates the wonderment of diversity, leaves his icated and named its Library Media imprint on the community. The joy among all the Center in Justice Harper’s honor. In people attending the reception tells the story of the 2005, Justice Harper was inducted into beautiful unity and diversity among people that Jus- the Inaugural Class of the Wilbur L. tice Harper has brought to the City of New Haven, Cross High School Hall of Fame. the state of Connecticut and beyond. n Jan. 3, an overflow, diverse crowd— Along with many other professional, business Harper’s impact on the community locally, re- racial, ethnic and gender—of more than and civic organizations, Eastern Connecticut State gionally, nationally and internationally reflects the O200 friends, family, judges, attorneys, legal University also named Justice Harper Community best values in our society and defies the current na- mentees and supporters of former Connecticut recipient of its Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Distin- tional leadership style and behavior of offensive di- Supreme Court Justice Lubbie Harper Jr. converged guished Service Award in 2013. vision and polarization. The world needs more on Brazis’s Italian Restaurant at Long Wharf in What we saw at this celebration demonstrated people like Lubbie Harper Jr. ■ New Haven, to celebrate the New Haven Register newspaper se- lecting Justice Harper its “2018 Person of the Year.” I thought I was in Heaven on Earth. Love was flowing in the air, and every- where. A fun time was had by all. New Haven Mayor Toni Harp; Connecticut Supreme Court Chief Justice Richard Robinson, Associate Supreme Court Justice Raheem Mullins, Assistant Attorney General Christine Jean-Louis and leg- endary, former WVIT-TV crime reporter Lew Brown and his son, Judicial Marshal Sergeant Jason Goff Brown, were just a few of the guests on hand for the cele- bration. Former WFSB-TV re- porter and later, NBC Correspondent Odetta Rogers, who had admired Justice Harper’s service to the commu- nity for years, drove all the way to New Haven from her home in Greenwich to salute Harper. For the reception, Wilbur L. Cross High School Principal Edith Johnson—where Harper graduated—had a graphic de- signer produce the incredibly large and beautiful banner of cel- af-am point of view page twenty-three february 1, 2019 COMMUNITY EDUCATION LAW NOTES Dr. Bridgette Baldwin is a Professor of Law at West- Legal Resources for ern New England Univer- sity School of Law with areas of interest in crimi- nal law and procedure, in- Non-lawyers ternational criminal law, evidence, critical race the- By Artie Berns, Librarian, Western New England University School of Law ory, cybercrime and wel- fare law. and cases. In most instances, primary variety of topics and explain the law Artie Berns is a Research and sually, the best course of ac- sources are not the best place to begin in plain, everyday language. Nolo re- Emerging Technologies Librarian tion for anyone with a legal legal research. Secondary sources are sources cover subjects generally and resources written about the law and do not usually cover the law of a spe- at Western New England Uproblem is to seek the aid of University School of Law are usually the best place to begin cific state. Visit a licensed attorney. However, people every state, West publishes a collec- legal research. This can include prac- https://www.nolo.com/ for more in- who cannot afford the services of an tion of practice treatises, including tice materials, legal dictionaries, and formation. Additionally, Massachu- attorney may need to represent them- Massachusetts and Connecticut. The selves or at least seek out more infor- many more types. Practice materials setts Continuing Legal Education are intended to assist in accomplish- Massachusetts Practice Series con- mation about the law. For (MCLE) is a publisher of well-writ- tains over a hundred volumes and at- non-lawyers the world of legal infor- ing legal tasks in a specific area of ten and comprehensive secondary law. These materials are usually writ- tempts to cover all of Massachusetts mation can be intimidating. Fortu- sources including practice materials. ten for attorneys. Authors of practice law. The Connecticut Practice Series nately, there are many no-cost and Most MCLE resources focus on Mas- materials are usually attorneys famil- is less comprehensive at just over low-cost resources available to the sachusetts law, but they also publish iar with a particular area of law. Prac- thirty volumes. Both are updated public through law libraries, where resources for other New England tice materials are also helpful because yearly. legal materials may be accessed di- states, including several for Connecti- While it is best to hire an attor- rectly. they explain the law and provide ref- erences to relevant statutes and cases. cut. ney to help you if you have a legal Law libraries provide access to Another useful resource is West problem, there are resources available legal information and reference serv- The law changes constantly, so it is important to use the most recently up- Publishing. West Publishing is one of at nearby public law libraries if you ice. For a non-lawyer, this service is the top legal publishers. For nearly have to represent yourself. ■ limited to providing information dated edition of a par- about resources a person might use to ticular source. A law answer legal questions. Law librari- librarian can help you ans may not give legal advice and are with finding the most prohibited from engaging in the prac- recent version. Trump Alerts! tice of law while at work. There are It is also a good By Marjorie J. Hurst many law schools in Connecticut and idea to keep a legal dic- After 35 Days of Holding Federal Massachusetts. Most of these law tionary nearby when school libraries are open to members doing legal research. In Employees Hostage, Trump Caves on Wall of the public. These libraries provide law, words often have a very specific meaning free access to print and online legal or 35 days, over 800,000 federal em- have long been peddled by pharmaceutical different than the gen- resources and reference help is also ployees were held hostage because of companies. eral understanding of a F available. For more information President Trump’s demand to Congress for So why is the wall so important to word. For instance, the about services available in Massachu- $5.6 billion to build a border wall that Mex- Trump that he partially shut down the gov- setts, visit the Trial Court Law Li- word “motion” might conjure an image of ico was supposed to pay for. Why? ernment for an amount that’s not even braries webpage at Not for border security. It’s been ir- enough to build the wall and is already hint- https://www.mass.gov/orgs/trial- something or someone not stationary, but in refutably shown that building a wall to keep ing that he will shut government down again court-law-libraries#. For informa- immigrants from crossing the border be- on February 15th if he doesn’t get his way? tion about the State of Connecticut law “motion” means a specific request within tween Mexico and United States is a Me- Simply because “Build the Wall” is Judicial Branch Law Library Services dieval solution to a 21st century problem. easy. It’s a chant that doesn’t take brains. Unit, check their webpage at a case. The most popu- It’s also well documented that the majority You don’t have to think nor process infor- https://www.jud.ct.gov/lawlib/. If lar legal dictionary is of “illegal” immigrants enter the U.S. mation. And it doesn’t take ability. You don’t you would like to use the law library Black’s Law Dictionary. legally. So why? have to deal with the hard problems of gov- at a particular law school, you should Nolo (formerly Not to stop the flow of illegal drugs. It’s erning a multiracial society. It’s like “Make contact the institution before visiting Nolo Press) is a com- a well documented fact that the majority of America Great Again.” All you have to do is to see what services and resources are pany that has been pub- lishing self-help legal available to the public. drugs coming into this country come in divide and rally a certain segment of the guides since 1971. The primary sources of law are through legal ports of entry. Not to mention population and hope the rest will cave. Well, These resources cover a the laws themselves, such as statutes the drugs already in the United States that look who caved! ■ af-am point of view page twenty-four february 1, 2019 EDITORIAL FROM THE PUBLISHER’S DESK CELEBRATING BLACK HISTORY poverty and to rise above the travails As for those who get anxiety islative body as a partner of and, of a system that was determined to butterflies in their stomachs at the where necessary, a counterweight to keep us and our posterity as under- thought that two Black men are at the our mayor. OF VIEW

Frederick A. Hurst class citizens. They both certainly un- helm of Springfield’s legislative It is to the credit of all citizens MY POINT derstand that it was not easy. And body, don’t fret and don’t let your in- of Springfield – especially the voters continued from page 1 they both certainly understand that it herent biases creep out. These are two – that the two are leaders of the best Both Justin and Marcus are the was easier for them because their par- competent, elected Black profession- and most diverse and active city grandsons of these early immigrants ents continued to carry the torch. als who have worked their way up the council Springfield has seen in mod- who must be dancing in the clouds Both Justin and Marcus delivered ladder. And each has demonstrated ern times – maybe ever. It is a unique with pride. They were the rugged but speeches at their swearing in as pres- the ability to lead Springfield’s leg- way to celebrate Black History. ■ determined pioneers who, with few ident and vice president on January LETTERS TO THE PUBLISHER resources, kept their kids’ heads 7th, making it very clear that they in- tend to protect the gains and pass the above water so we could survive and Rick and Marjorie, torch forward. For that both families thrive enough to make way for our are pleased and proud. own kids to grow into adulthood and hank you for printing the Good News article POV, January 1, 2019. To put it in my personal James survive and thrive at an even higher I received several positive comments. Brown context, “I’m Black and I’m T level for the benefit of their own off- proud” to have these two Black men HAPPY NEW YEAR! spring. in charge of Springfield’s City Coun- Justin and Marcus are probably cil. And I am thrilled by their poten- Kind regards, too distant from their grandparents’ tial to lead the city and the region. I Jay Griffin (12/28/2018) histories to be intimately aware of am also proud that they aren’t afraid their struggles before and after their to be Black while responding to the Letters to the Publisher and other content MUST be journeys from the south to the north. diverse needs of Springfield, which, sent electronically to: [email protected] But they are very much familiar with I am certain, will be better for their (Please reference a subject matter or their parents’ struggles to escape leadership. e-mail is automatically deleted.)

