Af-Am Your VOICE OINT O IEW Your COMMUNITY P F V Your POINT OF VIEW www.afampov.com Our Community News Magazine january 1, 2020 THE ALBERT WOODFOX STORY “Mr. Woodfox spent 44 years and 10 months in solitary confinement while imprisoned at Angola for a crime he ESTABLISHING did not commit.” By Dr. Bridgette Baldwin – 5

ALZHEIMER’S ASSOCIATION TO OFFER THE MLK DAY HOLIDAY SUPPORT, EDUCATION … By Yvonne Mendez According to the Alzheimer’s Association, there are artin Luther King gration and equal rights as a more than 130,000 people in Massachusetts living with Alzheimer’s disease supported by roughly 340,000 fam- Jr. Day is a na- threat to their culture and ily caregivers – a number expected to rise.” Mtional holiday. In their standards of white By Meghan Lemay – 11 most communities, it is privilege. Racism dictated marked by celebration, time additional criticism and a TOO MUCH ULTRA-PROCESSED FOODS with family, a community double standard for making LINKED TO LOWER HEART HEALTH “Researchers at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control breakfast event, and oppor- the holiday. Those opposing and Prevention (CDC) found that for every 5% increase tunities for community serv- the bill said it would be bad in calories from ultra-processed foods a person ate, there ice. But establishing the for the economy to give was a corresponding decrease in overall cardiovascular holiday was a struggle that workers yet another holi- health.” continues even today. day. As well, King never By American Heart Association – 11 Four days after his as- served for public office and BREAST CANCER IN MEN IS RARE, BUT sassination on April 8, 1968, was not worthy of the MORE DEADLY Rep. John Conyers intro- honor. How could he be “This year an estimated 2,670 men in the United States duced the first legislation to honored with a holiday, in will be diagnosed with breast cancer and 500 will die honor Martin Luther King the same way as Washing- from the disease…Black men have the highest inci- dence rates at 2.7 out of every 10,000 men, followed by Jr. with a national holiday. It ton and Lincoln? white men with 1.9 out of every 100,000 men.” was met with hardly any in- But society was chang- By Baystate Medical Center – 13 terest and the bill failed. ing. These same arguments Conyers, Coretta Scott that held up in the late HARMFUL HABITS FOR BLACK WOMEN TO DITCH King, and others drafted bill 1960s were not as convinc- “Stress is killing us. But we have some control over this. after bill faithfully for al- ing in the 1980s. Supporters It’s time we ditch some of those learned patterns of be- most 20 years. Southern rep- of the law had collected havior and take charge of our futures.” resentatives like Senator over 6 million signatures By Latoya Bosworth, PhD – 14 Jesse Helms, Republican, of and at the same time, Stevie FULFILLING MY PURPOSE… North Carolina, and Senator Strom Thurmond, Republi- Wonder and other artists got involved. Stevie’s song, ‘Readiness is important in seizing opportunities, as is can, of South Carolina, opposed the bill, smearing King “Happy Birthday,” became a theme song in the effort, the willingness to do what it takes once you’ve recog- as a Marxist and anti-American. reaching even more people with song and swaying public nized them.” Southern states considered King’s message of inte- By Patricia Spradley – 14 continues to page 32

JANUARY IS A TIME OF RENEWAL “Sadly, it took many years before I realized that I kept doing the same thing while expecting different results. Start Small. Start Often. START NOW! That, of course, is the definition of insanity.” By Zaida Govan – 17 By Rev. Dr. Atu White he New Year is upon us and with it brings a host pleasure and promoting pride. We must realize that in SAMUEL BOLDEN: A MAN FOR ALL of resolutions. Many resolutions fail to material- God we live, move, and exist (Acts 17:28). Devote at PEOPLE ize which leaves us frustrated. What biblical least five minutes to a daily practice of prayer and praise. “Our Dad, Samuel Bolden, was born April 15, 1935, in T Treasure God’s Word. Yield your time, treasure, and tal- Pineland, South Carolina, a small town known for its strategies can we implore to make 2020 a monumental Pecan and Spanish moss trees.” year as we begin a new decade? I find it extremely help- ent to God through participating in the life and ministries By Della Blake – 22 ful to affirm life daily. This practice increases my ability of a loving congregation that uplifts the community. to focus in order to be more productive. Here are five af- POLITICS IS A NOBLE PROFESSION BUT firmations that will increase our daily productivity. I WILL THINK INSIDE THE BOX A DIRTY… Our mind, body, and spirit comprise our box. Get to “It just didn’t seem right for me to enter the New Year with such a weighty topic.” I LIVE, MOVE, AND EXIST IN GOD know the wisdom God has placed in you. God told Jere- By Frederick A. Hurst – 24 Far too often, we trap ourselves in the rat race of fulfilling continues to page 26 af-am point of view page two january 1, 2020 Four Area Organizations Collaborate to Host Martin Luther King Day Celebration

Springfield Community Chorale, a Monday, January 20, 2020, culturally diverse group of singers 11am - 1pm, MassMutual with the mission to deliver gospel and Center, Springfield inspirational music in the spirit of unity and in the bond of peace, led by SPRINGFIELD, MA – Four area or- Vanessa Ford; a dramatic perform- ganizations will host this year’s Dr. ance by DREAM STUDIO; CMSS King Day Celebration on Monday, Martin Luther King Festival Orches- January 15, 2018 from 11:00am to tra led by Marty Kneierim; an orator- 1:00pm at MassMutual Center, 1277 Main Street, Springfield. This event ical selection by the winner of the is free and open to the public. This Alpha Phi Alpha 2019 Annual Sena- year’s theme “In Times Like These” tor Edward R. Brooke III Oratorical is a collaborative celebration hosted Contest and much more. by Martin Luther King Jr Family The Dr. King Day Celebration Services, Community Music School of Springfield, D.R.E.A.M Studio is free and open to the public, and and Springfield College. all ages are welcome. The Dr. King Music, song and dance perform- Day Celebration is accessible to the ances will provide inspiration and re- hearing impaired and MassMutual flection on the legacy of Dr. King and Center is handicapped accessible. the continued struggle for social jus- tice in communities across the coun- MassMutual Center is located in try. The Dr. King Day Celebration downtown Springfield, close to pub- seeks to bring our community to- lic transportation. For more informa- gether to work toward the dream Dr. tion please contact any of the King so eloquently spoke of over 50 partnering organization or visit their years ago. “In light of the uncertainties websites to get more information and around race relations and the polar- details about the event. ization of various groups who con- Past sponsors include: MassMu- tinue to feel marginalized, this tual Center, Focus Springfield, celebration reminds us we have the Springfield Cultural Council, Massa- opportunity to engage in simple acts―at school, at work, and in our chusetts Cultural Council, The Re- families―that strengthen our com- publican/MassLive, Springfield munity in the spirit of unity that de- College, Community Foundation of fines the legacy of Dr. King,” said Western Massachusetts, Basketball Ronn Johnson, CEO of Martin Luther Hall of Fame, YWCA, Springfield King Jr Family Services. “We must all speak out against intolerance and Technical Community College, West- be change agents. The MLK Day field State University, Mass Human- Celebration inspires us reclaim the ities, Mercy Medical Center. dream of a beloved community.” This year’s celebration will fea- mlkjrfamilyservices.org ture performances by over 800 young people from Springfield including CommunityMusicSchool.com Sonido Musica/Springfield Public Dreamstudios.org School Partnership programs; the springfield.edu af-am point of view page three january 1, 2020 CLASSIFIED/REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONALS ...... 36 AN AFRICAN AMERICAN Point of View 688 Boston Road, Springfield, MA 01119 COMMUNITY

Phone: (413) 796-1500 ● Fax: (413) 796-6100 Community Beat ...... 19 CONTENTS E-mail: [email protected] ● Website: www.afampointofview.com Community Calendar ...... 37 www.facebook.com/ https://plus.google.com/ www.twitter.com/ AfAmPointofView +PointofViewSpringfield AfAmPOV Community Focus ...... 18 Point of View is a monthly news journal with an African American orientation. It is distributed Community Information ...... 15 free to select locations in Hampden and Hampshire counties and in Connecticut. Letters, Congratulations ...... 35 articles and comments appearing in the newspaper reflect the opinions of the contributors and do not constitute an endorsement by POV and are subject to editing. POV assumes no Food for Thought ...... 17 responsibility for photos, articles, letters, press releases or unsolicited materials. Decisions Good News ...... 34 as to the editing and publishing of material are based on space availability and the discretion Latina Groove ...... 16 of the publisher and editor. Distribution locations are listed on our web site. POV assumes no financial responsibility for failure to publish an advertisement, incorrect placement or ty- Law Notes ...... 23 pographical errors in its publication. Advertisers are solely responsible for the content of Leadership Pioneer Valley ...... 17 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 Political Happenings ─ Springfield City Council ...... 15 without written permission. EDITORIAL PUBLISHER: Frederick A. Hurst EDITOR: Marjorie J. Hurst AF-AM Newsbits ...... 4 CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: THIS ISSUE My View ...... 24 Artist in Residence Renée Flowers Law Notes Dr. Bridgette Baldwin, Editor Children’s Book Corner Terri Schlichenmeyer Dean Sudha Setty Letters to the Publisher ...... 25 Community Beat Ken Harris Latina Groove Magdalena Gómez Trump Alerts ...... 25 Community Calendar Jynai McDonald Zubaida Bello Community Focus Felicia Harvey Leadership Pioneer Valley Lora Wondolowski Op Ed ...... 28 Early Education & Care Nicole Blais Letters to the Publisher Jake Pickering EDUCATION Entertainment Review Yvonne Mendez Local Colleges in the News Elms, HCC, STCC, WSU Features Dr. Bridgette Baldwin Early Education & Care ...... 6 Op - Ed Tristin Hurst Della Blake Finalists Announced for Kaleidoscope Collective Learning Pilot 6 Lucie K. Lewis, Ed.D Pen & Ink Juanita Torrence-Thompson Food for Thought Zaida Govan Berdia M. Brown Local Colleges in the News ...... 7–10 Good News Jay Griffin Renay Intisar Jihad Health Matters Doris Harris, Editor Political Happenings Justin Hurst, Esq. FEATURES Meghan Lemay Religious Point of View Rev. Dr. Atu White, Editor Four Area Organizations Collaborate to Host MLK Celebration .2 Got H.E.R.S. Latoya Bosworth, PhD Your Health American Heart Association Inspirational Thoughts Patricia Spradley Baystate Medical Center Justice 44 Years in the Making: The Albert Woodfox Story . . . . .5 Artistic/Multimedia Director - Marie Zanazanian ● Distribution Manager - Shawn Merriman Brianna Fund Hosts 22nd Annual Benefit Concert ...... 5 Photographer - Ed Cohen Samuel Bolden: A Man For All People ...... 22 LOCATE OUR ADVERTISERS HEALTH Alden Baptist Church------27 Mt. Zion Baptist Church------27 Health Matters ...... 11 – Alterations & Dress Making by Lewins------17 New Jerusalem C.O.G.I.C.------27 Your Health AHA ...... 11 – – Bright Futures Early Learning Center ------15 Progressive Community Baptist Church ------27 Your Health Baystate Medical Center ...... 12 13 Canaan Baptist Church of Christ------27 Real Living Realty Prof. – Roberta B. Johnson-----36 LIVING Center for Human Development (CHD) ------18 Revival Time Evangelistic Center ------27 Got H.E.R.S...... 14 City of Springfield Office of Housing------12 Shiloh Seventh-Day Adventist Church ------27 Inspirational Thoughts ...... 14 Community Music School of Springfield ------2 Solid Rock Community Baptist Church------27 PHOTO GALLERY ...... 20–21, 28–29 Ed Cohen Photography ------31 Springfield Technical Community College ------9 RELIGION Family Church ------27 St. John’s Congregational Church ------27 Religious Point of View (continues from cover) ...... 26 Holyoke Community College------10 The Brianna Fund ------40 Religious Directory ...... 27 Home Inspections by Marco, Inc.------36 Third Baptist Church------27 THE ARTS Hurst & Hurst, P.C. ------23 Wesley United Methodist Church------27 Artist in Residence ...... 29 Maplegate Rehab Inc.------13 Westfield State University------7 Children’s Book Corner ...... 29 Mason Wright Senior Living ------32 WTCC FM 90.7 ------32 Entertainment Review (continues from cover) ...... 32 Mount Calvary Baptist Church------27 Zion Community Baptist Church ------27 Pen & Ink ...... 30–31 af-am point of view page four january 1, 2020 frontal attack in response to a corpulent, older heck- bits ler’s loaded question about Biden’s son. The form AF-AM NEWS of the question assumed that Biden and his son had By Frederick A. Hurst conspired to do something wrong in Ukraine. It was ROSA PARKS HONORED cause he has stated, unapologetically, that he would really more of an assertion that they had done some- ongratulations Montgomery, Alabama, for un- do it again; and most important, because he wielded thing wrong and Joe Biden rebuked the man in Cveiling the statue of Civil Rights activist Rosa the powers of his office for personal benefit instead terms that most would consider very aggressive. Parks who on December 1, 1955, refused to move of for the benefit of the people. And a President like And the pundits couldn’t figure out whether Biden’s to the back of a Montgomery bus when front seats that – a President who puts himself over his country performance should be considered appropriate or were reserved for Whites only. Ironically, the statue – is exactly the kind of Commander in Chief our inappropriate as all of their commentary landed was unveiled by Montgomery’s first Black mayor, founders included impeachment in our Constitution somewhere in between. I laughed because my who wisely said: “We’re always looking to (ac- to remove.” (Neal Katyal, Time, November 18, biggest worry about Joe Biden is that he might be knowledge the city’s history). But we want to make 2019) too nice to be able to handle bullies. So I was ex- sure we’re not just a museum for the rest of the tremely pleased to see him do so with such panache. MAYOR PETE’S BURDEN country. It is not enough if we are just commemo- He walked, with his mobile mike in hand, right up rating things that have happened in the past. We ince (Mayor Pete Buttigieg) became mayor to the man and called him a liar. And after the man have to invest in the future of citizens who live here “Sin 2012, the city’s (South Bend, Indiana) vi- questioned his age, Biden challenged him to a phys- now so we can be part of the future.” olent crime has surged 70% compared to about 10% ical competition and the man backed down after Indiana-wide. Violent crime has declined 2% in the which I was convinced that he could handle Donald BLACK COWBOYS U.S. in the same period despite a transient uptick in Trump. That’s all that matters to me. he cowboy has long been one of America’s 2015 and 2016 amid a backlash against police fol- most potent symbols. Strivers have taken in- lowing the shooting of Michael Brown in Ferguson, THE REPUBLICAN CUP OF “T Missouri.” spiration from rugged frontier warriors who embod- EVIL RUNNETH OVER “…one persistent problem is lack of trust be- ied American individualism, creativity and the quest ost of us know that the Republican Party has tween police and the community that Mr. Buttigieg for manifest destiny….For the most part, these worked feverishly in a modified Jim Crow hasn’t improved. He demoted the city’s first black M icons have been confined to the narrow image of manner and with substantial success to reduce the police chief in 2012 amid an FBI investigation into the white man, despite the fact that during the votes of folks of color. But few know that they are his taping phone calls of White officers. Maybe the golden age of westward expansion, 1 in 4 cowboys now working feverishly to reduce the Republican demotion was justified….(but) he then hired a white was black.” (Time, December 2-9, 2019) When I vote in defense of Donald Trump who apparently police chief from New Bedford, Massachusetts, was a kid, I loved cowboy movies never realizing can’t be trusted to fend off a Republican challenger that my own history had been deleted and that one who shared his technocratic tendencies but was op- posed by rank-and-file officers and the City Coun- on his own merit. In a Wall Street Journal opinion of my greatest cowboy heroes, John Wayne, was an piece (December 6, 2019), Joe Walsh, a former U.S. cil. Mr. Buttigieg wasn’t able to build consensus, avowed racist. representative from Illinois who is a candidate for which might have eased racial tension. The new the Republican presidential nomination, pointed out TIMES ARE SURELY IMPROVING chief resigned after three years without progress re- that Georgia, North Carolina and Minnesota Repub- ducing crime.” (The Wall Street Journal, November s he was walking home at 3 a.m. in the morn- lican officials will allow only Trump’s name to ap- 23-24, 2019) Aing from a weekly card game at his mother’s pear on their primary ballots and South Carolina, Mr. Buttigieg will need all of his intellectual house, Gregory Gunn was stopped by a White po- Arizona, Kansas, Nevada and Alaska simply can- and oratorical skills to convince Black voters to em- lice officer for a random stop and frisk. The White celed their Republican primary outright. All of these brace his candidacy. officer shot him in the back as he ran away. Facts Republican officials are effectively disenfranchising showed that Gunn was never a threat to the White their own voters in defense of Donald Trump, which officer who was charged, tried and convicted of NANCY PELOSI reat leader. One lesson I learned as a youngster should be a source of deep concern to not only his manslaughter by an all-White Ozark, Alabama jury. Republican challengers, but primarily to the disen- Things are getting better. Gand carried with me throughout life is that pan- dering to a bully is a big mistake, which is why I so franchised voters. This entire Donald Trump saga WHAT REPUBLICAN MINORITY much appreciated the House Majority Leader’s ro- gets crazier and crazier. bust response to a snippy reporter who asked her if LEADER KEVIN McCARTHY HAD TO IMPEACHMENT she hated Donald Trump. She went right at his jugu- ll four of the expert witnesses called before the SAY ON THE FLOOR OF THE HOUSE lar and when she finished, those who didn’t already Congressional Judiciary Committee agreed ABOUT THE LATE ELIJAH CUMMINGS know she is a tough lady who knows who she is and A that the facts surrounding the impeachment of Don- e respected him because he was good. We what she is doing and has the strength of her con- ald Trump meet the Constitutional requirements for respected him because he beat us many victions should know it now. As the disingenuous “W impeachment. Three of the experts were called by times. We respect him because what he fought for, reporter sat speechless with a nonplussed glare, the Democrats. They were unequivocal in their ap- he believed in.” Pelosi walked calmly out of the room. She is a hero plication of Constitutional principles as outlined by and history will record it so. THE CASE FOR IMPEACHMENT both the words of the Constitution and by those who were most instrumental in its formation: Madison, …there is no choice but to impeach and remove JOE BIDEN’S GOT SPUNK Hamilton, George Mason, et al. The fourth expert “Trump: because he was willing to undermine our could do nothing but laugh at the pundits on CNN democracy to help his prospects of re-election; be- Iand MSNBC parsing words over Joe Biden’s continues to page 25 af-am point of view page five january 1, 2020 FEATURE ARTICLES