FORGETTING reason for memory loss. She wrote: AF-AM NEWS bits his bit is for my sons who think “A growing body of research offers a By Frederick A. Hurst I’m getting senile because lately more welcome excuse: Forgetting T stuff can actually be a by-product of continued from page 4 which is why I am so proud that my I have been forgetting so much. Even grandson has retained his ancestral I have wondered about it. I feel men- rigorous thinking, smooth decision- MY GRANDSON making or heightened creativity… identity with such an uncommon dig- tally sharper than ever but, I must y Grandson, Tristin Hurst, has Forgetting can help us block out use- nity and with the ability to counter admit to forgetting some of the sim- Mwritten many articles for Point less or outdated information and keep the regular racial insults from some plest things like, among many other of View and the topics have been of us from fixating on a single set of of his White peers and others in a things, names of old and new friends, his own choosing, a fact that makes idea or thoughts. And contrary to the constructive and effective manner. me even more proud of his many ac- the time of day and my damn hand- notion that forgetfulness reflects a A lesser person might lash out complishments as a young, 12-year- held Samsung telephone whenever I withering of brain cells, scientists say old, Black youngster who attends a violently or simply withdraw defen- leave the house in the morning. But it can actually be driven by the primarily white school where he has sively and be forever dominated by I’m more productive than ever! growth of new neurons in the hip- always stood out as exceptional. He repressed bitterness or run away― Which is why I’ve been skeptical of pocampus, a brain region linked to is wise beyond his years and very figuratively and actually. But not the notion that memory failures in memory.” So, my sons, when you are much aware of who he is and he is Tristin . He shames his racial detrac- later years are automatically a mark old enough to start forgetting more, unafraid to express his concerns tors by making teachable moments of age and senility. So I was quite you may be fortunate enough to join about race in a rational manner that (hours, days, weeks, etc) out of their pleased to read an article in The Wall the ranks of those of us who practice few his age could. insensitivities. And he recruits other Street Journal by Sue Shellenbarger “rigorous thinking,” “smooth deci- Good for him! The pressures of responsible peers, teachers and ad- (January 24, 2019) containing facts sion-making” and “heightened cre- growing up Black and male in Amer- ministrators to join him in his efforts. that document a much more positive ativity.” ■ ica are tough enough but attending And everybody benefits. school in an overwhelmingly White For that I credit his mother environment is a much tougher test, whom we must have raised right. af-am point of view page twenty-five february 1, 2019 SPECIAL TO THE “POINT OF VIEW” Robert “Bobby” Jones Opens Real Estate Company SPRINGFIELD, MA – January 22, federal programs offering financial estate needs of the community.” 2019 – Robert “Bobby” Jones, long assistance for down payments and First Time Home Buyers of New time community activist, business closing costs in achieving the Ameri- England, Inc. will operate from an of- can dream of home ownership. consultant and entrepreneur and for- fice at the Reminder Building, 280 mer owner of Action Auto Body, has Mr. Jones stated, “There is no North Main Street, Suite 3, East opened a real estate company, it was greater joy than placing a family in announced today. their first home. Home ownership Longmeadow. Mr. Jones can be Mr. Jones, who has long advo- strengthens neighborhoods and in- reached at (413) 328-8542. cated for political candidates and so- creases property values. It is the clas- Bobby Jones concluded by stat- cial justice causes in the community, sic win-win for families and ing, “I look forward to this chapter in is offering a new and unique real es- communities. I look forward to assist- my business career of assisting citi- ing many families reach their goal of tate service specializing in First Time zens making this most important fi- Home Buyers. home ownership.” nancial decision of purchasing a First Time Home Buyers of New Mr. Jones continued, “No family England, Inc., a not-for profit corpo- should be left behind in reaching their home.” See Our Advertisement Robert “Bobby” Jones ration, will assist first time home buy- goal of owning a home. My team is ers navigate the maze of city, state and ready and prepared to meet the real on page 40 FEATURE ARTICLE having your race widely represented in movies and class. White privilege is not having a classmate tell WHITE PRIVILEGE: on television shows. Even today, there are shows you he will buy you a one-way ticket to return to that have no people of color or display most black Africa, and not just to visit. The power of normal is “THE POWER OF men as evil. I have recently watched the portrayal of not having your art teacher telling you that maybe every black man in the first five seasons of Super- the Black Panther comic book produced in the 60s NORMAL” natural in the same sickly fascinated way I would wasn’t as popular as the recent movie because it just continued from page 1 watch an oncoming train wreck: every single black wasn’t that good since things weren’t so bad for man (not an exaggeration) has been a threat to the blacks back then. White privilege is being able to But after class, my friend and I discussed the two white male heroes, even the black demon- say that you are not an idiot and know what white third student’s comments. The fact was, our third hunter, the black angel and the black FBI agent. My privilege is when you have never viewed one single group member wasn’t trying to come off as ignorant friends watch Supernatural and see people who look article, book, lecture, seminar or authoritative source or offensive; there are just a lot of holes in his knowl- like them portrayed in the full range of hero to neu- defining white privilege. edge about these topics. Without education, it is not tral to villain. But in every episode, just as I start get- I told my Jewish friend who proposed the white easy to understand that you don’t have to be racist ting into the storyline, another bad black guy pops privilege video that rather than get overly upset to benefit from white privilege. White privilege is up, snapping me right back into my reality of how I about the third student’s failure to understand white not about the idea that all white people are racist, am viewed as a black male by much of white Amer- privilege, perhaps we should do a middle/upper that white people didn’t earn what they have, or that ica. school seminar about black history and white privi- they haven’t struggled themselves. White privilege The power of normal is not having to search for lege. After all, showing my disdain and calling him is about the subtle things white people don’t have to the section of black hair products in the supermarket. ignorant might make me feel better in the moment, experience but which weigh people of color down The power of normal is not having to wonder if the but it isn’t going to change his perspective. It’s just every day. In his article, “What is White Privilege, store clerk is saying hello as code for I’m watching going to shut him down, and I will have to suffer Really?” Cory Collins describes white privilege as you or because he really is just trying to welcome through more of his ignorance over the next several “a weightless knapsack–and a weapon. It depends you to his store. The power of normal is opening a years. I convinced a few more of my school friends on who’s carrying it.” first aid kit having flesh colored band-aids that to get on-board with my idea of a seminar. Together, White privilege involves the advantages that match your skin tone. The power of normal is not we obtained the approval of our Academic Dean to white people have that they did not earn, which peo- having to go to the multicultural section of the gro- have a day where we fill in some of the gaps. Al- ple of color do not experience. But what are these cery store to find your regularly used items. though I get frustrated by individuals in my school, advantages? One example that hits home is the priv- For me, the power of normal is not having a I am very lucky to attend a school where the admin- ilege of being relieved as a law-abiding citizen when white male teacher think it’s a good idea to nick- istration is 100% supportive of creating leaders who you see a police officer pull over if your car breaks name you Trick Daddy while giving the white stu- fight bigotry rather than promote it. I’m not so naive down. For law-abiding people of color, seeing this dents nick-names that involve their actual names. as to think our seminar will reach all my peers, but same officer triggers anxiety because it could mean White privilege is not being the only brown person maybe it will be more effective for people like the anything from help to threat, to unwarranted arrest in the class when a well-intentioned teacher plays an third student in my music group, who really doesn’t or murder. outdated podcast on black test anxiety (which I don’t want to be ignorant and insensitive, but needs infor- A less intense example of white privilege is the have). The power of normal is not being the only mation presented in a non-threatening and non-ac- power of being part of the normal―for example, person whose haircut isn’t noticed in an all white cusatory way in order to get it. ■ af-am point of view page twenty-six february 1, 2019 RELIGION RELIGIOUS POINT OF VIEW Dr. Atu White, Editor, serves as Pastor of the Mt. Zion Baptist Church, Black History as Liturgy 368 Bay Street, Springfield, MA and as Second Vice By Rev. Marcus Toure B. McCullough, Pastor Bethel A.M.E. Church President of the United merely because I am a Christian pas- this stifles our appreciation of all that As we em- Baptist Convention of Massachusetts, Rhode tor in a denomination that pays partic- liturgy is. This is not dissimilar from bark upon another Island, and New Hampshire. ular attention to the liturgical calendar. discussing Black history and only Black History [email protected] Rather, over the years, the more I considering the Civil Rights Move- Month, let us con- Rev. Marcus hen we think of Black his- learn about liturgy, the more I can find ment. In its essence, liturgy (with sider how to make Toure B. tory, many things come to it happening in everyday life. For in- roots in the concept of working to- Black history live McCullough Wmind. We are likely to stance, take the pregame rituals of gether) is about uniting and guiding a into its character as liturgy, as that think of Black History Month (BHM) your favorite football team. Whether communal experience. which brings persons together around in February of each year, and usually blowing a horn, beating a drum, or Black history is inherently litur- common ritual, story, language, and someone will make the tongue-in- raising a flag, these rituals engage and gical. Because it had to be built with experience. Like liturgy in our various cheek remark that we were given the excite fans in particular ways. Addi- less tools and resources than the his- faith traditions, we should consider shortest month of the year to celebrate tionally, they get everybody on the tory of others, many hands and hearts what texts, what songs, what themes our history. Others may think of the same page by doing something to- came together to construct it. The very are appropriate for this ‘season.’ Per- Civil Rights Movement or even chat- gether. I would say that this is liturgy, project of defining and redefining our haps more than anything, remember tel slavery. There are so many ways although we would consider it secu- history has brought people together that although a particular liturgy may that we as a people have made history lar. from its incipience. So many untold belong to a certain season, the core that there is no shortage of ways to Recall that liturgy has at its core stories have been shared in ways that meaning behind it must be lived out celebrate it. I offer another considera- a communal experience. Rituals and energized and engaged their hearers. always. Black history as liturgy may tion for us: to think of Black history traditions are often our first thoughts Our history is expansive and beauti- be highlighted for a month, but it as liturgy. when we consider liturgy. However, if ful, complex and powerful. Addition- should be lived out for a lifetime. ■ Liturgy is valuable to me and not we consider only these elements, then ally, it is liturgical—it is liturgy. EDDY AWARDS SHOWCASE

L to R: Event organizer Pastor Jesse Burgess of Power Gospel Church; founder and CEO of the Eddy Awards Showcase, Sirernest Dear; and WTCC radio station personalities Denise Stewart and Andrew Cade, event MC’s. Barbara Muckle and Rev. Dr. Mark E. Flowers attend the concert.

Vocalist Michelle Brooks Thompson performs at the concert.

St. John’s Congregational Church Mass Choir, under the direction of Minister Aarif Bradley, perform at the concert. af-am point of view page twenty-seven february 1, 2019 RELIGIOUS DIRECTORY Wesley United Methodist Church Alden Baptist Church “Open Hearts. Open Minds. Open Doors.” 649 State Street Springfield, MA 01109 741 State Street 413-736-5997 To place your Springfield, MA 01109 “We believe God has called us to be a vital sign 413-734-3233 of faith at work in the community. This vision is Religious Office & Fax actualized through our Ministries.” : WesleyUMCSpringfield Sunday School Directory ad, Email: [email protected] 9:00 a.m. Sundays Sunday Prayer & please email Rev. Catharine A. Sunday School (all ages) 9:30 a.m. Meditation Service Cummings, Pastor Morning Worship Service 11:00 a.m. 10:15 - 10:30 a.m. us at Sunday Morning [email protected] Worship Service Canaan Baptist Dr. L.A. Love 10:30 a.m. or call us at Church of Christ Bible Study Youth Ministry 413-796-1500 1430 Carew Street Tuesdays Fridays Springfield, MA 01104 6:00 - 7:00 p.m. 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. 413-739-5053 PROGRESSIVE Rev. Dr. W. C. Sundays PROGRESSIVE Shiloh Seventh-Day Sunday School (all ages) ------9:15a.m. Watson, Jr., Pastor COMMUNITY BAPTIST Morning Worship Service ----10:45a.m. CHURCH Adventist Church Church Life Wednesdays 599 State Street 797 State St., Springfield, MA Worship, Prayer, Mid-day Prayer & Praise--12:00-1:00p.m. 413-734-0103 Praise & Study Bible Study ------7:00 p.m. Springfield, Massachusetts [email protected] (413) 736-8844 Sabbath School 9:00a.m. “A Church Determined To Follow Christ” Sabbath Services: g{|Üw UtÑà|áà V{âÜv{ (Saturdays) 149 Walnut Street Divine Worship P.O. Box 91166 11:00a.m. Springfield, MA 01139 Rev. Joe C. Adventist Youth Services 413-734-4143 6:00pm Long Jr., Adventist Join us for our Worship Services Pastor Jenks Brutus, Community Service Sunday School Sunday Worship Service Pastor Mondays & Tuesdays Reverend Nathaniel 9:30 a.m. 10:00 a.m. 10:00a.m. — 1:00p.m. Smith, Sr., Pastor Prayer Meeting & Bible Study Prayer Meeting Thursday 6:00 p.m. Sunday Worship - 10:00 a.m. The Church Wednesdays Âg{x YÜ|xÇwÄç V{âÜv{Ê f|Çvx DKIL Sunday Bible School - 9:00 a.m. In The Heart 7:00p.m. Bible Study - Wednesday - 6:30 p.m. of The City Church School (SSAJA) Where all who enter may be blessed Monday — Friday