Dr. Bridgette Baldwin is a Professor of Law at West- ern New England Univer- Justice 44 Years in the Making: sity School of Law with areas of interest in crimi- nal law and procedure, in- The Albert Woodfox Story ternational criminal law, evidence, critical race the- ory, cybercrime and wel- By Bridgette Baldwin fare law. someone who had been treated so un- fairly. Additionally, unlike many ac- ademics or celebrities, he sat at the event until every person who wanted, had a chance to speak with him. Mr. Woodfox spent 44 years and 10 months in solitary confinement while imprisoned at Angola for a crime he did not commit. He, along with the late Herman Wallace, was falsely convicted of the 1972 killing of Correction Officer Brent Miller. It would take many years, several lawyers and numerous appeals before Mr. Woodfox was finally released. In Dean Sudha Setty, Albert Woodfox and Attorney George Kendall 2014, the United States Court of Ap- Albert Woodfox Photo by Visionmerge Productions peals overturned his conviction. In a Photo by Visionmerge Productions males held in solitary confinement faculty, staff and the general public conflicted decision, Mr. Woodfox n November 13, 2019, West- for crimes that they did not commit at for over an hour discussing his life would enter a plea of no contest, ern New England University the Angola prison in Louisiana. Mr. and criminal justice reform. After so choosing freedom over justice. OSchool of Law Center for Woodfox sat, along with his lawyer many years of confinement, even in Mr. Woodfox addresses his or- Social Justice hosted one of the An- and friend, Attorney George Kendall, this discussion, Mr. Woodfox exuded deal in his powerful 2019 memoir, gola Three. The Angola Three were one of the nation’s leading civil rights a character of grace and forgiveness Solitary: Unbroken by four decades three incarcerated African American attorneys. He spoke with students, that you would not expect from continues to page 23 Brianna Fund Hosts 22nd Annual Benefit Concert: Celebrating Hope, Flight & Freedom By Lucie K. Lewis, Ed.D Luther King Jr. Benefit Gospel Con- munity are well known—Mabel The concert will also feature cert that is held at the Evangelical Sharif. “I am who I serve,” says com- Master and Mistress of ceremony Covenant Church located at 915 munity liaison and outreach specialist Bishop Andrew Daubon and Rev. Plumtree Road. This year, the con- at Baystate Mason Square Neighbor- Michaelia Daubon, St. John’s Praise cert will be held on Saturday, Jan- hood Health Center. Mabel is known & Worship Team, oratorical winner uary 18th beginning at 5:45 PM. for her community spirit and do-good Jerry Moore III, spoken word artist The doors will open at 5:00 PM. attitude. She is loved by co-workers, Narelle Thomas with dance presenta- The concert is held on this weekend patients, friends and family. Mabel tions by DREAM Studios Inc. and Mabel Sharif to coincide with the birthday of Dr. lives her life through a philosophy of Youthful Expressions as well as mu- (file photo) Martin Luther King to honor his vi- caring. In her own words, “I live my sical performances by Rev. J.P. and rianna Fund continues it great sion of looking into the heart of a per- life day to day with the idea that I am First Lady Sheresse Morgan, Jr., work into the new decade son by increasing the awareness of responsible for how I treat people, not Overseer Maurice S. Porter I, Bwith its 22nd Annual Benefit the community concerning the great how they treat me.” Mabel has served Preacherman & The Singing Saints, Concert. The Brianna Fund works to needs and potential future significant her community through her work at Elder Terrence J. Haynes with DMJ assist children with physical disabili- contributions of children with disabil- the Center for 21 years; however, her United Voices of Praise,. ties by eliminating barriers of access ities. service extends well beyond her job Each year, 100% of the proceeds to community resources. This work is This year the Brianna Fund will through her work on numerous com- raised through a free will offering supported in part through the funds recognize at the concert a local per- mittees in the community and tireless taken during the concert go to assist raised at the annual Rev. Dr. Martin son whose contributions to the com- activism. 1 continues to page 18 af-am point of view page six january 1, 2020 EDUCATION EARLY EDUCATION & CARE CONGRATULATIONS SPRINGFIELD The Year of the Early Finalists Announced Educator for Kaleidoscope Collective By Nicole Blais for Learning Pilot within the Old Hill neighborhood and MALDEN, MA ─ December 11, ● Fitchburg: South Street School sandwiched between Brookings Ele- 2019 – The Department of Elemen- ● Lawrence: ENLACE Academy at Nicole Blais is Director mentary School and Springfield Col- tary and Secondary Education has Lawrence High School and UP of Community Academy Leonard Engagement HCS lege, is one such venture that will named 22 schools and districts as fi- ● Lincoln: K-4 Lincoln School Head Start, Inc. continue into 2020. The new school nalists for the Kaleidoscope Collec- [email protected] will have 12 classrooms for 141 in- tive for Learning pilot program, a ● Mendon-Upton Regional: Nip- fants, toddlers and preschoolers and program aimed at involving more stu- muc Regional High School this past December, materials were dents and teachers in deeper learning. (Upton) Happy New Year! ordered, final touches on the building “We were thrilled that hundreds ● Monomoy Regional: Chatham El- were completed, and staff worked en- of schools and districts expressed in- ementary School thusiastically on their classrooms to terest, many of which completed ap- ● Nauset: Orleans Elementary get them ready for the children’s ar- plications for the Kaleidoscope School rival. Head Start’s very own Narayani Collective for Learning,” Elementary ● North Attleborough: Amvet Sivalingam will serve as the Interim and Secondary Education Commis- Boulevard School and North At- School Director and we could not be sioner Jeffrey C. Riley said. “This re- tleborough Middle School happier. flects schools’ and districts’ ● Randolph: Randolph Community Narayani has been with us since enthusiasm for deeper learning – Middle School 2003 working as a Teacher Director learning that is interactive, relevant, ● Revere: Abraham Lincoln Ele- and diligently working her way up collaborative, and coherently aligned mentary School and Rumney the career ladder from Site Director to Massachusetts standards.” Marsh Academy to Education Operations Manager, In “Our Way Forward,” Com- ● Springfield: Chestnut Talented and Gifted Middle School, M. which has led her to this point in her missioner Riley outlined how deeper Marcus Kiley Middle School successful career as an early child- learning opportunities could help and Mary M. Walsh Elemen- hood educator in Head Start. Charged close achievement gaps and prepare tary School with overseeing the teachers and the students for a strong future. The final- Narayani Sivalingam, Interim support staff working within the ists were selected because they have The next steps in the selection Educare Springfield School school, Nara, as she is affectionately already begun innovative work in- process include: Director called, is eager to work alongside the volving deeper learning and submit- ● a convening and training, which Photo submitted by HCS new Educare Executive Director and ted creative proposals for how to were held on December 10, with the staff, children and families enhance that work. As a group, the fi- ● an event in each finalist district in CS Head Start is excited on this once-in-a-lifetime opportu- nalists include a variety of types of which the school or district will about the year ahead. 2019 nity. As she puts it, Educare is the schools, grade spans, and geographi- convene community members to Hwas a busy and productive icing on the cake for a veteran educa- cal regions. contribute ideas to the school’s or year and we accomplished three tor like herself. The finalists named today are: district’s plan, and major goals including the opening of It’s my prediction that 2020 will ● Academy of the Pacific Rim ● a January school visit. the new MGM Head Start Child & be the year of the early childhood ed- Charter Public School (Boston) Family Center and workforce devel- ucation teacher. All of the advocacy ● Andover Public Schools: Andover All finalists that complete the opment program, the newly reno- and awareness of the importance of High School and High Plain Ele- three steps will be invited to join the vated Lincoln Grove Head Start & the early learning years has paid off. mentary School inaugural Kaleidoscope cohort. The Early Head Start Center in Chicopee, There is an awakening and attention ● Berkshire Hills Regional: Monu- cohort will run from January 2020 to and the widely anticipated comple- given to the work and pathways ment Valley Regional Middle June 2021, and members will receive tion of the Educare Springfield cleared for people to enter and stay in School (Great Barrington) professional development on imple- menting deeper learning. The Depart- school building. We expect that 2020 a profession that helps get our ● Boston: Eliot K-8 Innovation ment expects to name a second cohort will be filled with new ventures and youngest residents ready for a life- School and TechBoston Academy for fall 2021. opportunities that will benefit our time of success. From all of us ay ● Essex North Shore Agricultural & Lessons learned from this pilot children, families and staff. HCS Head Start, have a happy and Technical School District (Dan- Educare Springfield, nestled healthy New Year! ■ vers) continues to page 7 af-am point of view page seven january 1, 2020 EDUCATION LOCAL COLLEGES IN THE NEWS Eight Westfield State University Students Receive the 2019 President’s Award for Excellence in Leadership Acconcio is a dedicated student leader for a variety of programs both on and off campus, including as a student representative for the music department’s Curriculum Committee, a student chair for the Choral Retreat Committee, and a historian of the Westfield Collegiate American Choral Directors’ Associa- tion, for which she previously served as vice president.

Saltanat Aldabayeva ’21, chemistry major, West Springfield, Mass. Among Aldabayeva’s many leadership roles, she is a general and organic chemistry tutor, a presidential student ambassador, a College of Mathematics and Sciences representative, a Gamma Sigma Epsilon member, a Common- wealth Honors Program member, a Biology department work study student, and a First Responders member. She previously served as a work-study stu- dent for the microbiology department and has been a teaching fellow for DNA Science at Hotchkiss Summer Portals, where she assisted a professor and was a residential assistant for dormitory buildings.

2019 Westfield State University President's Award for Excellence in Hannah Griswold ’21, nursing major, Westhampton, Mass. Leadership recipients Elli-Ann Oskar ’20, Thomas Howard ’20, Involved in a variety of programs and volunteer work, Griswold is an anatomy Saltanat Aldabeyeva ’21, Emilie Jean-Jacques ’20, Bryan Pimentel ’20, and physiology tutor, a nursing club member and peer mentor, a member of Thalita Neves ’21, Hannah Griswold ’21, and Skyler Acconcio ’21. continues to page 8 WESTFIELD, MA – On Friday, Dec. 7, Westfield State University recog- nized eight exemplary students for their leadership and service to the univer- sity and the surrounding community. The President’s Awards for Excellence in Leadership were presented at a dinner held in Scanlon Banquet Hall on Westfield State University’s campus. Ready to “These service-focused men and women have distinguished themselves transform from their peers by combining outstanding academic achievement with demonstrated leadership skills, both on and beyond campus,” said Westfield your life? State University President Ramon S. Torrecilha, Ph.D. The President’s Award for Excellence in Leadership was created in 2007. Application To be eligible for this award, students must have a grade point average of 3.3 deadline is or higher and exhibit an impressive range of both university and community service activities. Award applicants are required to complete an application March 1 detailing their leadership experience, their volunteer work, and an essay de- tailing a challenge they overcame while in their leadership role. The eight awardees, selected by a multi-disciplinary committee, include APPLY TODAY four seniors and four juniors with a collective average GPA of 3.9. The 2019 recipients are: Skyler Acconcio ’21, music education major, Wilbraham, Mass. CONGRATULATIONS WSU: Kaleidoscope Collective continued from page 6 to begin collaborating with our inau- Excellence is waiting. will inform efforts to bring deeper gural cohort in January to accelerate learning to more schools and districts deeper learning statewide,” said Sen- westfield.ma.edu in the future. ior Associate Commissioner Komal “We thank all of the applicants Bhasin, who is leading the Kaleido- for their interest, and we are excited scope Collaborative for Learning. ■ af-am point of view page eight january 1, 2020 EDUCATION LOCAL COLLEGES IN THE NEWS Elms College Ranked in Top 15 of Massachusetts’ Best Schools for Veterans in 2020 CHICOPEE, MA – The College of Our Lady of This list highlights colleges and universities About Elms College the Elms ranks in the Top 15 percent of 2020 Best that are working hard to provide quality educa- Elms College is a co-educational Catholic college of- Colleges for Veterans in Massachusetts, according tional outcomes to veterans, active duty military fering a liberal arts curriculum that gives students to data analytics company College Factual. The students, and their families, College Factual stated. multiple perspectives on life. Founded in 1928 by the Sisters of St. Joseph, Elms College has a tradition of college is also in the Top 15 percent of colleges and “We are exceptionally proud of our statewide educating reflective, principled and creative learners, and national Best Colleges for Veterans recognition universities in the company’s national rankings. who are rooted in faith, educated in mind, compas- In the list of Best Colleges for Veterans in by College Factual,” said Walter C. Breau, Ph.D., sionate in heart, responsive to civic and social obli- Massachusetts, Elms College was rated #9 out of vice president of academic affairs at Elms College. gations, and capable of adjusting to change without 70 higher education institutions for veteran friend- “These results demonstrate Elms College’s strong compromising principle. liness as reviewed by College Factual. Elms im- commitment to supporting our veterans, students proved its standing five slots over last year’s #14 who are currently serving in the military, and their About College Factual position. families, as they pursue their education.” College Factual is the leading source of data analytics and insights on college outcomes, providing coverage According to College Factual’s national list, Some of the factors taken into account by Col- for over 2,500 U.S. colleges and universities and over Elms College moved from the Top 25 to the Top lege Factual include affordability to veterans, sup- 350 college majors. These insights are available to 15 percent with a rating of #214 out of 1,751 in- port services and resources specific to the needs of students from over 50 countries interested in pursuing stitutions, improving its position by 225 slots over veterans, whether they are traditional or non-tradi- accredited college degree programs in the United last year’s standing at 439. tional students. ■ States. Eight WSU Receives the 2019 President’s Award for Excellence in Leadership continued from page 7 Thalita Neves ’21, criminal justice and communication major, the University’s Honors Program, a member and former group coordinator Shrewsbury, Mass. for the National Society of Leadership and Success, a former Westfield State Neves is the student representative on Westfield State University’s Board of women’s rugby club member, and a member of the American Holistic Nursing Trustees and has been the vice president of finance for the Student Govern- Association. She has volunteered for many causes, including Operation Stand ment Association (SGA). She has been the president of Lambda Sigma Na- Down, the Flu Shot Clinic, the University’s Relay for Life, Warming Hearts tional Honors Society, an Honors Program mentor, and a member of the search Blanket Drive, Baystate Medical Center’s winter wonderland, open house for committee established for the vice president for Student Affairs. She has vol- prospective nursing students, and research studies for nursing and health com- unteered at numerous campus events and for several organizations, including munication. Arbors Assisted Living, Project PACK, and the City of Westfield’s Our House, and assisted communities in Guatemala with water filtration systems and hy- Thomas Howard ’20, history and political science major, Agawam, Mass. giene education. A devoted student leader, Howard, spent his most recent summer as a West- field State Center for Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity research Elli-Ann Oskar ’20, economics major, Agawam, Mass. fellow through the Student Summer Research Fellows program. He’s been a Oskar is the president of the Jewish Student Organization. She has been the WSKB-FM radio DJ, and is a member of multiple honor societies, including walk leader in the Massachusetts Breast Cancer Coalition Breast Cancer Walk Pi Sigma Alpha, Phi Alpha Theta, Phi Kappa Phi, and Westfield State’s Hon- and a volunteer for the Common Goods food pantry. She has taught sixth ors Program. He’s the Student Government Association vice president of stu- grade students at a local Hebrew school and also tutors students at Westfield dent life, a student honors advisory council president for School Health State’s Banacos Academic Center. Advisory Councils, an orientation leader and student coordinator, and an Hon- Bryan Pimentel ’20, criminal justice and political science major, ors Program student leader and intern. Framingham, Mass. Emilie Jean-Jacques ’20, criminal justice and political science major, Pimentel is a student representative for the Northeast Regional Honors Coun- Shirley, Mass. cil and an Honors Living Learning Community head resident assistant. He Jean-Jacques is the president of the Multicultural Student Association, a pres- previously served as president of the Class of 2020 and as a head new student idential student ambassador, and an ambassador for Urban Education. She orientation leader. He has volunteered for Lambda Sigma Honor Society was previously a community service leader, a recruitment mentor for the events, the American Red Cross blood donations, and the Framingham Food Urban Education Program, and the secretary of Lammers Hall Council. She Pantry. He completed an internship with the City of Westfield Police Depart- has volunteered at admissions open house sessions, assisted with Westfield ment and has been involved with the Multicultural Student Association, Res- State’s Relay for Life, and served as a volunteer at the Boston Marathon. idential Engagement, the Campus Activity Board, Student Government Association, and Class Council. ■ af-am point of view page nine january 1, 2020 EDUCATION LOCAL COLLEGES IN THE NEWS New STEM Center at STCC Offers A Range Of Support, Services For Students grants to expand opportunities for students. STCC is the only technical ● Computer lab: Twenty-four community college in Massachusetts. computers are loaded with STEM In addition, the center features software for student use. Students collaborative spaces for group study, can borrow headphones while tutoring, supplemental instruction using the computer lab. and group meetings. ● Exam proctoring: Students in In a grand opening on Dec. 11, various STEM classes can drop Washburn joined President John B. into the STEM Center for quiz or Cook and other staff, faculty and stu- dents from STCC for a ceremonial exam make-ups. A STEM Center ribbon cutting at the STEM Center staff will proctor while you work. and open house. ● Career exploration: Students can The following are some high- meet with academic advisors one- lights of resources and services at the on-one and in group sessions to facility: Faculty and staff join STCC President John B. Cook, right, for a examine career options. ● Student study lounge: This col- grand opening of the STEM Center at STCC. Barbara Washburn, orful, comfortable area features interim dean of the School of STEM, second from right, cuts a ● Class support: Tutors in various rolling dry erase boards to work ribbon with Vice President of Academic Affairs Geraldine de Berly. STEM courses are available for out homework problems. individual or group tutoring ses- SPRINGFIELD, MA – Springfield sions. Supplemental instruction Technical Community College has leaders (students who offer peer opened a STEM Center that features tutoring) also hold sessions in the resources and services to assist stu- Enroll Now! center. dents studying science, technology, engineering and mathematics. ● Workshops, lectures and docu- Students who visit the facility for Spring Classes mentaries: In a multipurpose can use a computer lab, study lounge In-person or Online! room, the STEM Center staff and take advantage of other services, hosts a number of workshops, lec- including exam proctoring, career ex- Classes run Jan. 21–May 6 tures and documentaries for stu- ploration and class support. dents, faculty and staff throughout “We’re thrilled to open the Flex Terms also available: the academic year. STEM Center on campus, which we hope will inspire our students to excel Jan. 21–March 10 in their classes as they prepare for ex- March 11–May 6 Open Monday through Friday, 8 citing careers in STEM fields or to a.m.-4 p.m., the STEM Center is transfer to four-year institutions to stcc.edu/spring located in Building 17, Room 425, continue their studies,” said Barbara on the STCC campus. For more in- Washburn, interim dean of the School formation, call (413) 755-4660 or of STEM. email [email protected]. Funded by a U.S. Department of Education HSI STEM grant, the This is STCC Interested in applying to STCC? STEM Center offers services and ac- Visit stcc.edu/apply or call Admis- ademic support for all students taking sions at (413) 755-3333. STEM classes. With an enrollment of more than 25 percent Hispanic stu- For more information about STCC, dents, STCC is designated a Hispanic visit www.stcc.edu. Follow us on Serving Institution (HSI), which Scan to watch video. Facebook, Twitter (@S_T_C_C) makes the college eligible for federal and Instagram (@stccpics). af-am point of view page ten january 1, 2020 EDUCATION LOCAL COLLEGES IN THE NEWS PeoplesBank Donates $50k to HCC Foundation Gift will support HCC Food Pantry and Thrive Student Resource Center