Solid Rock Community Baptist Church ÂT W|äxÜáx cxÉÑÄx ã{É tÜx 821 Liberty Street, Springfield, MA 01104 bÇx ÉÇ fÉÄÉÅÉÇËá cÉÜà|vÉÊ Telephone (413) 734-5441 Acts 5:12b Fax (413) 734-5438 Transportation (413) 575-4035 Sunday Morning Worship 10:30 am Weekly Bible Study/Prayer Service Tuesday 7:00 pm Sunday Worship— 10:45 AM Sunday School— 9:00 AM Bishop Curtis L. Shaird, Pastor Wednesday—“Noonday Hour of Reverend Harold P. Dixson, Assistant Pastor Power” With Lunch Wednesday— Prayer Meeting — Bible Study — 6:30PM New Jerusalem C.O.G.I.C. 17 John Street, “Enter into His Gates with Thanksgiving” Psalm 100:4 Springfield, MA 01104 (413) 737-9583 209 Quincy Street Dr. Mark E. Flowers, Senior Pastor Springfield, MA 01109 ~ (413) 737– 6772 Mountcalvarybaptistchurchspringfield.org Elder Timothy Bouknight, Pastor Pastors, Ministers, Professors and Theologians, please submit Sunday School: 10:00 a.m. Sunday Morning Worship 11:30 a.m. your articles for the “Religious Point of View” to Prayer & Bible Band-Tuesday 7:30 p.m. Pastoral Teaching -Friday 7:30 p.m. Rev. Dr. Atu White at: [email protected] af-am point of view page twenty-eight february 1, 2019 LIVING LIFE’S CHALLENGES LET’S CONNECT Having Appreciation “Improving the Race” Beyond Sweets H. Wilson, PhD Black History Month with us and functional because of ap- Dr. Sweets S. Wilson is a By Beverly Guerrero-Porter Christian life purpose preciation. coach, motivational How can we be appreciative n Latino communities there is this lectuals Black speaker and CEO of people? We can do so by voicing sin- concept of “mejorando la raza” or History Flash Inspire ME, LLC. cere compliments, taking the time to Iimproving the race. The idea is that Cards. This wilson.sweets@ write a note, celebrating victories, and by marrying lighter or whiter you are game that retails gmail.com or furthering the race for future genera- at $15 on Ama- 860-869-8067 honestly showing our delight so oth- ers feel special. Appreciation also tions by producing children with more zon highlights Eurocentric features sparing them the FROM HARTFORD, helps us realize what we have, and to the achieve- Beverly social challenges of being black or CONNECTICUT be grateful for the relationships, op- ments of Guerrero-Porter being associated with blackness, as African-Americans across various ppreciation is having admira- portunities, and blessings He gives. well as affording these offspring a bet- sectors including: academia, sci- tion for others and communi- Appreciation helps us accept the dif- ter chance of assimilating to or pro- ences, civil rights, business and cating your approval to them. ficulties and trials of life as part of A gressing among the “desired” racial more! It is taking the time to make people God’s loving provision and care that group. leads to our learning and growth for a ● Finance ― Support local black feel welcome and special by using the There is, however, a movement owned businesses. Participate in a greater good and maturity (James 1:2- gifts of God’s work in you to encour- among Afro-Latinos who strongly op- Black Wall Street event. Pool re- 8). We need to know what success re- age and uplift others. It is a form of pose this mentality and are proud of sources and buy up property in the ally is, and that it is not determined by valuing others. This takes the focus their blackness, knowledgeable of their city. Attend community events that off you and places it on God’s pur- what we do or what we have. Instead, history (having experienced slavery, talk about the business ventures pose and direction. It is fueled from it is determined by how we follow colonialism and modern-day racism as happening in the community and in- God’s precepts and interact with oth- their brothers and sisters here in the our heartfelt thanks to God for what vest. Make a stake in our commu- ers while using them. States) and are committed to celebrat- we have, for what He has done, and is nity! People love to be appreciated. ing and educating others about the a lifestyle of worship and adoration. ● Service ― Lift as you climb. Find Even those who don’t thrive on praise countless contributions made to Latino This allows us to give to, and value a way to give back using the time, still need the affirmation of their value history and culture. talent and treasure you have. Mentor others with respect and honor (1 Tim. through appreciation. Like God, peo- Although the roots of mejorando a young professional who is trying 5:17; 6:1). ple are attracted and motivated in la raza are grim, the notion of improv- to navigate their way. Pour into the One of the quickest ways to some degree by praise. Let us face it, ing the race can take a different spin. life of a student who needs a role- bring anything into your life is everyone loves to be celebrated. Ap- As a people, we have a track record of model. Let’s look out for one an- taking the bad given to us and produc- through the power of appreciation. preciation satisfies one of our basic other and protect one another. If ing good out of it―whether it’s Appreciation is a form of Praise that needs, and that is belonging. We all nothing else, at least let’s commit to chitlins, oxtails, chicken feet or even attracts the presence of God. God want to be a part of something. God greeting and acknowledging one an- the way you greet your friends (though loves praise and when His children created us that way. Appreciation is a other. show appreciation for the things that some of us have banned this particular ● Faith ―This is the rock that has way that we know we belong. word)―you catch my drift. He has already done, it positions them kept us for generations and it is what So today, stop and take time to Here are some ways that we can to receive more from Him. Similarly, will continue to keep us. The Lord appreciate the things in your life you improve and further our people this kept our ancestors, empowered our appreciation attracts people and might be taking for granted. Examine month and beyond! civil rights leaders and even now in things to us. As long as we continue their value and importance. Whether ● Education ― Let’s take initiative in these uncertain times will continue to show appreciation for them, then it be a relationship, a church, a job or brushing up on our history and pass- to keep us if we look to Him. the things we attract not only stay in a hobby, think of the emptiness you ing down that knowledge to future our lives, but they also increase. I would have without it. Now go to generations. Students are getting ex- These efforts can work together have found that just about every con- work showing appreciation for it. If it tremely abbreviated exposure at to propel us to accomplishing great sonant we have in our lives is a result does not increase on the outside of school so it is up to us to teach them things and improving the quality of our of appreciation. Our relationships, ve- you, it will definitely increase on the about themselves. One fun way to lives today and for generations to hicles, wealth, and homes all remain inside. ■ do this is through the Urban Intel- come. Happy Black History Month! af-am point of view page twenty-nine february 1, 2019 THE ART S CHILDREN’S BOOK CORNER

The Bookworm is Terri Schlichenmeyer. Terri has been reading since she “Blended” was 3 years old and she By Sharon M. Draper never goes anywhere with- out a book. She lives on a c.2018, Atheneum Books for Young Readers $16.99/$22.99 Canada 311 pages hill in Wisconsin with two Reviewed by Terri Schlichenmeyer dogs and 11,000 books. ne plus one is two. and her beautiful, blonde mother, Parents might also appreciate that It’s simple: all you have to who noticed Isabella’s talent back many of Draper’s characters are not Odo is add or count, easy- when Izzy was almost still a baby. Is- assigned a race, which subtly puts the peasy, a trick you probably learned abella would never choose between emphasis of much of the plot on the shortly after you could talk. One plus parents but sometimes, standing with action rather than on the color of one is two but as you grow up, you’ll one foot in two homes, between two skin. notice that math can get funny and, in races, is really, really hard. the case of the new book “Blended” Her friends are super-under- Meant purely for young readers by Sharon M. Draper, one plus one standing and her parents’ friends are age 9-to-12, this middle-grade book might suddenly become more. cool. Her BFFs, Heather and Imani, is fun, profanity-free, and relevant let Isabella vent. Her Mom’s now. Give it to the girl who needs a Blended author boyfriend, John Mark, has sunburned sharp story; for her, “Blended” is a Sharon M. Draper skin, tats, and a big truck and he good one. ■ Photo by Katie Schneider Photography makes Mom happy. Anastasia, Is- abella’s Dad’s “lady friend” is elegant and sweet and Isabella likes Darren, ARTIST IN RESIDENCE Anastasia’s college-age son. So it’s Renée Flowers is not like she doesn’t have people who Every month love her, right? Point of View’s Artist different paintings But when you’re eleven years in Residence. You can created by contact her directly at old, there’s a lot to figure out. Other Renée Flowers kids can be jerks at school, and do (413) 209-9882 to dumb things. Adults can do equally arrange a private are displayed at stupid things by making decisions viewing of her work. Point of View without asking the kids who are im- pacted. Racial issues occur, even when they definitely