HOLYOKE, MA – When Holyoke HCC Foundation. “In so many ways, Community College student Christo- Thrive at HCC addresses the emo- pher Royster needed help repairing tional, physical and psychological his credit after an incident of identity needs of our students so they can theft, he knew where to turn – the come closer to achieving a degree Thrive Student Resource Center at and build a more stable future.” HCC. Thomas Senecal, president and Thrive@HCC is known mostly chief executive officer of Peoples- for providing support to students ex- Bank, and other officers from the periencing food and housing insecu- Holyoke-based bank, toured Thrive rity. Thrive manages HCC’s Food and the HCC Food Pantry before pre- Pantry and provides free grab-and-go senting a ceremonial check to HCC snacks to hungry students as well as president Christina Royal and a real financial management and budget one to Sbriscia. planning consultations. More than “This is extremely impressive. that, though, Thrive staff can assist From L to R, Thomas Senecal, president and CEO of PeoplesBank; I’m overwhelmed,” said Senecal. students as they negotiate the com- HCC president Christina Royal; HCC student Christopher Royster “I’m proud to be working for an or- plex bureaucracies associated with a of Chicopee; and Amanda Sbriscia, executive director of the HCC ganization that can do things like this. myriad of issues such as health insur- Foundation, hold a ceremonial check representing the bank’s As a mutual bank, we have the ability ance, food, housing and utility assis- $50,000 donation to HCC’s Thrive Student Resource Center. to focus on the needs of the commu- tance, and credit repair. nity, and I can tell you, standing here Thrive coordinator Rosemary today, it’s pretty obvious where the Fiedler personally made phone calls need is. This is certainly one of those on Royster’s behalf to organizations Envision programs that is very worthy, and I where his stolen identity had been the Life thank you for accepting this gift.” used to open fraudulent accounts. “We’re so grateful, not only for “Due to the assistance and ex- You Want. your financial support but for coming pertise of Rosemary and Thrive, I and taking the time to hear about was able to get the help that I HCC.EDU/START some of the work that we do,” Royal needed,” said Royster, a 37-year-old said. “A lot of times when people military veteran and psychology think of Holyoke Community Col- major from Chicopee. “I was finally lege, they only think about us as pro- able to get my name cleared and my viding educational services, but our credit has improved.” students come here and they are deal- Royster spoke Tuesday (Dec. ing with so many other challenges in 10) at a reception acknowledging a their lives, balancing work and school $50,000 donation from PeoplesBank and families and children and some- earmarked for HCC’s Thrive center. times health issues. We’re trying to The money will be used to establish create an environment where every- a dedicated fund for Thrive managed body knows Thrive is one of the re- by the HCC Foundation, the non- sources the college offers and as a profit fundraising corporation of student you have access to this and Holyoke Community College. everything else.” “This gift from PeoplesBank Fiedler explained that the goal will allow us to significantly scale up of Thrive is to help students stabilize the services we provide to students,” their lives so they can remain stu- Flexible on-campus and online REGISTER dents and finish their degrees. Often, said Amanda Sbriscia, HCC’s vice classes start January 27. president of Institutional Advance- TODAY! she said, it is difficult for students ment and executive director of the continues to page 15 af-am point of view page eleven january 1, 2020 HEALTH HEALTH MATTERS

Doris Sexton-Harris, Alzheimer’s Association to Offer Health Consultant, Doris can be Support, Education in Series of Programs contacted at [email protected] By Meghan Lemay, M.S., Regional Manager, Western MA Alzheimer’s Association setts/New Hampshire Chapter offers a diagnosis, and possible tests and as- Alzheimer’s As- several services and programs at no sessments for the diagnostic process. sociation 24/7 series of educational pro- cost. Understanding and Responding Helpline grams covering the basics of Two educational programs are to Dementia-Related Behavior offers (800.272.3900) is Meghan Lemay Alzheimer’s and dementia A scheduled to be held at the Raymond information to help decode behavioral available around the clock, 365 days for people facing a diagnosis and oth- A. Jordan Senior Center in Spring- messages and identify common be- a year. The helpline answers more ers seeking helpful information will field. Know the 10 Signs of Dementia havior triggers in people with than 300,000 calls each year, and of- be held in Springfield this winter. will take place Wednesday, January Alzheimer’s. Participants will learn fers translation services in more than According to the Alzheimer’s 22, from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. followed by strategies to help intervene with the 200 languages. The organization also Association, there are more than Understanding and Responding to most common behavioral challenges has several free, online tools to help 130,000 people in Massachusetts liv- Dementia-Related Behaviors on with dementia. find answers, local resources and sup- ing with Alzheimer’s disease sup- Wednesday, January 29, from 1 p.m. To register, call the Senior Cen- port at alz.org/manh. ported by roughly 340,000 family to 2 p.m. ter at 413-787-6785. The programs Alzheimer’s is a disease that im- caregivers—a number only expected Know the 10 Signs of Dementia are both free and open to the public. pacts the entire family and takes a to rise. In an effort to draw awareness will help attendees learn how to rec- People of all ages are encouraged to devastating toll on people living with to the growing public health crisis and ognize common signs of the disease. attend. Walk-ins are also welcome. the disease as well as their caregivers. support the tens of thousands of fam- This includes how to approach some- For those unable to attend the up- The Alzheimer’s Association strives ilies grappling with the disease, the one about memory concerns, the im- coming programs, information and to enhance care and support for all im- Alzheimer’s Association Massachu- portance of early detection, benefits of guidance is at your fingertips. The pacted by the disease. ■ YOUR HEALTH Too Much Ultra-Processed Foods Linked To Lower Heart Health were half as likely to have “ideal” role in maintaining a healthy heart Cardiovascular health is defined DALLAS, TX – Ultra-processed cardiovascular health, as defined by and blood vessels,” said Zefeng by the American Heart Association’s foods, which account for more than the American Heart Associations’ Zhang, M.D., Ph.D., an epidemiolo- Life’s Simple 7 as measures of half of an average American’s daily Life’s Simple 7®, compared with gist at the CDC. “Eating ultra- healthy blood pressure, cholesterol calories, are linked to lower measures people who ate 40% or less of their processed foods often displaces and blood glucose levels, avoidance of cardiovascular health, according to calories from ultra-processed foods. healthier foods that are rich in nutri- of tobacco products, good nutrition, preliminary research recently pre- Foods were categorized into ents, like fruit, vegetables, whole healthy body weight and adequate sented at the American Heart Associ- groups by the extent and purpose of grains and lean protein, which are physical activity. ation’s Scientific Sessions 2019 in industrial processing they undergo. strongly linked to good heart health. “This study underscores the im- Philadelphia. The Association’s Sci- Ultra-processed foods are made en- In addition, ultra-processed foods are portance of building a healthier diet entific Sessions is an annual premier tirely or mostly from substances ex- often high in salt, added sugars, satu- by eliminating foods such as sugar- global exchange of the latest ad- tracted from foods, such as fats, rated fat and other substances associ- sweetened beverages, cookies, cakes vances in cardiovascular science for starches, hydrogenated fats, added ated with increasing the risk of heart and other processed foods,” said researchers and clinicians sugar, modified starch and other com- disease.” Donna Arnett, Ph.D., past-president Researchers at the U.S. Centers pounds and include cosmetic addi- Using data from the National of the American Heart Association for Disease Control and Prevention tives such as artificial flavors, colors Health and Nutrition Examination and dean of the College of Public (CDC) found that for every 5% in- or emulsifiers. Examples include soft Survey (NHANES) collected be- Health at the University of Kentucky crease in calories from ultra- drinks, packaged salty snacks, cook- tween 2011 and 2016, researchers at in Lexington. “There are things you processed foods a person ate, there ies, cakes, processed meats, chicken the CDC reviewed the results from can do every day to improve your was a corresponding decrease in nuggets, powdered and packaged in- 13,446 adults, 20 years of age and health just a little bit. For example, overall cardiovascular health. Adults stant soups and many items often older, who completed a 24-hour di- instead of grabbing that loaf of white who ate approximately 70% of their marketed as “convenience foods.” etary recall and answered questions bread, grab a loaf of bread that’s calories from ultra-processed foods “Healthy diets play an important about their cardiovascular health. continues to page 19 af-am point of view page twelve january 1, 2020 HEALTH YOUR HEALTH there is an upside to the results. “The upside to learning you have a genetic predisposition to cancer is that you can then be monitored more closely with screening or pursue op- Genetic Testing Is Playing A Greater Role tions for surgical prevention or risk- reducing medication. Also, if someone has higher chances for a can- in Risk Assessment for Breast Cancer cer we cannot prevent, then we want SPRINGFIELD, MA – Genetic test- risk is five times the average risk. genes that can increase our risks for to monitor them earlier in life and ing today plays an important role in Baystate’s Family Cancer Risk cancers and other disease are with us more frequently so that if cancer does hereditary risk assessment for breast Program takes a team approach to ad- from birth and don’t change. We also happen, we have better chances of de- and other cancers. vising individuals on whether or not share our genes with our families. Not tecting it earlier,” said Richards. “Our ability to uncover informa- to consider testing, which test to have everyone wants to know that they “People also need to understand tion about human genes has taken off done, and if it is the right time in their have higher chances to develop cer- that while genetic testing may help to over the last decade. The ability to un- lives to consider testing and act upon tain types of cancers or tumors or identify individuals at higher risk for derstand this information and its ef- the results. think about how test results could af- cancer, a negative genetic test, unfor- fects on health and disease is steadily “It is a three step process. First, fect family members. That knowledge tunately, does not mean that someone improving as well. We are learning primary care providers need to review can be a huge weight in someone’s will never get breast or another form more and more about the genetics that your personal and family history of life. We work with patients to deter- of cancer,” added Dr. Makari-Judson. we are born with, and can pass on to cancer. Second, they should refer ap- mine if this genetic information will While a large majority of the our children. In some cases, we are propriate individuals to cancer genet- be helpful to them and if it is the right hereditary breast cancers seen at the also using information about changes ics specialists to consider testing. time in their lives to receive that info,” Family Cancer Risk Program are the in the genes within one cell, tissue, or Finally, individuals need appropriate said Richards. result of BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene counseling before and after testing to If someone does test positive, tumor that have been acquired during continues to page 13 our lifetime,” said Dr. Mary-Alice Ab- determine personalized strategies to bott, chief, Medical Genetics, reduce or prevent cancer,” said Dr. Baystate Medical Center. Makari-Judson. A diagnosis of breast and other As Dr. Makari-Judson noted, it cancers often prompts people to learn all begins by getting your medical his- more about their family histories, only tory as well as family history. to learn they have inherited a cancer “Details of these histories are im- susceptibility gene. portant because they can help us de- “Still, only a minority of cancers termine if someone meets current are related to a hereditary syndrome. criteria to warrant testing for heredi- For example, in women with a diag- tary cancer predisposition syndromes. nosis of breast cancer, less than 20% With some families we determine that are related to a familial tendency,” it is very unlikely for the family his- said Dr. Grace Makari-Judson, chair, tory to be due to a hereditary cause, Baystate Health Breast Network, and and that is good news. If genetic test- medical director of the Family Cancer ing is deemed appropriate, then the Risk Program. patient is scheduled for genetic coun- A woman with an average risk of seling. In a counseling visit, we dis- breast cancer has about a 12 percent cuss how test results may affect an chance of developing breast cancer, individual’s own medical manage- while only 1 in 1,000 men will de- ment, as well as the impact on their velop breast cancer, according to the children, siblings, and other family American Society of Clinical Oncol- members,” said licensed genetic coun- ogists (ASCO). If a woman’s first-de- selor Allie Richards, MS, CG at gree relative – mother, sister, brother, Baystate. children – develops breast cancer, her There are also the “pros and risk is double the average woman’s cons” of testing to consider. risk. If two first-degree relatives de- “This isn’t your average blood veloped breast cancer, the woman’s test. Any harmful changes to our af-am point of view page thirteen january 1, 2020 HEALTH YOUR HEALTH