shouldn’t. And when bad things happen to good kids, it’s nice to know who you can always Eleven-year-old Isabella Badia count on. Thornton has two homes. It can be assumed that author It’s not like she’s rich or any- Sharon M. Draper was a little girl, thing. It’s true, though, that one house once upon a time. Can we assume she is like a mansion and the other is re- remembers it keenly? Because in ally small, but the first one is her “Blended,” she taps perfectly into the Dad’s house and the second belongs emotions and the figuring-it-out pe- to her Mom. Isabella has a bedroom riod that almost-teenagers endure in each home because her parents got today. divorced when she was a little kid In getting inside the head of a and it’s been a mess ever since. pre-teen girl, Draper presents a great What she doesn’t like: the “slic- young character that happens to hate ing in half every seven days” thing drama. Still, Isabella is a typical kid when her parents exchange custody at with bashful boy-crazy moments and the mall. Ugh. What she loves: her fierce-girl classmate conflicts, but her tall, funny, cocoa-skinned dad who forthrightness and willingness to ask bought her a baby grand because Is- for help could be a boon for any abella is obsessed with playing piano; “blended” child in similar situations. af-am point of view page thirty february 1, 2019 BOOK REVIEW FEATURE Michelle Obama’s Becoming Inspires Local Discussion By Azell Cavaan versities. And most definingly, the lenges, family/career balance, life as lic Schools Chief first African American First Lady. a public figure, gender-based in- Communications Azell Cavaan For eight years, Michelle Obama equities and more. Officer and MA- commanded the world’s center stage Panelists included: Wesley WOCC co-chairwoman Azell Cavaan and did so with excellence, dignity United Methodist Church Pastor moderated the discussion. and grace. We learn in the book, how- Catharine Cummings, Springfield Li- Attended by more than 100 ever, that it was not a limelight that braries Assistant Director for Public women, the event took place at St. she sought or even welcomed at first. Services Jean Canosa-Albano, Com- John’s Congregational Church. In Becoming, Michelle chronicles her missioner of Health and Human Serv- impeccable rise to the occasion by ices for the City of Springfield Helen About the Massachusetts Women walking readers through the experi- Caulton-Harris and her daughter An- of Color Coalition: The Massa- ences, friendships, passions, values, gela Mack, who is founder and CEO chusetts Women of Color Coali- ichelle Obama’s memoir and, most importantly, the upbringing of the Brooklyn-based marketing firm tion is dedicated to eradicating burst on the scene and that shaped her. Axiom Blue Corp, Elias Brookings the racial inequities among Mhanded readers a ticket for The memoir has inspired women Elementary School Principal Terry women of color created by struc- front-row seating into the world that around the world. And recently, the Powe, City of Springfield Election tural, institutional, interpersonal, was, is and will forever be hers. She Massachusetts Women of Color Commissioner and MAWOCC Re- and internalized racism. Spring- was the nation’s 44th First Lady, but Coalition Western Massachusetts Re- gional Co-chairwoman Gladys Oyola field Housing Authority Executive in more defining ways than that, gion provided a forum for local and Springfield Honors Academy Director Denise Jordan is a Michelle Obama was its first. The first women to gather for a discussion, led Freshman Naomi Naylor. Poets Crys- founding member of the coalition wife in the White House who was not primarily by a panel of six women and tal Senter-Brown and Lynnette John- and serves as chairwoman of the descended from aristocracy. The first one young lady. The panelists related son rendered spoken word MAWOCC Western Massachu- to hold degrees from not one but two the book to their own experiences performances commissioned ex- setts. of the nation’s most prestigious uni- with race relations, parenting chal- pressly for the event. Springfield Pub- af-am point of view page thirty-one february 1, 2019 THE ART S ENTERTAINMENT REVIEW Yvonne Mendez is the Director of Education & Engagement at the UMass Resistance Music Fine Arts Center. She By Yvonne Mendez produces events for the Valley Jazz Network, and also works with the Springfield Jazz and Roots Festival. he 9-piece ensemble filled the stage. The rhythm is solidly Tours; you feel it in your bones. The poet begins, and you know this is about us, our experiences. These mu- sicians and poets create an experience that documents and expresses the challenges of Black people, through music, through lyricism. I recently attended the Winter Jazz Fest in NYC. For 15 years this festival has grown to encompass artists from around the country and ignites venues all across the city. drummer Allison Miller, and, of exceptional musicians. It was great to The final presentation of the This particular session, entitled course, Toshi Reagon―who was a witness this laying bare of such ex- night was Arturo O’Farrill and the WE RESIST, started two years ago as member of Sweet Honey in the traordinary talent with strong pur- Afro Cuban Orchestra presenting homage to Max Roach’s We Resist Rock―this was an all-female band of pose. Fandango At The Wall. This was a Freedom Now Suite and features showcase of a variety of folkloric artists using their art as a platform for Mexican music. A little known fact social change. This first group, about the border (that the press and Samora Pinderhughes’ ensemble, was others bury) is the U.S. /Mexican bor- by far the most spiritual and creative der has always been a place of cre- ensemble of the night. They incorpo- ative art-making. Many art projects rated various contemporary and jazz and visual projections happen at the rhythms, excerpts and video projec- site of the wall, similar to the same tions including James Baldwin, laced creative expression (and protest) that with thought-provoking poetry and happened onsite at the Berlin Wall in tones that unquestionably scream Germany. Arturo O’Farrill invited a protest, calling out for #me too move- trio of violinists as well as a folkloric ment and black lives matter, sharing quartet playing traditional instru- testimonies on racism and police bru- ments (cuatro and guitar) to perform: tality. The raw and clear emotion is Antonio Sanchez, The Villalobos undeniably authentic and personally Brothers, and Akua Dixon. If you impactful, asking “what will be your WTCC is your source for music - from jazz to R&R oldies, closed your eyes, the music trans- action, your response?” gospel to salsa, R&B to blues, Motown and more, formed that NYC space into some- Up next, Toshi Reagon per- as well as Caribbean, Portuguese, Latino, Polish, Greek, where in Mexico. The point being that formed with her ensemble WORD Native American and Italian programming - we are all Americans and the cultures ROCK SWORD an exploration of plus talk shows with local hosts discussing local issues. we bring make this country stronger. women’s lives. WORD ROCK Our current governmental administra- SWORD attacks injustice on all tion seeks to erase that contribution. fronts: from women’s rights and The Winter Jazz Fest happens women’s bodies, to our immigrant Your all-volunteer community radio station each January in New York City and brothers and sisters on the border broadcasting 24/7 from the campus of STCC features performances in various ven- dealing with immigration injustices, ues across lower Manhattan. If you to the general disregard for the health can it, make sure to attend in 2020. of our planet. Very powerful perform- www.wtccfm.org Winterjazzfest.com. ■ ance, with stand out performances by af-am point of view page thirty-two february 1, 2019 THE ART S PEN & INK Civil Rights Martyrs By Berdia M. Brown The voices of equality ring so clearly in my ears. ● James Earl Chaney, Andrew Goodman, and Michael Yes, we’ve made some progress, but bigotry and hatred is still so very clear. Henry Schwerner were found dead – June 21, 1964 – Do we simply forget the past, and say, “that was so long ago?” I say, “No!” Philadelphia, Mississippi Educate yourselves, read your history books, and you will see, ● Lt. Col. Lemuel Penn – Died July 11, 1964 – Berdia M. Brown