Breast Cancer in Men is Rare, But More Deadly SPRINGFIELD, MA – If you are a man, you are a higher mortality rate,” she added. ● Family history of breast disease – 1 out of 5 men not exempt from developing breast cancer. Early detection is “key,” noted Dr. Brady, who who develop breast cancer has a family history This year an estimated 2,670 men in the United along with the American Cancer Society offers the of the disease States will be diagnosed with breast cancer and 500 following symptoms of breast cancer men should ● Inherited gene mutations – men with a mutation will die from the disease, according to the American be aware of: in the BRCA2 gene Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO). ● A lump or swelling, which is often (but not al- ● Elevated levels of estrogen associated with liver Still male breast cancer is rare with less than ways) painless disease, low-doses of estrogen-related drugs, 1% of all breast cancers developing in men. Black ● Skin dimpling or puckering and the rare genetic disease known as Klinefel- men have the highest incidence rates at 2.7 out of ● Nipple retraction (turning inward) ter’s syndrome every 10,000 men, followed by white men with 1.9 ● Redness or scaling of the nipple or breast skin ● Testicular conditions. diagnoses out of every 100,000 men. (emphasis ● Discharge from the nipple. “A percentage of men with breast cancer have added) inherited a gene mutation that causes the breast can- “I have only seen eight cases of male breast The standard of care for treatment of men with cer, and this gene mutation can be passed on to his cancer in the past 20 years,” said breast cancer sur- breast cancer remains mastectomy with lymph node children. Most breast cancers are not caused by this geon Dr. Elizabeth Brady of Baystate Medical Cen- evaluation through sentinel lymph node biopsy gene mutation, and researchers continue to work on ter. (checking 2-3 lymph nodes under the arm). Men establishing cause and effect so we can avoid risk “I believe we have done a good job over the may still benefit from chemotherapy or hormonal factors and prevent the disease,” said Dr. Brady. years in getting the word out to women about breast therapy, depending on the characteristics of their Similar to all cancers, leading a healthy cancer and the importance of screening mammog- specific breast cancer. lifestyle may be the key to prevention, such as: raphy. But, for men, not so much,” she continued. Overall, the 5-year survival rate for men with ● Maintaining an ideal body weight “While the chances are slim, men still need to breast cancer is 84%. However, for men diagnosed ● Eating healthy know that developing breast cancer in their lifetime with Stage 1 breast cancer, the 5-year survival rate ● Restricting alcohol consumption is a possibility. Unfortunately, there is a lack of is 100%. ● Exercising regularly. awareness among men and as a result they tend to Factors that can raise a man’s risk for develop- For more information on the Baystate Re- ignore any breast lumps. When they do finally de- ing breast cancer include: gional Cancer Program, visit cide to visit their doctor, it’s often when the tumor ● Age – most men are diagnosed with breast can- baystatehealth.org/cancer, or to request an ap- has grown significantly, and that is why men have cer in their 60s pointment call 413-794-9338. ■ Genetic Testing Playing A Greater Role continued from page 12 breast, ovarian, tubal or peritoneal cancer be as- mutations, it is still a very small subset of all who sessed for harmful BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations. develop breast cancer. The task force has now updated its recommendation “There are certainly other genes that may in- for this risk assessment to include women who per- crease a person’s risk of breast cancer and research sonally have been diagnosed with breast, ovarian or scientists are hard at work trying to identify them tubal cancer in the past, but completed treatment and to make testing even more successful,” said Dr. and are considered “cancer free,” and those who Abbott. have certain ancestries associated with BRCA1 or She noted that in addition to mutations of the BRCA2 mutations, such as being of Ashkenazi Jew- BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, several other genes are ish descent. Primary care providers can use USP- linked to an increased risk of breast cancer. Among STF guidelines to identify patients who have higher the hereditary cancer syndromes associated with chances to carry a mutation and then refer them for breast cancer risk include Ataxia Telangiectasia (A- genetic counseling. If appropriate, a genetic coun- T), Li-Fraumeni syndrome (LFS), Cowden syn- selor would discuss genetic testing for the muta- drome (CS), and Peutz-Jeghers syndrome (PJS). tions. The Family Cancer Risk Program at Baystate to-date approaches to cancer genetics. In August, the US Preventive Services Task incorporates the USPSTF guidelines, as well as cri- For more information on Baystate Medical Force updated its previous recommendation from teria from the National Comprehensive Cancer Center’s Family Cancer Risk Program, visit Network (NCCN) to provide access to the most up- 2013 that women who have a family history of baystatehealth.org or call (413) 794-8890. ■ af-am point of view page fourteen january 1, 2020 LIVING GOT H.E.R.S. INSPIRATIONAL THOUGHTS Harmful Habits for Black Women Fulfilling My Purpose―Starting The to Ditch: Part I. New Year Off Right! By Latoya Bosworth, PhD By Patricia Spradley He always provides exactly what we Dr. Latoya Bosworth Wearing the “Strong Black Patricia Spradley is dubbed herself Woman” Banner Chief Administrator for need. So, it shouldn’t have been a sur- Brenda’s Child in While we are on the topic of Parent and prise that He would provide the per- honor of her late health, we are not subscribing to the Community fect vehicle to make my transition into mother. She is an edu- Engagement, retirement, while fully utilizing my idea that because we are black cator, author, speaker, Springfield Public purpose. and self-esteem expert. women, we are invincible. According Schools Let the Quantum Leap begin! He www.brendaschild.com to recent studies, physicians were (413) 787-6597 enlarged my territory and enabled me found to believe that Black women lack women are winning in or twenty-five years, I had the to live my best life! He does this once have higher thresholds for pain and education. We are writing and great fortune and pleasure of you’ve completed the last assignment treat us accordingly. It is the reason Btelling our stories. We are Fworking for Springfield Public He gave you. If that isn’t blessing building our own table instead of for missed diagnoses, disproportion- Schools. I am thankful and grateful enough, I am doing this with my best waiting for a seat. Black women are ate maternal mortality rates, and more for the opportunity. I never thought of, friend, my husband! also dying earlier. Stress is killing us. later stage diagnoses for cancers. In nor anticipated staying that long. But I don’t know what “Live Your But we have some control over this. addition, it sends the internal message things like that happen when you ac- Best Life” means to anyone else. I can It’s time we ditch some of those that we must tolerate more… more cept His plans for your life. only speak to what it means to me. learned patterns of behavior and take marginalization, mistreatment, and It was always my plan to retire The most important word in the charge of our futures. It’s time to abuse from mainstream society and early. However, I didn’t know where phrase is “Your.” Looking at your STOP… our male counterparts. Black women or what I would be doing once it was morals, integrity, and values objec- have been the initiators of many mo- time. But I did know when the time tively and with honesty, figuring out Letting our Hair Deter Us from ments that changed America. Yes, we would be right. One of the most chal- what’s most important and matters, Exercising are resilient. Strong, even. But we are lenging signs was being patient and and going from there, was my According to the American also soft, vulnerable, and deserving still enough to hear Him tell me it was process. Once I figured that out, Heart Association, Black people are of empathy, support, protection, and time. And then, it happened. He re- everything was within my control. I at higher risk for heart disease, stroke, a break! vealed my purpose to me: To Mentor was equipped for my Quantum Leap and diabetes. In fact, we are 77% and Motivate Millions! and didn’t even realize it. more likely to be diagnosed with Suffering in Silence Once I wrapped my head around A common question for those re- Type 2 diabetes. While diet plays a The Strong Black woman what felt like an overwhelming obli- tiring is, “What will you do with your big role, a diagnosis of diabetes is ideation is why many of us suffer in gation, a sense of peace and calmness time?” There aren’t enough hours in a also related to a sedentary lifestyle. silence. Here we are struggling be- came over me. I began reflecting on day for my enlarged territory! Re- So, it’s surprising that even with the cause we are tired, overwhelmed, de- my childhood experiences and contin- member, mentoring and motivating natural hair movement, there are still pressed, or anxious and we don’t ued right up to the present. I had been millions! I will be helping people pur- women who won’t break a sweat be- want to burden anyone. Instead we performing my duties for decades! sue their dreams, live a healthier cause they don’t want to mess up wear the mask, smiling through the Encouraging and helping people lifestyle―inside and out―improve their ‘do’. But it could cost you your pain. Not anymore. We are ditching to be their best has always come nat- their finances and afford them oppor- life. The amount it costs to go the that for the new decade. No more urally to me, not to mention extremely tunities to travel the world. I will be hairdresser is much less than the “push through.” It is killing us slowly. gratifying. These last ten years have spending more quality time with my medical bills associated with illness. Our families and friends love us, and been positively affirming and reward- grandchildren. I will be selectively There are so many hair protection it’s okay to let them know when we ing for the next leg of my journey! Al- choosing consulting opportunities and products and caps available, there is need extra attention, when we are ways feeling called to my “purpose” writing for the Point of View, while no excuse. Don’t want to sweat? grieving, stressed out or frustrated. in life, having earned social respect, continuing to travel the world! Even walking at a moderate pace has and being blessed to have well-paid Readiness is important in seizing health benefits. It’s time to leave Look for Part II in the February opportunities to exercise my gifts opportunities, as is the willingness to vanity behind and start to move. edition of POV. were more than I needed to challenge do what it takes once you’ve recog- myself beyond my natural talents! nized them. I am ready to enjoy living One definition of transition is life to the fullest, making my own “an abrupt change in energy state or choices, and with no regrets. What a level usually accompanied by loss or way to start the New Year off right! gain of a single quantum of energy.” HAPPY NEW YEAR! af-am point of view page fifteen january 1, 2020 COMMUNITY POLITICAL HAPPENINGS - SPRINGFIELD CITY COUNCIL

Justin Hurst, Esquire 2020 TENTATIVE City Council Meeting Schedule At-Large Springfield City Councilor (All Mondays Unless Noted) jhurst@springfieldcity- hall.com The public is invited to attend the City Council Organizational Meeting 413-374-5844 and Swearing in Ceremony of the new City Council President, Justin Hurst, and Vice President, Adam Gomez, on January 6th at 12:00pm at City Hall (City Council Chambers) JANUARY 6 Organization APRIL 6 Regular SEPTEMBER 14 Regular Meeting (12:00 PM) 27 Hearing 21 Hearing 13 Regular MAY 4 Regular 27 Hearing 11 Regular OCTOBER 5 Regular 18 Hearing 19 Regular FEBRUARY 3 Regular 26 Hearing 24 Hearing JUNE 1 Regular 22 Regular NOVEMBER 16 Regular MARCH 9 Regular 29 Hearing 23 Hearing 16 Regular 30 Hearing JULY 20 Regular DECEMBER 7 Regular 14 Hearing AUGUST 17 Hearings 21 Regular LOCAL COLLEGES IN THE NEWS ance, said he didn’t hesitate when nately, Thrive was there to assist me, PeoplesBank Donates $50k Fiedler asked him to speak on and I’m honored to speak for Rose- she said. “You’ve got to create an en- continued from page 10 Thrive’s behalf. mary and the rest of the Thrive staff who are dealing with food insecurity vironment where they don’t feel “It’s important that others know judged.” there are good programs out there because my credit wouldn’t be where or homelessness to ask for help. Royster, who has also sought that HCC offers and these programs it is right now had it not been for their “We’re trying to normalize it,” Thrive’s assistance on health insur- can really help,” he said. “Fortu- help and this program.” ■ Health Science Centered Education at Baystate Academy Charter Public School e are now accepting appli- Wcations for enrolling 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th and 10th graders (current 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th and 9th graders) for the 2020–2021 school year. To learn more, please join us at one of the following information sessions to be held at the school on the following dates. • Thursday, January 23, 2020 • Tuesday, February 4, 2020 5:00 p.m. 5:00 p.m. • Wednesday, January 29, 2020 • Saturday, February 8, 2020 5:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. • Saturday, February 1, 2020 1:00 p.m. Please visit our website at www.bacps.net for more information. The application and lottery details are available on the website. The application deadline is February 14, 2020 at 4:00 pm. af-am point of view page sixteen january 1, 2020 COMMUNITY LATIN@ GROOVE

Magdalena Gómez is the Co-founder and Voices of Courage: Zubaida Bello, Poet Artistic Director of Springfield’s first and By Magdalena Gómez only Latin@theater, 2007 with support from the Latino Massachusetts and I provide the Col- Chalkbeat, and has filmed some of Teatro V!da. Ms. Gómez has been a Breakfast Club. lective’s training and mentorship. her work with renowned filmmaker teaching artist for Our youth driven monthly open Bello is also a member of the 2019 Adam Leon. Bello uses her poetry as over 35 years. mic takes place at the Bing Arts Cen- NYC Slam Team and a James Bald- an outlet for trauma, a form of ac- ter in the Forest Park neighborhood. win Scholar at Hampshire College. ubaida Bello is a member of tivism, and “to make other people Bello is part of the youth Collective She has performed original poetry at the Ign!te the M!c Collective, who are at the helm of all aspects of world famous Apollo theater; The smile.” She is currently working on a Zwhich I began as part of book of poems which will culminate the monthly event. Poet, Andrew Tor- Metropolitan Opera; New York Live Teatro V!da, the first Latinx theater res, a doctoral candidate in social jus- Arts; and Bryant Park, NYC. Zubaida as a performance work. Here are two in Springfield that I co-founded in tice education at the University of has published articles in Asterism and of Zubaida Bello’s poems: And hide the hole in her own chest Until I found Yemaya in the pools of my sweat. Fact: Worldwide, tobacco use causes more than 7 The beat of Gese drums shook my shoulders million deaths per year. But I found distorting mirrors, Which is to say, regurgitating the same images I tried to escape. I can’t count how many memories that is, But, can grief even be quantified? Every drum and dancer still reeling from imperial Can we hold the pain a loved one creates muzzles. With the light of a cigarette butt? The British Empire sowed silence into our dance And take it back? circles. Gave us rusty instruments Fact: The first time I saw my mother smoking, Forced our story into their “ballads” I was five and refused to hug her, So now I twirl on a fractured timeline, Because I thought the burning would be contagious A new way to examine my oppression. And here I am now, Still afflicted by flames. History’s burden inverted my knees. Zubaida Bello made claws of fingers Who would’ve thought my mother’s smoking tried to swallow me. Untitled would’ve taught me about grief? As Ife women, forbidden to speak Yoruba, broke By Zubaida Bello A flame that you can’t control their backs against fractured english Leaving ashes across your chest As Jukun women made dance of exorcism when In the night, And an ache where your heart should be colonizers criminalized their bodies. my mother sneaks a lone cigarette on the porch So, yes, Catching the last shadow before sunrise Twisting muscle into art is my inheritance To light her lungs aflame. Maybe I am selfish Maybe my mother is the one hurting more A world that makes space for me And I, Maybe she doesn’t even know it Even if I dance to a dissonance of generational Wake up to the aftermath, pain, Smoke chokehold my house But, when the last flames dies out, I will not be buried under this dance floor. Ashes floating like dust I’m gonna be the one left with the hole in my chest. I will oscillate to the sound of my own breath, Trying to convince myself that this is a dream Movement Solo That this isn’t forever By Zubaida Bello Unbound That for every cigarette that touches her lips, Make a home in afrobeats, I am not a step farther away from her I looked back to Nigeria when I realized I was too Like Fela twisted British guitars into submission and all the memories we could make short for b-boying Under Nigerian stomps. too wide for tap dancing. Fact: 34.3 million people smoke cigarettes Hoping to bend my body into a story. I’ll choreograph out sacrifice Which is to say, Mimic Ukwata dancers who told legends of mer- No colonial disruptions. There must be another girl covered in shadows, maids with their wrists. Trying to wash away the ashes Dance like Sango rumbled his thunder in my belly, Even if I must move to a new beat, dance bath I will not drown under the music. af-am point of view page seventeen january 1, 2020 COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP PIONEER VALLEY FOOD FOR THOUGHT New Year, New Me January is a Time of Renewal By Lora Wondolowski By Zaida Govan Lora Wondolowski, sential to the functioning of our organ- Zaida Govan is a be likened to a dance. Each of us has Director of Leadership izations regardless of sector. Strong native of Springfield the steps we do to be in that relation- Pioneer Valley, she is via Puerto Rico with teams allow us to function beyond our a passion for ship, good or bad. If there is anger and passionate about individual strengths to create some- improving the miscommunication in it, the steps are strengthening the community she Pioneer Valley. thing bigger and better. Mills empha- serves. She can be always the same. You get angry and Contact her at sizes the importance of creating a reached at don’t communicate why and I re- 413-737-3876 or 413.301.2533 or www.leadershippv.org caring environment, service to others, [email protected] spond by getting angrier because you and empathy. A team is more than a didn’t communicate why and we start anuary is a time of renewal. an you believe that it is 2020? group of individuals. This book is a our dance. Everyone thinks about how dif- It feels like just yesterday great addition to your bookshelf. We always say “if they would ferent this year will be from the Cwhen we were worrying about There is no silver bullet solution J just change” things would be differ- last. For a long time I would keep a Y2K. Think of all of the planning doc- to future disruptions related to artifi- ent. We never think about us chang- journal and every year I would write uments that contained “2020 Vision.” cial intelligence. Increasingly, com- ing. Well, we almost never think of the same thing. When I was looking Well now it is here and how can we be puters and machines are able to do changing because we believe we are back at my journals, I realized that I our best selves in a new decade with more. Life 3.0: Being Human in the good. But if we change one step in wrote the same thing every year in an a resonant name? Age of Artificial Intelligence by Max that dance, we change the dance. In- effort to change something in my life Our world continues to get more Tegmark was one of President stead of getting angry, I could ask you that needed to be changed. Sadly it complex, technology is changing Obama’s favorite books of 2018. The why you are angry in a calm and col- took many years before I realized that faster than ever, and workplaces con- lected tone of voice. The dance has author sets out to separate AI myths I kept doing the same thing while ex- tinue to evolve. I was watching the changed and now we are having a from reality in a readable and engag- pecting different results. That, of presidential debates this fall and was conversation. We find out we don’t ing way. The book tackles a number course, is the definition of insanity. Fi- really struck by Andrew Yang’s asser- belong together for whatever reason of challenging questions without nally I decided in the middle of a sum- tions about how artificial intelligence and we are free. This is not as compli- dumbing down the message. It is a mer that I was going to do something is disrupting the workforce. Whether cated or as simple as it sounds. When great way to begin exploring the topic different so that I could have some- or not you support Yang, he is right to you are used to doing something the and thinking about how you will com- thing different. focus on this aspect. Things are rap- same way for so long, it can be diffi- pete in the future. We always talk about losing idly changing and we need to continue cult to change. The last book is Imagine It For- weight, getting in shape, getting out The problem is that it is the only to evolve and develop to compete. ward by Beth Comstock. Comstock of a crazy relationship (or is that just way to change the outcome. They say That is easier said than done on top of shares decades of insights from work- me) but we keep eating the same way, everything else on my to-do list. ing at GE and her career path. She il- working out or not the same way and creating a new habit takes about 30 Where to start? lustrates how she navigated doing the same “crazy relationship” days. I start in July to shop for Christ- I began by perusing some new relationships to create an innovative dance. There is a series of books mas. I started doing that one year leadership books. I admit that I have and fearless culture. Her story is a called “The Dance of …” by Dr. Har- when I decided that I didn’t want to many on my shelves that I haven’t great example of the workplace tran- riet Lerner. It could be anger, inti- be broke in January. The steps of my read yet. On a recent book store trip, sitions happening right now from late macy, connection, etc. In these books dance with Christmas changed and so Leadership in Turbulent Times by industrial-era companies to uncertain- she talks about changing the steps to did the outcome. Now in January I Doris Kearns Goodwin caught my ties in the digital age. These cultures the dance we are doing. When we are only have to worry about losing eye. Goodwin is a great biographer don’t happen by accident and creating in a relationship for example, we get weight and getting in shape. One who has turned to lessons from four them is not easy. into a routine which could thing at a time. Have a great 2020! ■ U.S. presidents: Lincoln, Theodore Additionally, Leadership Pioneer Roosevelt, FDR, and Lyndon John- Valley will be launching a number of son. She explores highs and lows of personal and professional develop- or have been at your job each that illustrate how leaders are ment workshops for our alumni and for decades, the New Year made and not born. Although the beyond this winter. Our alumni con- creates an opportunity to presidency is out of reach, the fallibil- tinue to look for opportunities to grow reflect on how you want ity of leaders is important to under- after the completion of our LEAP pro- to grow and sharpen your standing the elements of true gram. We’ll also offer intimate break- spear to keep up with our leadership. fast conversations with a variety of complex world. Check out The next book is Unstoppable local leaders on a variety of topics. leadershippv.org for up- Teams by Alden Mills. Teams are es- Whether you’re a nimble entrepreneur coming sessions. ■ af-am point of view page eighteen january 1, 2020 COMMUNITY COMMUNITY FOCUS The Western Massachusetts Young Democrats By Felicia Harvey e are the Western Massa- issues are dealt with in the best pos- in the absence of the chair. They are chusetts Young Democrats sible manner. The chairperson is the in charge of the operations of the W(“WMYD”)! We are a one who leads the team, authorizes WMYD within their regions. They committee that has values and goals the board meetings, general meetings, work diligently to organize program- that state that we are a set of young conventions, and events sponsored by ming to provide educational and de- democrats of Massachusetts who set the WMYD. He acts as the velopmental assistance to all WMYD our political standards to elect de- spokesperson of the chapter, is re- members; maintain relationships with mocrats at the local, state and federal sponsible for the appointment of the local democratic committees within levels. We also put our time into sup- secretary who must be voted on by the western mass district in order to porting and molding our democrat ac- the chapter and is responsible for the provide their members with involve- tivists through high schools, colleges, appointment of the deputy political ment opportunities as a young demo- and local cities and town committees. director who also must be voted on crat; and serve as the YDMA’s We have a monthly mixer (meet by the chapter. membership and outreach committee. and greet) where all are invited to The vice chairs are Gabrielle Olivia Live is the secretary and Felicia Harvey, Political come out, have a good time with us Jackson and Mark Cote. Their duties her duties are: She responsible for the Director; Mark Cote, Vice and learn about who we are. include: Assisting the chairman in or- group meeting process. She arranges Chair; Olivia Live, Secretary; Lezlie Campbell is the chapter ganizing the work program of the the meetings and keeps records like and Lezlie Campbell, Chair. chair and his duties include: Making committees of which they are in timing per minute and discussion of Gabrielle Jackson, sure each meeting is planned effec- charge according to the council’s the meetings. Her duties include but Vice Chair, is not shown. tively and followed through in accor- completed delegated program and as- are not limited to keeping records of dance with the constitution and that sisting the chair with duties as needed correspondence. She also works with continues to page 34 Brianna Fund: Benefit Concert continued from page 5 They have raised funds to support 48 children and their families by funding children. access to such needs as home modi- The evening promises an uplift- fications, vehicle acquisition and di- ing community sharing and the im- verse adaptive equipment. In 1999, portant opportunity to support those Brianna Johnson, for whom the fund special, often unseen, needs of your friends and neighbors. is named, was the first recipient and For more information please symbolizes the mission of the Bri- call 413 204 0145 or visit the Bri- anna Fund of hope, flight and free- anna Fund website at Brianna- dom as she is now a successful Fund.org. Contributions can be professional woman with a challeng- mailed to Brianna Fund, P.O Box ing and exciting career. Her hard won 1502, Springfield, MA 01103. strides come with the support and en- couragement of those around her and 1 Meet outreach specialist Mabel vital access to the tools that gave her Sharif - to know her is to love her, the wings to follow her dream. Every Baystate Health, Dec,28,2016. year since, the Brianna Fund has https://www.baystatehealth.org/n made a substantive difference in the ews/2016/12/employee-profile- lives of children and their families. mabel-sharif.

www.facebook.com/AfAmPointofView af-am point of view page nineteen january 1, 2020 COMMUNITY COMMUNITY BEAT

Ken Harris is a former Special Police Officer How Good Are Your Cyber Security Defenses? and Corrections Officer. He is a By Ken Harris graduate of STCC. awareness information that provides try to ignore or dismiss the problem Follow him at an understanding of the topic appro- ● Opening an infected email attach- because this contamination can shadowedu.blogspot.com priate for the average person without ment spread to other unsuspecting individ- pvpeduc.wixsite.com/arts promoting antivirus software (more ● Sharing passwords uals if it is left unaddressed. ● Providing them with restricted in- appy New Year! As we em- on that later)? We can decrease these chal- formation to which they should bark on 2020, I personally So, I have decided to spend each lenges by relying on our daily prac- not have access feel that an emphasis on so- month of this year explaining issues tices in managing our online affairs H ● Allowing a stranger into a re- cial media and sensitive information pertaining to cyber security such as appropriately. That certainly means stricted area in the world of cyber security de- social engineering, malware, phish- not sharing our passwords with others serves attention. ing, etc. Although I definitely do not If something sounds too good to and engaging in two-step verifica- Here in the 21st century, it ap- profess to be an expert in this area, be true, most likely it is. A call in- tions if available to gain access to our pears that cyber attackers are con- I’ll try to explain in the simplest way forming one of a cash prize or mone- accounts. A two-step verification con- stantly refining their methods in what these methods consist of and tary gain for some immediate task sists of using more than one action to breaching the private data of unsus- how you can keep yourself safe and that needs to be done can come by log onto an account. For example, pecting individuals, small businesses, secure from these never-ending vul- way of email, a phone call, or the after completing your log in creden- and corporations on a regular basis. nerabilities. hacking of a friend or follower’s so- tials, you can opt-in to receive a tem- I have spent much of my down What you don’t often hear on cial media account. If you experience porary code via email to proceed or time reading various online articles the news or in online articles is how this, and something about it don’t answer a set of personal questions no on the subject of cyber attackers and easy it can be for you to protect your sound right, hang up or don’t respond one knows the answer to. The best soaking in knowledge from various sensitive information. It’s not neces- to the request. If you have the direct defense in ensuring the safety of your trainings related to employment sarily all that hard and safeguards number of the person, initiate contact data begins with you. throughout the years. A lot of the con- don’t have to always mean relying on to inform him or her of what was sent My weekly blog, “Cyber Brats” tent uses terminology and boring de- purchasing antivirus software to keep to you or requested from you. contains relevant information that scriptions of technical content that you free from threats. If you feel your own account will not put you to sleep. Please lulled me to sleep sometimes. Why is A cyber attacker’s aim is to rush was hacked, contact your technical check it out and subscribe for FREE it so difficult to find cyber security you into making these errors: assistance team or help desk. Never at https://www.kenharrisnews.com/ YOUR HEALTH Too Much Ultra-Processed Foods Linked To Lower Heart Health continued from page 11 2019, follow us on Twitter @HeartNews The American Heart Association’s Scientific whole grain or wheat bread. Try replacing a ham- #AHA19. Sessions is a premier global exchange of the latest burger with fish once or twice a week. Making Statements and conclusions of study authors advances in cardiovascular science for researchers small changes can add up to better heart health.” presented at American Heart Association scientific and clinicians. Scientific Sessions 2019 is Novem- Co-authors are Sandra Jackson, Ph.D.; Eu- meetings are solely those of the study authors and ber 16-18 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center ridice Martinez, Ph.D.; Cathleen Gillespie, M.S.; do not necessarily reflect the Association’s policy in Philadelphia. More than 12,000 leading physi- and Quanhe Yang, Ph.D. Author disclosures are in or position. The Association makes no representa- cians, scientists, cardiologists and allied health the abstract. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control tion or guarantee as to their accuracy or reliability. care professionals from around the world convene and Prevention funded the study. The Association receives funding primarily from at the Scientific Sessions to participate in basic, Additional Resources: individuals; foundations and corporations (includ- clinical and population science presentations, dis- ● Downloadable multimedia available on the ing pharmaceutical, device manufacturers and cussions and curricula that can shape the future of right column of the release link https://news- other companies) also make donations and fund cardiovascular science and medicine, including room.heart.org/news/too-much-ultra- specific Association programs and events. The As- prevention and quality improvement. During the processed-foods-linked-to-lower-heart-healt sociation has strict policies to prevent these rela- three-day meeting, attendees receive exclusive ac- h?preview=952ec1a609f869fae2be700b31431 tionships from influencing the science content. cess to over 4,100 original research presentations 535 Revenues from pharmaceutical and device corpo- and can earn Continuing Medical Education ● Healthy Eating rations and health insurance providers are avail- (CME), Continuing Education (CE) or Mainte- ● Unhealthy Foods able at nance of Certification (MOC) credits for educa- ● Understanding Food Nutrition Labels https://www.heart.org/en/about-us/aha-financial- tional sessions. Engage in the Scientific Sessions ● For more news at AHA Scientific Sessions information. conversation on social media via #AHA19. af-amAround point of view Town page& twenty . . . january 1, 2020

The Peter Brace Brigade (left) and DREAM Studios Dancers (right) participated in the Springfield Parade of the Big Balloons the Friday after Thanksgiving

The Theta Iota Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity co- ordinated the delivery of 159 Thanksgiving Baskets to needy families throughout the Greater Springfield area. The organizations that as- The DuBois Academy Pre-Thanksgiving lunch took place at sembled the food items for the baskets included Alpha Phi Alpha Fra- DeBerry School recently ternity, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Amherst A Better Chance (ABC), Bethel AME Church, Delta Sigma Theta, Jack & Jill, Mar- tin Luther King Jr. Family Services Community Center, Mt. Zion Community Baptist Church, Sigma Gamma Rho, St. John’s Congre- gational Church, and Zeta Phi Beta

JELUPA Productions under the direction of Executive Director L’Kuicha Parks (center) produced the play, “The Forgotten Spirit,” to rave reviews at American International College during the Thanksgiving weekend af-am. point of. view . In The Communitypage twenty-one january 1, 2020

St. Peter’s Church Episcopal Church held the Sliver Stars Recogni- Avery Sharpe (on bass) and a talented assembly of musicians along tion Banquet at Christ Church Cathedral. Standing L to R: MC with the Extended Family Choir under the direction of Avery’s Elaine Nunes, Honorees Thelma Mitchell and Doris Woodgett, and brother, Kevin Sharpe, performed his work “400, An African Interim Priest Rev. Michael DeVine; Seated L to R: Honorees American Portrait” at UMass Amherst’s Bowker Auditorium Sylvia Johnson and Christine McGregor

During the “I Found Light Against All Odds Black and White Gala,” several people and organizations received recognition. L to Lighthouse Outreach Ministries presented the 20th Pastoral An- R: Awardees Dawn Forbes DiStefano, Nicole Taylor, Chris Mai- niversary Gala of Pastor Minnie Brown recently. Standing L to R: wald, Kristine Allard, Jenise Katalina, and Robert Jackson Jr. rep- Bishop-Elect James Gill Jr., Alice Daniels and Pastor Andrew resenting his father Robert Cee Jackson, Executive Director Stefan Daniels. Seated L to R: Co-Pastor Betty Gill, Pastor Robert Davis, Awardees Vanessa and Manny Slaughter, Michael White Daniels and Honoree Pastor Minnie Brown and members of the Melha Shriners