Many died, paving a way for you and me. Colbert, Georgia ● Jimmie Lee Jackson – Died February 26, 1965 – Marian, Alabama The people who lost their lives during the Civil Rights Movement, I felt ● Rev. James Reeb – Died March 11, 1965 – Selma, Alabama so deeply in my heart, their names needed to come to light. The following ● Viola Gregg Liuzzo – Died March 25, 1965 – Selma Highway, Alabama names are individuals who died for our equal rights: ● Oneal Moore – Died June 2, 1965 – Bogalusa, Louisiana ● Rev. George Lee – Died May 7, 1955 – Belzoni, Mississippi ● Willie Brewster – Died July 18, 1965 – Anniston, Alabama ● Mr. Lamar Smith – Died August 3, 1955 – Brookhaven, Mississippi ● Jonathan Myrick Daniels – Died August 20, 1965 – Hayneville, Alabama ● Emmett Louis Till – Died August 28, 1955 – Money, Mississippi ● Samuel Leamon Younge, Jr. – Died January 3, 1966 – Tuskegee, Alabama ● John Earl Reese – Died October 22, 1955 – Mayflower, Texas ● Vernon Ferdinand Dahmer – Died January 10, 1966 – ● Willie Edwards, Jr. – Died January 23, 1957 – Montgomery, Alabama Hattiesburg, Mississippi ● Mark Charles Parker – Died April 25, 1959 – Poplarville, Mississippi ● Ben Chester White – Died June 10, 1966 – Natchez, Mississippi ● Herbert Lee – Died September 24, 1961 – Liberty, Mississippi ● Clarence Triggs – Died July 30, 1966 – Bogalusa, Louisiana ● Cpl. Roman Ducksworth, Jr. – Died April 9, 1963 – ● Wharlest Jackson – Died February 27, 1967 – Natchez, Mississippi Taylorville, Mississippi ● Benjamin Brown – Died May 2, 1967 – Jackson, Mississippi ● Paul Guihard – Died September 30, 1962 – Oxford, Mississippi ● Samuel Ephesians Hammond, Jr., Delano Herman Middleton, and ● William Lewis Moore – Died April 23, 1963 – Attala, Alabama Henry Ezekiel Smith (college students) – Died February 8, 1968 – ● Medgar Evers – Died June 12, 1963 – Jackson, Mississippi Orangeburg, South Carolina ● Addie Mae Collins, Denise McNair, Carol Robertson, and Cynthia Wes- ● Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. – Died April 4, 1968 – Memphis, Tennessee ley – Died September 15, 1963 – Birmingham, Alabama To the noble men, women, and children who died to make our lives ● Virgil Lamar Ware – Died September 15, 1963 – Birmingham, Alabama better, you live on in the hearts of the ones who are still fighting for equal ● Louis Allen – Died January 31, 1964 – Liberty, Mississippi rights. Equal rights were your ultimate goal. ● Johnnie Mae Chappell – Died March 23, 1964 – Jacksonville, Florida Rest in peace you kind souls! ● Rev. Bruce Klunder – Died April 7, 1964 – Cleveland, Ohio ● Henry Hezekiah Dee and Charles Eddie Moore – Died May 2, 1964 – All Rights Reserved Meadville, Mississippi

JUANITA TORRENCE-THOMPSON: Pushcart nominee. Playwright. Pub- ENTERTAINMENT lished fiction, children’s stories, feature articles, hundreds of her award-winning poems in dozens of U.S. and international journals, nearly 30 anthologies, 9 books including “When Morning Comes” (2016). Writes print & online news- paper poetry columns; produces poetry salons and reads internationally. Former Editor-in-Chief and Publisher of award winning Mobius, The Poetry Magazine. Her poetry is translated into 15 foreign languages. Talking With Stanley Kunitz and New York and African Tapestries were best pick by Small Press Review. Mobius, The Poetry Magazine, best pick 2007 thru 2012 www.poetrytown.com Three Haiku Poems By Juanita Torrence-Thompson HAIKU: FEAST Sunset. Yachts cruise by. The air is very tranquil. HAIKU: PEACEFUL — Magnificent feast. Savor strawberries, Melon, croissant by azure HAIKU: TERRACE Vocalist Samirah Evans and musicians Avery Sharpe and Lake, mountains. Peaceful. Gold sky all aglow. Franz Robert performed at the Performance Project’s First Terrace alive with flowers Generation Benefit Concert taking place at This is paradise. The Parlor Room in Northampton recently af-am point of view page thirty-three february 1, 2019 COMMUNITY CONGRATULATIONS CORNER Ed Cohen Receives the 2019 Brianna Fund Community Service Award By Marjorie J. Hurst n Saturday, January 19th at the 21st An- presenting diversity in his imagery. nual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. He has had many photographic exhibitions OBenefit Gospel Concert presented by throughout the area, including the University of The Brianna Fund for Children With Physical Massachusetts, Baystate Health, Northampton Disabilities, local photographer Edward (Ed) Center for the Arts, the Springfield Museums Cohen was presented with their 2019 Commu- and Libraries, and the Carberry Gallery at nity Service Award. STCC. Ed collaborated with the late Mark The Brianna Fund was established to pro- Baszak on a book entitled “Such Sweet Thun- vide support to children with physical disabili- der; Views on Black American Music,” which ties in gaining access to their communities that featured photographs and text of the Jazz, Blues would ultimately by be the key to their Hope, and Gospel musical idioms. Flight and Freedom! Each year Ronn and He has worked for such organizations as the Donna Johnson, Co-Chairs, along with the Bri- African American Point of View newsmagazine, anna Fund Planning Committee, do a masterful MassLive/Republican, Greater Springfield job in bringing the community together for an YMCA, Martin Luther King Jr. Family Serv- evening of song, dance, spoken word and praise, Photo by Leonard Underwood ices, The Brianna Fund, The Springfield Re- which serves the ultimate purpose of making a Donna and Ronn Johnson present Ed Cohen with the gional Chamber of Commerce, STCC STEM difference in the lives of children with disabili- 2019 Brianna Fund Community Service Award. Starter Academy, New North Citizens Council, ties. The unselfish acts of those in attendance oneer Valley for over 30 years. He is a former Center for Human Development, Springfield through their financial gifts, and of all of the partic- UMass Amherst student and is currently studying Museums, Mental Health Association, Spring of ipants through their giving of themselves support graphic arts, photography, and video production at Hope COGIC, Leadership Pioneer Valley, Freedom this philanthropic effort year after year. This year’s Springfield Technical Community College (STCC). Credit Union, Western Mass Black Nurses Associa- theme was “The Legacy of Gospel,” featuring a trib- Ed’s studies have concentrated on Diversity in Com- tion, National Association of Hispanic Nurses, and ute to Aretha Franklin. munications and he has based his photography on Stone Soul Festival among others. ■

The Brianna Fund Advertising, Brochures, for Children with Construction, Weddings, Portraits, Physical Disabilities Products, Digital Photography, etc... presented the 21st Annual Rev. Dr. Ed Cohen Martin Luther King, Jr. Benefit Gospel Photography Concert featuring a tribute to Aretha Franklin 413-244-1344 and Andre Crouch. [email protected]

In explaining why Ed was chosen for this award, Ronn Johnson commented, “Ed is truly an iconic figure in our community and beyond for his art through photography and his quiet activism for The Brianna Fund social justice causes. He has chronicled the best Gospel Planning of our times and the worst of our times, and every- Committee pose thing in-between for four decades. For all of this and for a photo at the more we are excited to present him the Community conclusion of the Services Award at the Brianna Fund’s 21st Annual concert. Benefit Concert.” Ed Cohen is a Springfield, MA based freelance photographer who has been photographing in the Pi- af-am point of view page thirty-four february 1, 2019 COMMUNITY GOOD NEWS - FEBRUARY 2019 Jay Griffin, Stone Soul Festival February is Black History Month Program Chairman [email protected] contributions to America. This in- Fred Allen Swan who has conducted a conditions suffered under English con- Tel: 413-636-3881 cludes the Revolutionary War, War of great deal of research and provided trol. When Frederick Douglass left this or 1812, Spanish American War, World support for this event. country, he stayed in Ireland under the 413-739-2947 Wars I & II, Korea, Vietnam, Iraq, There will be a historical recog- protection of Daniel O’Connell. We Afghanistan, Syria, the fight against nition of the Peter Brace Brigade (Liv- hope to receive an overview from ISIS (currently), and other countries