WTCC held their Annual Holiday Party for Children at STCC recently af-am point of view page twenty-two january 1, 2020 COMMUNITY SPECIAL TO POINT OF VIEW SAMUEL BOLDEN: A Man For All People By Della Blake raised the children. Throughout Jasper County you will find the Bolden name. The family was instru- mental in building churches and active in church communities as pastors and deacons. As was the tradition during that time due to the work required to run a farm and raise a family, Dad was raised by two older sisters. Although he was the 3rd youngest, it was often said that he was the “spoiled” one in the family. Our father grew up in the church where he and his brothers formed a gospel group and traveled to other churches to sing. Many folks in Springfield know members of the Bolden family who are singers in churches here. And some of you know how dad loved to sing Karaoke. He surprised many people who didn’t know he could sing. As a child, he grew up during hard times in the racist South. Dad shared his stories about these ex- E. Henry Twiggs and Samuel Bolden periences and how they taught him to stand up for his rights as a human being and as a man and how “Waterfront Club.” It was there that Dad began his they were the catalyst in his passion to stand up for legacy of impacting and supporting his community. others during his lifetime. I asked people about our dad’s impact on this Dad graduated from Ridgeland-Hardeeville city. Why are folks always looking to recognize High School in 1953. He attended 1-½ years of col- him? Through the eyes of others, I learned that he lege, where he was a Liberal Arts Major. His college was a man who was easily described as a person experience was interrupted when his family home with phenomenal passion and compassion for his Samuel Bolden was consumed by fire and he returned home to help community. This passion was always reflected in rebuild it. Shortly thereafter, Dad was drafted into his outstanding quickness to help others who were April 15 1935 ― January 21, 2019 the Army. He was assigned to the Infantry where he less fortunate especially through the community en- ur Dad, Samuel Albert Bolden, was born trained in combat to capture and destroy enemy gagement projects that he sponsored such as annual April 15, 1935, in Pineland, South Carolina, ground forces. He was honorably discharged after turkey giveaways, Halloween parties for children to Oa small town known for its Pecan and Span- fulfilling his service commitment to this country. ensure that they were in a safe environment, wed- ish moss trees. Dad told us you would know what He relocated to Springfield, Massachusetts in dings, repasts, fundraisers for community organiza- part of South Carolina that black people came from 1958, and lived with his sister on Tyler Street. He tions and more. He incurred all the costs for these by their territorial language. loved the Winchester Square community, so he community events. Most Black people who lived in South Carolina made it his “forever” home. As the community he Dad was known to share essential life lessons. were considered Islanders because they had their came to love would soon learn, Dad was not a quiet One lesson he taught many people was that the in- own language besides American English. Dad en- person. He let his voice be heard not only on the job gredient to a successful life is giving. He always joyed talking about the “Geechee” folks and about but in his community as well. He became well looked out for others who were not capable of rep- the Gullah language they spoke. The history of the known for his advocacy as many community leaders resenting themselves. He helped people with their Gullah Islands has in recent years been part of doc- today will attest to, and it was in Springfield where utility bills, food, and rent and was a great advocate umentaries and independent films. Gullah English he met, married and raised a family with his life of supporting black owned businesses, many of is Sea Island Creole English spoken mostly by those partner of 60 years, Willie Dell (Price) Bolden. which he would partner with for service to the Club. living on the coast. Dad never learned to speak Gul- Dad worked for Moore Drop Forging Co. for One person told me that Dad’s passion for the lah but he understood it. many years and worked part-time at night as a gas community was very obvious due to all the things He was the 7th of 9 children born to Ernest attendant to provide for his family. He retired from that he did. He believed that one must do good for Bolden and Anna (Deloach) Bolden. He grew up on Moore Drop Forging Company as the first African the neighborhood because doing good for the neigh- a farm owned by his family that produced cotton, American President of the Local AFL-CIO which borhood is what sustains it, especially for the chil- watermelon, vegetables and livestock. His father was comprised of all white officers. After his retire- dren. One of the very many proclamations he was a carpenter as well as a farmer. Dad’s mom, ment, he and three others partnered in a business op- received during his lifetime spoke to his sense of Anna, was a midwife who took care of the home and portunity to form what became the famous continues to page 33 af-am point of view page twenty-three january 1, 2020 COMMUNITY EDUCATION LAW NOTES

Dr. Bridgette Baldwin is a Professor of Law at West- ern New England Univer- Marking the Centennial sity School of Law with areas of interest in crimi- nal law and procedure, in- ternational criminal law, of the Law School evidence, critical race the- ory, cybercrime and wel- By Dean Sudha Setty fare law. 1919, “there will be offered during skills through a deep institutional hroughout 2019, we at West- the evening hours, at reasonable rates, commitment to learning by doing. Sudha Setty is the 11th dean and ern New England University course of study on the highest plane Our faculty prioritizes working with first person of color to serve as TSchool of Law have cele- and leading to marked efficiency.” It our students as they grow into dean of the Western New England brated our centennial by looking back was, apparently, a pretty good sales thoughtful, ethical, and engaged University School of Law. one hundred years to our roots, con- pitch, since 23 students enrolled that lawyers. This emphasis on social en- practice of law can be both a profes- sidering the work that we do now, and fall to study law. gagement comes naturally to Western sion and a vocation.” envisioning what horizons we can We have come a long way as a New England, which has for its 100 Embedded in our mission is a reach in our second century. In Sep- university, just as legal education has years been student-centered and fo- commitment to Springfield and its tember 1919, our institutional mis- changed dramatically over the course cused on providing educational expe- many communities. We now under- sion reflected the needs of the greater of a century. Law is now a graduate riences that build skills and prepare take new initiatives such as our Cen- Springfield community by providing field of study. Western New England students for real-world lawyering. ter for Social Justice. We have an opportunity for legal education has been fully accredited by the The faculty of the law school recently initiated programming that mentors that was available to the working American Bar Association for nearly articulated a new mission statement: and encourages students from under- public, with night classes offered at four decades. Our faculty, staff, and “Over a century ago, we were represented backgrounds to consider the YMCA building in downtown student body has also changed in sig- founded to educate law students from careers in law. And we are also pro- Springfield. At that time, one full- nificant ways, with more women, populations that were underrepre- viding support for current law stu- time professor was hired to run what people of color, and members of the sented in the legal profession. Today, dents in careers that help families, the was then the Springfield division of LGBTQ community being repre- we teach a diverse student body elderly, veterans, people in the crim- Northeastern College (now North- sented in all aspects of the law drawn from all walks of life in a rig- inal justice system, and rural commu- eastern University), and he worked school. orous program that blends theory, nities with their unmet legal needs. At with a cohort of part-time instructors Yet our core values remain the skills, and ethical values. We prepare the start of a new centennial, we teaching law to undergraduate stu- same. We still offer courses that en- students to serve the future needs of recommit ourselves to our mission dents. As the bulletin in the Spring- gage students “on the highest plane” society with knowledge, competence, and to roots that stretch back over a field Daily News said in August while also developing their practical and compassion, ensuring that the century. ■

The Albert Woodfox Story continued from page 5 scribes over 4 decades of abuse, mis- in solitary confinement. My story of treatment, humiliation and injustice. transformation and hope. Solitary Held in a 6x9 cell for 23 hours a day, was not only commended as a No- Woodfox would become a staunch table Book of the Year by the New advocate for prison reform, the rights York Times, it was also a finalist for of prisoners, and the abolishment of the 2019 National Book award in solitary confinement. nonfiction. In Solitary, Woodfox de- Mr. Woodfox travels the world telling his story; it is a story of vic- tory in a time of defeat. In his own being, Mr. Wood- fox is the embod- Concentrating in Real Estate Lauren Carasik, Dean Sudha Setty, Professor Harris Freeman, iment of justice Attorney George Kendall and Albert Woodfox and mercy. His Photo by Visionmerge Productions courage and all that justice is not always fair, it is never write over the past but must strength should be not without struggle, and that sacri- build towards a better tomorrow. ■ a reminder to us fices are continually made that can af-am point of view page twenty-four january 1, 2020 EDITORIAL FROM THE PUBLISHER’S DESK POLITICS IS A NOBLE PROFESSION AND A DIRTY, BUT NECESSARY, BUSINESS By Frederick A. Hurst OF VIEW Frederick A. Hurst MY POINT Domenic Sarno a Happy New Year and made himself known to the many Springfield City Councilor Justin and congratulate him for his skillful newcomers, did not. Hurst, who came in first place in both ell it’s another New Year reconfiguration of his wholehearted Happy New Year to Ken Shea the primary and final elections even and time again to take commitment to the fifth place winner who decided to not run for re-election though the “artful social media writer” Wstock of the last year and in the September primary (the “artful to the Springfield City Council al- and his minions expected to stamp out prepare for the next. I had started but social media writer”). Harry Houdini though he probably could have contin- the “spades” political career. I predict discarded two articles either one of couldn’t have managed a more adept ued to dominate Ward 6 because of his that Justin will be as good and better a which would have been my first arti- escape from a disastrous outcome al- continuous, lengthy history in Spring- Council President as he was in his last cle for the New Year but I decided though Mayor Sarno, in his next re- field politics, serving on the School term and will be convinced to run for they were too harsh and too much a election campaign, should hope his Committee for many years and there- higher office sometime in the near fu- carryover from last year. new reputation as an escape artist after on the Council. ture. The first one was untitled and doesn’t end the way Houdini’s did And Happy New Year to Spring- And Happy New Year to the probably better left unprinted. But the (under water). field at-large City Councilor Tracye “Best City Council Ever,” the 2018- second was titled “Politics is a Noble I wish Councilor-at-large (“for- Whitfield and congratulations to her 2019 Springfield City Council, which Profession and a Dirty Business.” It mer” by the time most read this) Tim for her fourth place finish in the final was the most diverse, aggressive and just didn’t seem right for me to enter Ryan and his lovely family a happy in which some expected her to come effective Council in decades. With the the New Year with such a weighty New Year and peace. It was rumored in at 5th place behind the “artful social additions of Sean Curran and Malo topic. So I decided to limit myself to that Tim was encouraged to run as a media writer” who some foolishly Brown, it remains to be seen how the some simple, pleasant Happy New Ward 6 replacement to the retiring predicted would come in first place. next City Council will compare. Year notes. Ken Shea as part of Mayor Domenic Whitfield is sophisticated enough to First, I wish Springfield’s Ward 4 Sarno’s grand strategy to take over the know that she was considered collat- OTHER NEW YEAR PREDICTIONS: City Councilor-elect Malo Brown a city council, which included, of eral damage in the race in which the 1. Bud Williams will be re-elected as Happy New Year and hope that his course, the Mayor’s support for the Mayor’s shenanigans could have very state representative in the 11th first term as a Springfield City Coun- “artful social media writer,” whose well placed her in sixth place and Hampden District unless a quali- cilor makes his boss, State Represen- initial surge in the primary election knocked her off of the council. I pre- fied Black woman opposes him. tative Bud Williams, proud and the made such a strategy look real good. I dict that Tracye will make a significant 2. Congressman Richie Neal will rest of us prouder than his election don’t believe the rumors beyond the impact on city government in the New emerge as an even much more made us. part involving the Mayor’s effort to Year. powerful Congressional leader as Second, I wish Springfield’s at- usurp the council. It was a good try. And Happy New Year to Eric he raises his profile in a manner large City Councilor-elect Sean Cur- More than likely, Tim Ryan, un- Lesser who everybody is trying to contrary to his past low key prac- ran a Happy New Year and derstandably, believed the neighbor- convince me is perfect. Well, I thought tice. congratulate him for his defeat of the hood he was raised in and from where nobody could be closer to a perfect 3. Mayor Domenic Sarno will learn retired fire fighter who seemed to be his father, former Springfield Mayor politician than Barack Obama, who the art of compromise. headed for a substantial victory with Charlie Ryan, was twice supported for wasn’t perfect. But I also knew he was 4. Marijuana legalization will lead to the support of Springfield’s Mayor mayor and from which Ken Shea was made better by the so many who crit- criminal indictments in Spring- Domenic Sarno until his “artful social repeatedly re-elected, and which had icized him fairly (including me). I field. media writings” derailed him. always been dominated by the White happen to like Eric Lesser because he 5. My cynical attitude toward politics On that same note, I wish the vot- vote, would easily elect him and he speaks up and works hard and repre- will continue to be grounded in my ers of Springfield a Happy New Year could, thereafter, avoid the perils of an sents the future as does my son, who belief that politics in a democracy and congratulate them for demonstrat- at-large contest in which the mayor along with his wife, Denise, is a one is a noble profession but also a ing phenomenal discretion in deciding was pushing hard for the election of of Lesser’s close allies. But, like in the dirty, though necessary, business. to elect Sean Curran as the fifth at- the likes of the “artful social media past year, I do not intend to treat large City Councilor instead of the writer.” Like so many others, Tim mis- Lesser any differently in the New Year Happy New Year to all of our “artful social media writer.” It was a calculated the impact of changing de- because it would be unfair to him. wonderful and loyal Point of View breath of fresh air to witness the over- mographics on the once all-White Rather, even as I wish him well, I hope contributors and to our readers and ad- whelming multi-racial reaction against Forest Park neighborhood and the dif- I can be almost as tough on him as I vertisers and to those whose lives con- bigotry. The future of Springfield ference it would make in the election am on my own son. But that is surely tinue to create the subjects that make looks brighter. while Ward 6 City Councilor-elect impossible. our Point of View content diverse and And I wish Springfield Mayor Victor Davila, who walked Ward 6 And Happy New Year to my son, interesting. ■ af-am point of view page twenty-five january 1, 2020 LETTERS TO THE PUBLISHER “Rotate The States” Trump Alerts! By Marjorie J. Hurst very four years since 1972, Iowa and New Hampshire in tandem have Erepeatedly been the first two states to vote in the American presidential THE HOUSE VOTES TO IMPEACH TRUMP! primary process. Isn’t it time for the other 48 states to take their turns at Resolved, That Donald J. Trump, President of the United States, is impeached being one of the first two states to vote? for high crimes and misdemeanors and that the following articles of impeach- We should reform the presidential primary process in time for 2024 by ment be exhibited to the United States Senate: instituting a rotational centurial schedule whereby every state will finally ARTICLE I: ABUSE OF POWER have the opportunity to be one of the first two states to vote. “. . .Donald J. Trump has abused the powers of the Presidency, in that: Rotating the states would bring a much needed, overdue element of fairness “. . .Using the powers of his high office, President Trump solicited the inter- to our primary system by giving each state (no matter how sparsely popu- ference of a foreign government, Ukraine, in the 2020 United States Presi- lated) a period of political relevance. dential election. He did so through a scheme or course of conduct that Also, moving Iowa and New Hampshire out of their unwarranted priv- included soliciting the Government of Ukraine to publicly announce investi- gations that would benefit his reelection, harm the election prospects of a po- ileged political positions at the front of the line would help make the process litical opponent, and influence the 2020 United States Presidential election more demographically representative of the nation at large. to his advantage. President Trump also sought to pressure the Government Here’s an idea of what the first two states’ rotational schedule could look of Ukraine to take these steps by conditioning official United States Govern- like over the course of the next century. ment acts of significant value to Ukraine on its public announcement of the investigations. President Trump engaged in this scheme or course of conduct 2024 - Kansas, California. 2076 - Utah, Georgia. for corrupt purposes in pursuit of personal political benefit. In so doing, Pres- 2028 - Vermont, Texas. 2080 - Hawaii, Washington. ident Trump used the powers of the Presidency in a manner that compromised 2032 - Montana, New York. 2084 - West Virginia, Colorado. the national security of the United States and undermined the integrity of the 2036 - North Dakota, Florida. 2088 - Nebraska, Virginia. United States democratic process. He thus ignored and injured the interests 2040 - Idaho, Illinois. 2092 - Indiana, New Jersey. of the Nation. . . ” 2044 - Oregon, Ohio. 2096 - Maine, Tennessee. ARTICLE II: OBSTRUCTION OF CONGRESS 2048 - Arkansas, Pennsylvania. 2100 - Mississippi, Minnesota. “. . .Donald J. Trump has directed the unprecedented, categorical, and indis- 2052 - New Mexico, 2104 - Delaware, Louisiana. criminate defiance of subpoenas issued by the House of Representatives pur- North Carolina. 2108 - South Dakota, Maryland. suant to its “sole Power of Impeachment”. President Trump has abused the 2056 - Kentucky, Michigan. 2112 - Alaska, Nevada. powers of the Presidency in a manner offensive to, and subversive of, the Con- 2060 - Alabama, Arizona. 2116 - Rhode Island, stitution, in that: 2064 - Oklahoma, Massachusetts. South Carolina. “. . .In response, without lawful cause or excuse, President Trump directed 2068 - Wyoming, Missouri. 2120 - Iowa, New Hampshire. Executive Branch agencies, offices, and officials not to comply with those 2072 - Connecticut, Wisconsin. subpoenas. President Trump thus interposed the powers of the Presidency against the lawful subpoenas of the House of Representatives, and assumed Sincerely, to himself functions and judgments necessary to the exercise of the “sole Jake Pickering (12/17/19) Power of Impeachment” vested by the Constitution in the House of Repre- Arcata, CA sentatives. . .” guided them through the Russian revolution of 1917 to support Stalin through AF-AM NEWS bits some of the ugliest behavior in recorded history. I was reminded of Donald By Frederick A. Hurst Trump who many are tempted to compare to Adolf Hitler. I think it would be more appropriate to view Trump as a far less intelligent, shallow, Stalin continued from page 4 wannabe who is bereft of any ideological anchor just as he appears to yearn to was called by the Republicans. He agreed that the facts as presented met the be like most present day dictators and pushes the Constitutional envelope to Constitutional requirements for impeachment but he testified that impeachment should not happen without a more in depth investigation, especially involving make it happen while a wall of elected Republicans go along. Thank God for calling the witnesses that the President has ordered not to cooperate with Con- impeachment and Democrats. gress, which is itself grounds for impeachment. What emerged from the day’s LISTENING IS BELIEVING testimony and comments from Congressional Republicans is that the Democ- s I read about the recent college scandal in which privileged White folks rats will follow Constitutional dictates and the Republicans will ignore them. Acheated through a variety of schemes to guarantee their kids would qualify STALIN AND TRUMP for colleges of their choice and listened to their explanations, I became con- aving just completed a more than 700 page biography by Stephen Kotkin vinced that most of them really believed what they were doing was okay until Hon Josef Stalin, I am more enlightened by how a person can completely the law stepped in and surprised them with criminal charges. I am convinced divorce himself from compassion and empathy in the pursuit of raw power at that had most of them been conscious that they were breaking the law and were the expense of most of those he is supposed to represent. But what was more in jeopardy of going to jail, they would not have cheated. As I listened, I un- eye opening was, once Stalin had established himself as supreme leader, the derstood the legal ignorance, but I remain astounded by the complete moral extent to which other powerful people around him shed the principles that vacuum that seemed to have arisen from their senses of entitlement. ■ af-am point of view page twenty-six january 1, 2020 RELIGION RELIGIOUS POINT OF VIEW