in ing History component sponsored by Wayne Phaneuf on his book, Struggle the far East. We are proud that the Stone Soul, Inc.). The Brace family to Freedom. We invite the public to at- Black men and women have given so will be recognized for their docu- tend this free event at 3:00 p.m. in the much to America’s cause. mented historical roots, which date Griswold Auditorium. On Saturday, February 16, back to their capture from West Africa. ******************* 2019 at 3:00 p.m., NABVETS in col- We are anticipating a character repre- hank you to all Village Keeper laboration with the Hampden County sentation of Frederick Douglass, and a Tsponsors who sponsored MEG Sheriff’s Dept., Shirley Whitaker, dialogue of liberty with Daniel O’- bookmarks and other things between Stone Soul, Inc., Mason Square Viet- Connell, an Irish activist who sought December 2014 thru December 2018. nam Veterans Association and Tom freedom from the English yoke. More than 4,000 MEG bookmarks Belton, Director of Veterans Service in The Irish fought for a long time were sponsored and given to benefit Springfield, will celebrate the contri- in their resistance of the suffocating young people. –Neel Abdul-hameed. butions of the Black men and women. e are so sad to announce the passing of Samuel There will be acknowledgements of A. Bolden. He has meant so much to the Blacks who received the nation’s high- W Greater Springfield community, the Scrubber Softball est award, the Congressional Medal of William H. Carney Honor―to date 88 Blacks have been Team, and the many athletic events that he spon- sored. Sam was essential to the Safe and Sane Hal- TIME FLIES! It has been 400 years so honored. We will provide informa- tion when possible and pictures of the loween parties that we continue today. He was a solid since the Black man came to America. supporter of the Stone Soul Festival. We will miss him How we came will be addressed in an- recipients. All this will take place in dearly. other segment of this column. During the Griswold Theatre at American Samuel A. Bolden those 400 years, Blacks have partici- International College at pated in the establishment and defense 1000 State Street, Spring- of America from the very beginning. field. This is free event. There have been Blacks fighting for We will recognize the America and its freedom from the be- African American families ginning: Pre-Revolutionary War― from Springfield who re- Bunker Hill, Boston Massacre, Boston ceived the Gold Star for the Tea Party, etc. While 95% of African loss of a family member dur- Americans were in slavery during this ing military service. The period, there were free Black men Vietnam monument in willing to give up their lives for Amer- Mason Square is one of the ica’s freedom. oldest monuments in the We are supporting Tony Bass, country to reflect the Black President of NABVETS in saluting man’s contribution to the African Americans in their military Vietnam War. We thank Family And Friends Day At Progressive astor Joe C. Long, Jr. and Progressive Community Baptist PChurch, 599 State Street, Springfield, MA, invite you to Family and Friends Day in conjunction with Black History Month to come and worship all four Sundays on February: 3rd, 10th, 17th, and 24th. The Worship Service begins at 10:30 a.m. Come celebrate the accomplishments of Great Black Female and Male Heroes, local, na- tional and worldwide. You will be informed and inspired by wor- shiping the “Greatest Gift” our God, who is the WORD, the LORD and the HOLY SPIRIT. af-am point of view page thirty-five february 1, 2019 POLITICAL HAPPENINGS - SPRINGFIELD CITY COUNCIL Remarks of Newly Elected President of the Springfield City Council continued from page 5 flect the make-up of the city. legal―was necessary. However, the Mayor was What I liked about Mike was that he gave us Kateri…it is not that complicated to under- standing firm at 30% going into the fund and my the facts pertaining to Israel as he saw them and stand that having a line item in the budget for City colleagues were doing the same at 35%. never once tried to influence our conclusions other Councilors to receive professional development will Knowing that I had a meeting to discuss my than to give us more facts and reiterate “it’s com- make us more effective as legislators. Our adult-use priorities for this year with the Mayor at 12:00 p.m. plicated.” marijuana regulations that this council created have on Friday, I asked my colleagues whether they Whether the discussion revolved around been touted as some of the best in the state and I would be willing to split the difference if I could get achieving peace with the Palestinians, understand- know Councilors Walsh, Gomez and Ramos that the Mayor to agree and in the spirit of compromise ing the inner workings of the Israeli government, or this was a direct result of the best practices that we they said yes. wrapping your head around the fact that 20% of Is- learned and brought back from our trip to Denver. Now anyone who has been following me over raeli citizens are Arab, yet Israeli Arab children and This is why I will be pushing the Mayor to include the last two years knows that I’ve been very critical Israeli Jewish children will almost never find them- funding for professional development for the City of the Mayor and the idea that I could convince the selves in the same school learning from and with Council in the budget for next year. Mayor to agree to anything was a long shot at best. one another, understanding Israel was indeed “com- And while we are on the subject of adult-use And, the way our meeting started, you probably plicated.” marijuana, I have named Councilor Fenton as the could have heard us yelling back and forth at each I know many of you are asking yourselves new Chair of the Committee on Marijuana Regula- other from the mayor’s office to the chambers we “what is the relevance of my telling you how com- tions. To many that may come as a surprise as are in now. Needless to say, it had been a long time Councilor Fenton and I didn’t always see eye-to- since the Mayor and I had met and there were a plicated Israel is?” Well, I’ll tell you. As we went eye on this issue. But for me, it just wasn’t that com- number of issues that we have disagreed on. Fortu- from Jerusalem to Tel Aviv, I couldn’t help but to plicated because I knew that what Mike and I do nately, calmer heads prevailed and although we did- think about my hometown, Springfield, and in each agree on is that if we are going to usher in a new in- n’t reach a compromise right then, I walked away city we went to I tried to find parallels. dustry, yes, the revenue is important, but it needs be telling myself that if we were able to find a way to What I ultimately arrived at was that the issues done right and the citizens of Springfield have to be work together after that meeting, then Springfield facing Springfield are just not that complicated. involved in the discussion. I’m confident that under would be in very good hands. For example, it is not that complicated to see Councilor Fenton’s leadership that he will work At 2:35 that afternoon, I received a correspon- that a change is needed when the FBI and State At- with the administration to ensure that this occurs. dence from the Mayor that he was willing to com- torney General are investigating our Police Depart- Finally, I strongly believe that in order to promise and would agree to putting 33% into the ment because rogue police officers are acting with achieve many of these priorities, it is incumbent fund. impunity, while your average taxpayer bears the upon this legislative body to work together with the While I understand that the Mayor and the City brunt of their actions and last year it was to the tune executive branch. And to that end, I must admit, it Council won’t be able to compromise on everything of over a million dollars in victim settlements. might be a little complicated. this year, he proved to me on Friday that he is open And don’t get me wrong…I recognize that a However, I have the utmost confidence that it to working with the City Council and I look forward Police Commission is far from a perfect solution, can happen because I witnessed it first-hand on Fri- to doing the same. but doing nothing cannot be option that is on the day. In conclusion, it has been an honor to