Dr. Atu White, Editor, serves as Pastor of the Mt. Zion Baptist Church, Start Small. Start Often. START NOW! 33 Oak Street, Springfield, MA and as First Vice continued from page 1 ances. Reorder your financial priorities by committing to saving ten percent, President of the United miah, “Before you were born I knew giving ten percent to a community-driven church, and investing at least five Baptist Convention of Massachusetts, Rhode you and purposed you” (Jeremiah 1:5). percent. Money Matters! Island, and New Hampshire. Thankfully, God made us complete in [email protected] I WILL CHERISH MY BODY Him (Colossians 2:10). Getting to Scripture encourages us to honor God with our bodies (1 Corinthians 6:20). know God and appreciating His creative genius in us increases our ability to Let us commit to regular check-ups, moderate exercise, and reduced portion “Think Inside the Box.” Do not be surprised when you have these crazy ideas. sizes. Physical and mental health are paramount to a rich and satisfying life. We progressively discover purpose. You must acknowledge and nurture your innate purpose. Perhaps, God is calling you to build a neighborhood like Noah, I WILL START NOW to advocate for the underserved like Moses, or to own a business like Paul. The psalmist encourages us to realize the brevity of life so that we may grow in wisdom (Psalm 90:12). I WILL FOCUS ON MONEY MATTERS Jesus states with emphasis that His purpose is to give us a rich and satisfying For many of us, Monday never comes (e.g., I’ll start that project, diet, etc. life (John 10:10). We often undermine God’s “rich and satisfying life” because on Monday). Today’s tasks quickly intimidate us. When our future, purpose, of the lack of attention we give to money matters. Financial failures often hold and vision intimidate us, they fuel procrastination. Resist the urge to wallow in our dreams hostage. Bills, debt, and financial illiteracy will not disappear with- self-pity and doubt. We grow in wisdom when we value each day for its nutri- out eager energy and a disciplined effort to eradicate that mentality. Become ents. Let us not deprive family, community, and ourselves by not starting. start literate by researching and securing life, renters’, and other appropriate insur- small. Start Often. START NOW! Celebrating Rev. W.C. Watson, Jr., & Dr. Annie Watson’s 25th Pastoral Anniversary & 15th Wedding Anniversary af-am point of view page twenty-seven january 1, 2020 RELIGIOUS DIRECTORY Alden Baptist Church Wesley United Methodist Church “Open Hearts. Open Minds. Open Doors.” 649 State Street Springfield, MA 01109 741 State Street 413-736-5997 Springfield, MA 01109 “We believe God has called us to be a vital sign 413-734-3233 of faith at work in the community. This vision is Office & Fax actualized through our Ministries.” : WesleyUMCSpringfield Sunday School Email: [email protected] 9:00 a.m. Sundays Sunday Prayer & Rev. Catharine A. Sunday School (all ages) 9:30 a.m. Meditation Service Cummings, Pastor Morning Worship Service 11:00 a.m. 10:15 - 10:30 a.m. Sunday Morning Worship Service Canaan Baptist Dr. L.A. Love 10:30 a.m. Church of Christ Bible Study Youth Ministry 1430 Carew Street Tuesdays Fridays Springfield, MA 01104 6:00 - 7:00 p.m. 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. 413-739-5053

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

Sunday School: 10:00 a.m. To place your Religious Directory ad, please email Sunday Morning Worship 11:30 a.m. Prayer & Bible Band-Tuesday 7:30 p.m. us at [email protected] or call us at 413-796-1500 Pastoral Teaching -Friday 7:30 p.m. af-am point of view page twenty-eight january 1, 2020 OP - ED Lichtman’s Keys, which Successfully Predicted the Last Nine Elections, Place Biden as the Weakest Frontrunner By Tristin Hurst t is inevitable that the Democrats receive aid. Though Trump has dis- strong Democratic candidate. Instead, However, as a will win the general election in avowed this, there is undeniable evi- the Democrats plan to nominate Joe moderate, Joe Tristin Hurst Biden. To examine Biden’s general Biden will run I2020 no matter which of the pri- dence that he is guilty, including Follow Tristin at mary front runners we choose as long Trump’s own confession, albeit election chances, we must first exam- into the same mindtristfire- as it’s not Biden and we impeach Trump does not call it a crime. ine the election of 2016. Against all problems that heart.com Trump. Professor Allan Lichtman has Ambassador Sondland testified expectations, Hillary Clinton lost the Clinton did. Biden accurately predicted the last nine under oath: “Yes, there was a quid pro election. Many said it was because of will struggle with the anti-corruption elections. In 2016, he predicted that quo.” (Sondland, 2019). Given Sond- her emails. Others said it was because key factor due to his connections with Donald Trump would win AND that land’s friendship with Trump (he do- she was a woman and could not ex- the Ukranian scandal. Though im- Trump would be impeached. Licht- nated one million dollars to Trump’s cite Republicans. But really, it was moral, Trump’s investigation into man uses thirteen political key factors campaign), it is unlikely that Sond- because she could not excite the pro- Biden will most likely prove success- to accurately predict elections. Seven land lied under oath. Therefore, gressives. Clinton was a centrist with ful in digging up dirt about Biden’s of these keys are firmly held by the Trump is guilty of an impeachable of- associations to Don’t Ask Don’t Tell, son, Hunter. And with that, Trump Republicans so I don’t address those fense. As of the writing of this article, Benghazi, and the second impeached may be able to steal the corruption below. But to win the general elec- the House Judiciary Committee has president. Due to this, many progres- key from Biden just like he did from tion, the Democrats only must un- approved two articles of impeach- sive voters did not vote in the last Clinton. Thus, Biden is not the lock six of Lichtman’s thirteen ment. On Wednesday, December 18, election. As a result, Clinton lost key strongest of the primary front runners political keys. 2019, the House of Representatives progressive states like Michigan and to beat Trump. There now is too Democrats have already un- will decide whether to impeach him. Wisconsin to Trump. Unfortunately, much uncertainty surrounding Biden locked three of the six keys needed. Assuming they vote to impeach, then Clinton was the first female nominee to pit him against Trump. ● First, the opposing party (Democ- in January, 2/3 of the Senate must in a general election and she lost. Mayor Buttigieg, Senator rats) controls the House of Repre- also vote to remove Trump. This led many to believe that diverse Sanders or Senator Warren are the sentatives, which satisfies the Not only did Trump’s actions candidates cannot win. It is unfortu- most likely to win the general elec- party mandate key. negatively affect our country, they nate that the Democrats are spreading tion. They are all progressives who ● Second, Trump’s policies have negatively affected Ukraine. Russia this blatant gender/diversity non-key also appeal to moderate voters. And caused major social unrest, which and Ukraine have been at war for six factor in this election. Apparently, their vision for the economy can win unlocks the social unrest key. years. Ukraine is not as powerful as when a male candidate loses, it’s be- back states like Michigan and Wis- cause he ran a bad campaign but consin. Also, they have relatively ● Third, because Trump is not seen Russia and needs consistent military when a female candidate loses, it’s clean records so Trump will have a as a national hero, he loses that aid from the United States. However, because she’s a woman. hard time villainizing them like he key to the Democrats by default. Trump withheld this aid and Ukraine The non-key gender/diversity did Clinton. Nominating one of these lost fundamental resources. factor has led many Democrats to be- candidates would secure a sixth key Thus, Democrats only need to “People died, and you may not lieve that Joe Biden is the only can- for the Democrats and a presidential unlock the three remaining political want to think about that, but they died didate who can beat Trump. win. ■ keys to win. The remaining keys are: when this selfish, selfish president the scandal key, the foreign policy withheld the aid for his own personal key and the charismatic challenger gain.” (Rep. Eric Swalwell, 2019). key. It is by examining the scandal This quote illustrates the impact key, the foreign policy key and the Trump had on the Ukranian-Russian challenger key that we can identify conflict. Also, Trump openly supports which primary candidates can beat Russia in the conflict. This shows Trump. Biden is not one of them. how he sees Ukraine as a political he scandal key will be unlocked weapon, not a country full of inno- by the Democrats if the incumbent cent lives. If Trump is impeached, his party (the Republicans) is tainted by Ukraine actions will trigger the ‘for- a major scandal. As long as Trump is eign policy failure’ key in favor of the impeached, this will satisfy the scan- Democrats. That is two keys. There- dal key. Trump secretly withheld mil- fore, Democrats will only need one Mayor Senator Senator itary aid from Ukraine for political more key to win the presidency. Pete Buttigieg Bernie Sanders Elizabeth Warren gain, stating that Ukraine must inves- The easiest way to unlock a tigate Joe Biden and Biden’s son to sixth key would be to nominate a af-am point of view page twenty-nine january 1, 2020 THE ART S CHILDREN’S BOOK CORNER

The Bookworm is Terri Schlichenmeyer. Terri has “Sulwe” been reading since she was 3 years old and she By Lupita Nyong’o, Illustrated by Vashti Harrison never goes anywhere with- c.2019, Simon & Schuster $17.99 / $23.99 Canada 48 pages out a book. She lives on a Reviewed by Terri Schlichenmeyer hill in Wisconsin with two dogs and 11,000 books. Sulwe, either, and they called her Was that a lesson Sulwe could names for it. use? ther kids can be so mean. Sulwe’s sister had all kinds of Definitely, yes. And if your child In your classroom, they friends. Sulwe had almost no friends, has started to notice skin tones, this is call you names and whisper O and it wasn’t fair. a book she can use, too. “Sulwe” tells Lupita Nyong’o, author bad things. On the playground, they (Photo courtesy Nick Barose) Maybe, she thought, she could a wonderful tale of differences and scrub the dark loving the skin you’re in. autobiographical: like her character, away but ouch! You aren’t going to see that, she was teased for being “night- That didn’t work. though, until later. No, much like the shaded.” Nyong’o goes on to offer ad- Maybe story itself, the first thing you’ll see is vice to children who wish to be Mama’s make-up the outside of “Sulwe,” and it’s ab- lighter-skinned, or who are bullied for would help make solutely beautiful. Indeed, the illustra- being who they are. Not only is this her skin lighter comforting, but it could serve as a tions by Vashti Harrison almost glow, but it just made a and you may have a hard time keep- great conversation-starter. mess. Give this book to your child, She tried to ing your hands off. read it aloud, and enjoy the gorgeous Go ahead, though, and open the eat bananas, white artwork, too. “Sulwe” is a book you’ll bread, and other book. There, author Lupita Nyong’o both love, as a beautiful story loaded tells a child’s tale that, she says in her light foods but with meaning. ■ that just made her end-of-book author note, is somewhat full. ARTIST IN RESIDENCE Praying did- n’t work, either, Renée Flowers is and when Mama Point of View’s Artist saw that Sulwe in Residence. You can was sad, she tried contact her directly at to help. Mama re- (413) 209-9882 to minded Sulwe arrange a private that her name viewing of her work. means “Star” and that a star’s tease you, and it hurts your feelings. brightness comes from the inside. You wish you had more friends, and Beauty comes from inside, too, and “it that things were different. But in the begins with how you see yourself...” new book “Sulwe” by Lupita Ny- All that day, Sulwe thought about what Mama said. Could it be ong’o, illustrated by Vashti Harri- Every month different son, life can change, and it starts on that there was light inside her dark- ness? Was there beauty in skin like paintings created by the inside of you. For a long time, Sulwe hated her midnight? She thought and she Renée Flowers thought, and she fell asleep thinking skin. are displayed at about Mama’s words. It was dark as midnight and be- Point of View cause of it, she didn’t look like anyone Not long after Sulwe’s eyes else in her family. Her mother’s skin closed, they opened again! There in was as bright as the day. Sulwe’s fa- the middle of her room was a shooting ther was like sundown, and her sister star, inviting her on a journey where was like “high noon.” Almost nobody dark and light were sisters and the at school was dark-skinned like people learned that everything was wrong if they didn’t have both. af-am point of view page thirty january 1, 2020 THE ART S PEN & INK Lest We Forget Tell Bad Habit To “Get Lost” January, 2020 A 2020 New Year’s Resolution By Renay Intisar Jihad Shirley Chisholm November 30, 1924 ― January 1, 2005 Part 1 American Politician who was the first African American woman to be Bad Habit visits our home. elected to the U.S. Congress. She was also a candidate for the Democratic “Leave the dirt and dust be. nomination for U.S. President in 1972. Doesn’t matter that it pollutes the very air we breathe. Congress banned the slave trade, prohibiting “the importation of slaves into the United States or the territories thereof.” after January 1, 1808. Bad Habit joins us at the gym. Credit: Center for Critical Race and Digital Studies “Don’t exercise often. Renay Intisar On January 1, 1863, the Emancipation Proclamation issued by U.S. Pres- You’re strong, agile, thin. Jihad ident Abraham Lincoln went into effect. Just sprint a little now and then.” Credit: Wikipedia and Blackfacts.com Bad Habit tracks us at the grocer. January 1, 1808, the federal law prohibiting the importation of African “Load up on fat, sugar, and salty brands. slaves went into effect. Ignore that these foods Credit: Massachusetts Black Lawyers Association can shorten our lifespan.” Bad Habit invades our living room. “Couch binge all day my main mate. Slay the pizza and popcorn. You are my kind of date.” Bad Habit sneaks into our job. “You work too hard. Take a long lunch. Skip work. Sleep late. Brunch? How about we get skunky drunk?” Bad Habit follows us to the bank. “Spend money like there’s no tomorrow. Don’t you dare give to the poor. Saving for the future, fully ignore.” Bad Habit walks us to school. “Don’t study. Homework is for fools. Preparation is for chumps. Ignore every proven Golden Rule.” Bad Habit whispers into our ear. “You are good enough as you are. Mayor of New York City, Bill De Blasio, his wife, Chirlane Mc- Don’t improve, advance, or change. Cray, who grew up in East Longmeadow, MA, and Sylvia Johnson, It’s not worth the effort. Renay Intisar Jihad’s mother-in-law. Don’t ruffle any feathers. n December 7, 2019, Bill and Chirlane (who is Sylvia Johnson’s Just keep your butt the same.” Oniece) took time out of their hectic schedule to drive to Springfield, on the morning of the St. Peter’s Silver Stars Recognition Banquet, to have break- Part 2 fast with Sylvia. (The event was documented in pictures by Ed Cohen and That’s it. Bad Habit must go. many others). It was held at the Christ Church Cathedral from 4:30 until 8:30. His cunning message is vile. The purpose was to “Honor ten of our church members who are celebrating It’s time for him to know their 90th birthday or who are already in their 90s,” explained Carol Bushman. he must be exiled. She hopes this kind of event will be duplicated by other houses of worship. Say this to Bad Habit “Appreciating, recognizing, and honoring those who came before us must with a firm tone and smile. happen regularly.” continues to page 31 af-am point of view page thirty-one january 1, 2020 THE ART S PEN & INK Part 3 Tell Bad Habit To “Get Lost” Sure enough, Good Habit came to the rescue; continued from page 30 high-spirited, confident, and firm. “You master of deception, “Where there’s a will, there’s a way, you’ve sown your last seed. for any man, woman, boy, or girl. No more denial. A conscious new action I’m taking charge. You’ll see. drove out Bad Habit’s trigger. Get lost! Leave! Scat! Retire! A planned new strong reaction I’m redesigning my lifestyle. kept him running; You crazy old trickster clown. he won’t last, loiter, or linger.” Your game is tired and senile. Footnote You spew lies that don’t add up. Stop Bad Habit. Become aware. I’m kicking you to the curb. Purge his power. Simply declare! Will live without your stunts. “I am the master of my destiny by choice. Watch me earn what I deserve. I will listen to my strong inner voice. This NEW YEAR I’ll beat the drum of cheer. Your repetitive pattern is bold; I will control and determine a time-proven deep-seated scheme. who I am and what I can be, What I dream, I can behold. no matter the variables of I can reverse your boring theme.” who, what, how, and where.” Blessed New Year (ISA All rights reserved 2020) A New Year By Berdia M. Brown JUANITA TORRENCE-THOMPSON: Pushcart nominee. Playwright. Pub- lished fiction, children’s stories, feature articles, hundreds of her award-winning A new year is like the dawning of a new day. poems in dozens of U.S. and international journals, nearly 30 anthologies, 10 We have hopes and dreams as each day simply drifts away. books including “Centos of Life”. Writes print & online newspaper poetry columns; produces poetry salons and reads internationally. Former Editor-in- It’s one we’ll never see again Chief and Publisher of award winning Mobius, The Poetry Magazine. Her poetry As we begin a new year with celebrations and new plans. Berdia M. Brown 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 It’s a new year; let’s give thanks each and every day Poetry Magazine, best pick 2007 thru 2012 www.poetrytown.com For God’s love and guidance along the way. Without him, there would be no you, or me Another I Am Poem I’m only speaking truthfully. By Juanita Torrence-Thompson Let’s begin each day with Thanksgiving And make each day, a day worth living. I am a teapot brewing peppermint tea I am a jump rope in the school yard All Rights Reserved I am an airplane circling the globe I am an idea waiting to be formed Advertising, Brochures, Construction, Weddings, I am a motorcycle skimming down the highway I am a washing machine scouring troubles away Portraits, Products, Digital Photography, etc... I am a magic pen that writes poems I am a cellphone that doesn’t ring I am a theatre with a hit show Ed Cohen Photography I am a maple tree kids love to climb I am an apostrophe waiting to explode 413-244-1344 I am a computer with more questions than answers [email protected] If I am all these things, what do I look like? af-am point of view page thirty-two january 1, 2020 THE ART S ENTERTAINMENT REVIEW