serve the table. So, Councilor Ryan, I plan on standing shoul- Without bogging you down with too many de- citizens of Springfield and I’m excited to lead such der-to-shoulder with you in fighting for a Police tails, the Mayor recently vetoed the Neighborhood a committed group of public servants in 2019. ■ Commission with the hopes of changing a depart- Stabilization fund that the Council ap- ment that is clearly broken. proved unanimously because there was Ensuring diversity is also not a complicated a miscommunication as to the percent- issue so long as we all agree that is imperative to age of tax revenue from adult use mar- the entire city flourishing. Mayor Sarno should be ijuana that was going to go into the commended for doing his part when he recently fund. Lead sponsor of the order to cre- hired a Chief Diversity Officer; the School Com- ate the fund, Councilor Jesse Leder- mittee under the leadership of Chris Collins should man, and co-sponsors Councilor be commended for doing their part as well by cre- Edwards and I, met with the Mayor’s ating a committee to look at diversity in the school Chief of Staff and Chief Financial Of- system; and Councilor Williams, you ought to take ficer at 10:00 a.m. last Friday and when bow for bringing this issue to the forefront. Your the meeting was over, we still were at leadership was paramount, which is why I’m nam- an impasse. We all agreed that the ing you Chair of the Diversity Sub-Committee of fund―designed to benefit neighbor- the City Council. I’m hopeful that your committee hoods where the marijuana dispensaries will work closely with the administration and new were going to be located and neighbor- Chief Diversity Officer to identify the City’s hoods that have been disproportionately City Council President Justin Hurst and strengths and weaknesses and provide recommen- impacted by marijuana when it was il- dations on how the City’s workforce can better re- Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno af-am point of view page thirty-six february 1, 2019 CLASSIFIEDS BUY NEW ENGLAND CLASSIFIED AD NETWORK REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONALS ROMOTE YOUR PRODUCT, SERVICE OR BUSINESS TO 1.8 MILLION HOUSEHOLDS THROUGHOUT NEW ENG‐ LAND. REACH 4 MILLION POTENTIAL READERS QUICKLY AND INEXPENSIVELY WITH GREAT RESULTS. USE PTHE BUY NEW ENGLAND CLASSIFIED AD NETWORK BY CALLING 413‐796‐1500. DO THEY WORK? YOU ARE READING ONE OF OUR ADS NOW!! 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Specializing in Siding, Repairs on siding, Insulation, Windows, Roofing, Drywall, Flooring, Painting and much more! af-am point of view page thirty-seven february 1, 2019 COMMUNITY CALENDAR ▬ FEBRUARY 2019 February 4 (Monday) Taste of Fitness w/ Jeanne Warren February 22 (Friday) Jynai McDonald, Art Central: Reception for Larry Daniels Where: 143 Main St. (Suite 204) 6TH Annual Black Business Gala Hosted Community Calendar Where: Springfield City Library Spfld., MA by: SBNO Editor of 2018 220 State St., Spfld., MA When: 10:30AM–11:30AM Where: Marriott Hartford Downtown Please submit your events When: 6PM–7PM Tickets: $5/pp ─ *Registration required 200 Columbus Blvd., with attn: Jynai in the ______Info: www.paypal.com Hartford, CT subject line to Black Excellence on the Hill ______Info: www.smallbusinessnightout.com [email protected] Where: Massachusetts State House February 12 (Tuesday) ______24 Beacon St., Boston, MA Dance w/ Your Heart Zumba Master February 23 (Saturday) Now Thru February 10 Time: 11AM–1PM Class Unity Mall Market Place ‘The Mountaintop’ play recalls MLK Info: [email protected] Where: YMCA of Greater Springfield Where: Muhammad Mosque No.13 Where: Majestic Theater ______275 Chestnut St., Spfld., MA 727 State St., Spfld., MA 131 Elm St., West Spfld., February 7 (Thursday) When: 5:30PM–6:45PM When: 1PM–7PM Info: 413‐747‐7797 Culture & Cocktails: Drinking with Di‐ Tickets: $5/non‐mem – FREE/members All day vending, fitness class, healthy eat‐ www.majestictheater.com nosaurs *Wear red, white, or pink ing workshop, black films, and refresh‐ ______Where: Springfield Museums ______ments on sale Now Thru February 28 21 Edwards St., Spfld., MA February 13 (Wednesday) ______Art Exhibit and Community Conversa‐ When: 5PM–8PM How to Apologize for Slavery w/ February 26 (Tuesday) tion Marks Black History Month Tickets: $10/members– $20/non‐mem Theodore R. Johnson Springfield Town Hall Meeting w/ Where: Wester New England University Info: https://springfieldmuseums.org/ Springfield Elected Officials Campus Center/Art Gallery Where: Jones Library program/culture-cocktails-drinking-di- 43 Amity St., Amherst, MA Where: E. Spfld Neighborhood Council When: Community Conversation, 2/7 1437 Carew St., Spfld., MA – nosaurs When: 7PM–9PM 4PM; Reception 5PM 6PM ______When: 5:30PM–7:30PM Info: 413‐796‐2026 ______UnFRAMED: From Boyhood in the February 15 (Friday) ______Caribbean to Manhood… Tuesdays February 2 (Saturday) Eddie Griffin Where: American International College Where: Hartford Funny Bone Adult Basic Education Enrollment Unity Mall Market Place 1000 State St., Spfld., MA (GED/HiSET Classes) Where: Muhammad Mosque No.13 194 Buckland Hills Dr. When: 7PM When: 7:30PM–8:45PM Where: Training Resources of America 727 State St., Spfld., MA Tickets: $10/in advance – $5/at door, 32‐34 Hampden St., Ground Lvl When: 1PM–7PM Tickets: www.hartford.funnybone.com FREE for AIC students w/ID ______Spfld., MA All day vending, dinner sales, black films, Info: www.paypal.com February 16 (Saturday) When: 11AM ─ FREE and business workshops ______Annual African‐American Read‐In Chain Info: 413‐732‐2223 or ______Fund Our Future Sponsored by: Olive Tree Books‐n‐Voices [email protected] Diversity Law Day Info session on how to bring more and the Young Scholars Program ______Where: Western New England money into your child’s school district Where: Boys & Girls Club Family Center Sundays University School of Law Where: Forest Park Middle School 100 Acorn St., Spfld., MA Family & Friends Day at Progressive 1215 Wilbraham Rd., Spfld., MA 46 Oakland St., Spfld., MA When: 10AM–11:30AM Community Baptist Church When: 9AM–2PM ─ FREE – Where: 599 State St., Spfld., MA When: 5:30PM 7:30PM Info: 413‐250‐7248 or Info: 413‐782‐1406 or When: 10:30AM Info: 413‐455‐5757 or 413‐433‐0452 [email protected] [email protected] ______*Celebrating accomplishments of Black *Registration required February 9 (Saturday) The Greatest Cartoon Workshop heroes locally, nationally, and worldwide ______Unity Mall Market Place Where: Bloomfield Leisure Services 16th Annual MICAH Awards Dinner Where: Muhammad Mosque No.13 330 Park Ave., Bloomfield, CT Where: St. Anthony’s Cedars Banquet 727 State St., Spfld., MA When: 10AM–2PM 375 Island Pond Rd., Spfld., MA – When: 1PM 7PM Info: 860‐916‐2956 or When: 5PM–9PM All day vending, local poets, vision board [email protected] Tickets: $50/pp, $400/table of 10 planning workshop, and refreshments on *Students in 5th to 8th grade Info: 413‐214‐5100 sale [email protected] ______2nd Annual Love a Child Breakfast ______February 10 (Sunday) Fundraiser Diaspora Dance Party Serious Play Theatre Ensemble Presents: Where: Castle of Knights Where: American International College On the Exhale by Martin Zimmerman 1599 Memorial Dr., Chicopee, MA 1000 State St., Spfld., MA Where: A.P.E. Gallery – – When: 9:30AM 1:30PM When: 7PM 11PM 126 Main St., Northampton, MA ______Info: aictickets.universitytickets.com When: 2:30PM Commemorating 400 years of African ______Tickets: $20/general, $18/students, American Presence in America Project First Time Homebuyers Workshop $24/at door Where: Griswold Theater, AIC Where: Springfield College Info: https://ontheexhale.brownpa- 1000 State St., Spfld., MA Locklin Hall Rm 233 pertickets.com When: 3PM–6PM 263 Alden St., Spfld., MA Info: 413‐231‐6612 or 413‐218‐3281 When: 9AM–5PM Info: 413‐739‐4737 ext.100 For more events happening in the community, please visit www.springfieldnhs.org our website at www.afampov.com af-am point of view page thirty-eight february 1, 2019

SWE@RING-IN CEREMONY OF THE NEW CITY COUNCIL PRESIDENT, JUSTIN HURST, @ND VICE PRESIDENT, M@RCUS WILLI@MS af-am point of view page thirty-nine february 1, 2019

SWE@RING-IN CEREMONY OF THE NEW CITY COUNCIL PRESIDENT, JUSTIN HURST, @ND VICE PRESIDENT, M@RCUS WILLI@MS af-am point of view page forty february 1, 2019