Yvonne Mendez is the Director of Education & Engagement at the UMass ESTABLISHING THE MLK DAY HOLIDAY Fine Arts Center. She produces events for the Twitter storm brought attention awards and scholarships. These tradi- Valley Jazz Network, and to it. In 2000, Virginia separated tions promote strength in our commu- also works with the the holidays, celebrating the nities, and represents Dr. King’s work Springfield Jazz and Roots confederate generals on Friday, Festival. striving for equality, human rights and Martin Luther King Jr. Day and justice. We celebrate our achieve- on the Monday after. Arizona continued from page 1 ments, while acknowledging our re- changed it from Civil Rights opinion. So in 1983, President sponsibility to continue to fight for Ronald Reagan signed the bill and Day in 1996 after tourists and the NFL boycotted the state these rights in our communities. Martin Luther King Jr. Day became a These sources contributed to this national holiday. until they adopted the official Martin Luther King Jr. Day hol- article: Surprisingly, it took another 20 iday. https://www.history.com/news/mar years to be adopted nationwide. But despite clear opposition tin-luther-king-jr-day-controver- Many states refused to honor the hol- to the holiday, there’s a multi- sial-origins-of-the-holiday iday. New Hampshire was the last tude of states and communities state to adopt the holiday in 1999 with an even stronger dedica- https://www.nytimes.com/2017/01/ after much debating. Many states like Jackson, which is an insulting pairing tion to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and 16/us/martin-luther-king-jr-the- Arkansas, Alabama and Mississippi considering the legacy of Dr. King. the holiday―celebrating with arts confederacy.html?_r=0 do not have a dedicated Martin For years Virginia called it Lee-Jack- events, community breakfasts and Luther King Jr. holiday. They cele- son-King Day. In 2017, Mississippi “day-of-service” events. These activ- https://learningenglish.voanews.co brate it along with confederate gener- called it “Great Americans Day” and ities often showcase our youth of m/a/martin-luther-king-day-objec- als RobertSeniors! E. Lee and Stonewall quickly changed the name after a color, and include achievement tions/3673455.html

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colonycareathome.com Always hiring CNAs and Licensed Aides! www.wtccfm.org af-am point of view page thirty-three january 1, 2020 SPECIAL TO POINT OF VIEW SAMUEL BOLDEN continued from page 22 Court team’s games were played in the community. It was given by Mayor Sunday morning league. The team Domenic Sarno in 2017 and declared won the championship for 10 years October 31st “The Official Samuel straight. Dad not only recruited the Bolden Day.” players but also found sponsors in- The Club held Christmas parties cluding the Windsor Court, T-Bird for children during which Dad would Lounge, Jimmy’s Cleaners, Hanford always make sure that every child had Oil and Asphalt, Scrubbers Social a new toy to open at Christmas time. Club and the Waterfront Club, just to Dad will always also be remembered name a few. for his support of Veterans by hosting If you are from Springfield, you luncheon programs and the like. And also know about Dad’s Scrubbers many people still owe Dad for the baseball team. The team was never birthdays, graduations, repasts, and afraid to play anybody anytime, any- political fundraiser events held at the where up and down the East coast. In Seated in front: Grandson–Nathaniel Jaylen Walter, to the left Club, including the pre-Thanksgiving the early days, there were no tourna- Son Nathaniel Walter, Son in law George "Spanky" Blake, Jr., dinners he hosted for seniors. These ments like there are today, so they Daughter–Della Blake, Mechelle Bolden, Son Harvey Beckett, are just a few of the events our father played on the “money circuit.” Games Center Sam Bolden, Daughter Angela Raynes, Wife–Willie D. supported at the Waterfront Club were played in Hartford, Waterbury, (Price) Bolden, Grandsons: Standing George W. Blake III, throughout the years. Additionally, he Norwalk, Bridgeport, Albany, Syra- sitting Grandson: Samuel A. Blake. also sponsored and coached many cuse, Rochester, New York City and ning leagues in New England. The could not afford it. For 15 years he youth baseball and basketball teams. New Jersey for money. Scrubbers were also known for having also coached all black teams in the He had no problem stepping up and Dunbar softball league while losing stepping in where needed and without only 1 championship game. hesitation. During the 70s and 80s, the Dad loved to talk about young Scrubbers home field was DeBerry people, particularly those caught up in Park. What most people don’t know is the streets and the gang life. He could that Dad created the current DeBerry be seen on any given day sitting in the Park. The backstop on the Union parks or at the club talking to these Street side was missing its lower fenc- young people about their potential. He ing, so the story goes, so Dad used one believed in them and the great things of the ball player’s cars to drag the they could achieve. fencing from the Eastern Avenue side He also loved to encourage and to the Union Street side and “voilà,” mentor young black entrepreneurs and DeBerry was born and after that, he politicians. Many of the young City got the city to take care of the park. Councilors, despite the age difference, As a father, Dad was a pusher. He can speak about their encounters with was stubborn. His way was the only him. Many young black businessmen way, the right way, no other way. But have stories of how Dad stepped up to he loved his family. He was a provider help them get started. He supported and a great role model for his children new businesses whenever and wher- regarding what it is to be a responsible ever he could. He loved music and had When the Scrubbers walked into the sharpest uniforms wherever they man. Because Dad had daughters, he a great ear for it. The Waterfront Club a park and before they knew anything travelled which set the precedent for was a great advocate for women. He became the venue for many startup about the other team, Dad would start other teams to follow. pushed us to achieve whatever was re- bands who owe their beginnings to his “smack” talking, which he was Dad believed that leagues like quired to be successful in life. It could him and are happy to claim it. also known for. He would say things those his teams played in are instru- have been continuing our education, His passion for supporting youth like “You see those trees over there? mental in building communities to learning to drive, going for that career athletics was based in his own experi- Those trees are too close for my boys,” help support young people today. One job. Whatever it was, “not going for it” ence coaching young people. There and “I want to apologize to your fans of the things that bothered him the was not an option. He required that we are many stories of his coaching years. for the whooping my boys are about most was the costly fees to enroll work hard. In 1969, Dad formed a team of mostly put on your team.” Again, he was young people in these sports pro- Dad had this “unique” way about black baseball players from around right! Over the course of 10 years the grams. He had no problem going into him. You could be angry at him and he Springfield. The first team was named Scrubbers lost only 2 games for his pocket and paying for some youth “Windsor Court.” Most of the Windsor money and were one of the most win- who wanted to play whose parents continues to page 35 af-am point of view page thirty-four january 1, 2020 COMMUNITY GOOD NEWS - JANUARY 2020

Jay Griffin, Stone Soul Festival Program Chairman SOS (Save Our Square) 2020 [email protected] Tel: 413-636-3881 his new year, God willing, will need the churches: St. John’s, New Hope COGIC, Third Baptist, Bethel or be 2020 for the city of Spring- AME, Christian Cathedral, Spring of Hope COGIC, Holy Redeemer, Re- 413-739-2947 Tfield and the rest of the world vival Time, Alden Baptist, Zion Community Baptist, Family Church, Wesley except China. We need to take a major United Methodist, Canaan Baptist Church of Christ, Shiloh Seventh-Day look at what is happening to Mason Square and the adjoining neighborhood(s). Adventist, Mt. Zion Baptist, Progressive Community Baptist, Mt. Calvary They say 2020 is perfect vision. Well, we need to use that perfect vision (2020) Baptist, Solid Rock Community Baptist, New Jerusalem COGIC, Straight- to resolve some issues in the Mason Square community. SOS is an international way COGIC, etc. signal for distress whether it’s on land or sea. SOS means we need help. So, our slogan for this year is SOS 2020. Pass the word to each neighbor and com- ● We want to remind you this is not the first time Mason Square sent out an munity organization. SOS stands for Save Our Square. We need to emphasize SOS from the community. At one time the Planning Dept. suggested the that there is difficulty ahead and we need assistance. SOS 2020 should be the closing of Eastern Ave. via making it a one-way street. The residents of password in the Mason Square community. Mason Square registered their complaints through standouts and letters. We rejected the closing of Eastern Ave. and we won. It was suggested and re- What are we talking about? quested that Alden Street become a private way, cutting off the connection ● Mason Square is the center and crown of the city of Springfield. We are between Eastern Ave. and Roosevelt Ave. After several community meet- about to lose a jewel in that crown. We have been notified by TD Bank of ings, the slogan SOS drew many residents from both sides of Alden Street their intention to close the bank branch at 958 State Street. This is in spite and surrounding areas. The resistance was acknowledged and we won. of the critical need of banking services in the Mason Square community. Alden Street is still used by all the residents in Springfield. The Mason TD Bank plays a unique role in the function of the Mason Square commu- Square Library was sold even though the library was a gift from a Mason nity: banking, ATM, checking, notary, loans, etc.TD Bank is within walking Square resident to the Mason Square community. After two years of litiga- distance for many of the residents in this area and neighborhood. TD Bank’s tion and fighting, we won again. It took many years but we finally got ward intention to close 958 State Street branch is not final. The Springfield com- representation on the city council due to our insistence. The effort to have munity needs to broadcast an SOS to TD Bank and the powers that be: a say in our own community is not easy, but together we can win. Marva V. Cummings, Director of Licensing, and Steven C. Webb, Regional We need to support those who are supporting us. We need to recruit our President. These individuals are waiting for a response from the Springfield Mason Square community. We are not alone. State Rep. Bud Williams, State residents via petition forms. We will provide forms at the C-3 Community Senator James Welch, City Councilors Jesse Lederman, Tracye Whitfield Policing meeting every Tuesday at 11:00 a.m. at the Mason Square Library for and Councilor-Elect Malo Brown have formed a committee to address this distribution to the community. matter. The Mason Square community must send out an SOS distress signal We need to send a message to TD Bank and its administrators. We need to our Mayor and other elected officials, and movers and shakers in this to have a 2020 vision for what’s happening in Mason Square. area. We need to send an SOS to MassMutual, Springfield College, Amer- ican International College, Springfield Technical Community College, West- SOS – Save Our Square – We know that when we come together, we are ern New England University, Springfield Partners, Urban League of a powerful force. Springfield, NAACP, and the local businesses: McDonalds, Pride Service Station, etc. to leverage their power to change TD Bank’s decision. We also HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL!!! The Western Massachusetts Young Democrats continued from page 18 campaigns. She serves as the contact for the ongo- interesting things and watch Netflix and hulu. Le- the chair of the WMYD and is in charge of the in- ing local, regional, and national campaigns on be- zlie enjoys traveling, watching planes, listening to ternal correspondence on behalf of the WMYD. half of the WMYD board. She connects and podcasts, and loves to read, especially books and She works with the chair and vice chairs to come maintains relationships with local, regional, and law journals. Olivia enjoys outdoor activities such up locations for with locations for meetings and/or national campaigns as well as schedules candidates as biking, running, and going on hikes with friends. events. for election to present to the board where the board She also enjoys finding new recipes online and try- Felicia Harvey is the political director and her votes to elect or not to elect them. She is responsi- ing them! Mark enjoys reading, badminton and duties include: Working with constituency groups ble for assuring that the endorsement process of the drawing in his spare time. Felicia loves Hallmark, to organize their involvement with the campaigns chapter is done within the guidelines of the bylaws HBO, on demand, Netflix and dancing around to (labor, seniors, educators, veterans, communities of the WMYD. She also serves as the political di- music. She also loves to sing, especially reggae of color, new Americans, environmentalists, col- rector for the YDM political committee. since she is Jamaican, making Bob Marley her all lege students, etc. She is the organizer and coordi- Outside of the WMYD, Gabrielle likes to time favorite artist. Reading has always been a fun nator of membership involvement in endorsed spend time with her family and friends, learn new thing for her from a very young age. ■ af-am point of view page thirty-five january 1, 2020 HAPPY 40TH BIRTHDAY TO DENISE HURST

Nationally known DJ Bobby Black (Dwayne Roberson) flew in from Atlanta to celebrate Denise’s Birthday and visit with childhood friends. SPECIAL TO POINT OF VIEW nity, a mentor to youth, community much for this city that can never be SAMUEL BOLDEN activist, and philanthropist.” repaid. We cannot honor or recog- nize him enough. He was like a fa- continued from page 33 strumental in the establishment and Andrew Cade, Vice-President of ther to me. His leadership, support, could be angry at you. But I never upkeep of the Harriet Tubman Park the Urban League of Springfield, and mentorship have helped me to knew him to hold on to his anger, even that was located right next door. The said: “I hold a special place in my grow in my career. He will be though others may have insisted on club took on the task of keeping the heart for the late Sam Bolden. He greatly missed.” staying angry at him. People mattered park clean and often hosted barbecues was a friend, confidante and an in- to him. Dad was well respected, ad- for the neighborhood there. Many peo- spirational leader. He maintained Valerie King-Jackson, of Motown ple may not have known this because mired and loved by politicians, clergy, his dignity to the end of his life and Mama WTCC, said: “Sam Bolden like so many other things in Dad’s life, and presidents of powerful organiza- never wavered on any of his aspi- will always hold a place in my he stepped up and took responsibility tions, blue collar communities and or- rations.” heart. He was a man for the peo- without looking for any credit. dinary people. ple.” He had a portrait done of Harriet The tornado of June, 2011, was Helen Caulton-Harris, Commis- Tubman which was used to identify the beginning of significant change for sioner of the Springfield Depart- Finally, a writer once said, “What the park. This portrait and the naming Dad and the Waterfront Club. The ment of Health and Human you leave behind is not what is en- of the park symbolized cultural pride club along with so many other busi- Services, recalled: “Sam Bolden graved on your stone monuments, for him and it was an honor for him to was a man with a generous spirit. but what is woven into the hearts nesses, homes and schools sustained contribute once more to the commu- It was that generosity of spirit that and lives of others.” Without a significant damage. The Waterfront nity. After the tornado, the portrait was set him apart from others. He was doubt, Sam Bolden will forever Club never recovered from this natural still standing. He tried for some time always willing to assist anyone in live in the hearts of the many he disaster which was compounded by to retrieve the portrait but it was said the community who needed sup- served. other business complications that that no one knew what happened to it port especially young people. His came into play. and it was never recovered. This was love of children and the ability to On behalf of the Bolden family, As he had always done in a crisis, very discouraging for him. draw them into his web of love is we knew, as part of our upbringing, Dad spoke up again and started a cru- Below are some of the sentiments legendary. I am grateful for his that we shared our father with many sade in the community for its support expressed by community leaders at guidance as he advised me as a people. It is an honor for my family to to save the Waterfront Club―unfortu- our father’s death: young woman transitioning into a share the legacy of Sam Bolden with nately, to no avail. His efforts not only position as a Department Head in this city. took their toll on Dad personally, but Attorney Wayman Lee, retired City the city of Springfield. I am very In Memory of Samuel Bolden, impacted the community as well be- Clerk for the City of Springfield, proud that I am a part of the legacy the family requests that friends and cause a staple in the community and said: “The Family of Sam Bolden he left.” family remembers donate and/or another black owned business had to lost a husband, father, brother and sponsor a local underprivileged close its doors for good. uncle, but the City of Springfield State Representative Bud Williams youth to be able to join a sports The Waterfront Club was also in- has also lost a voice of the commu- said: “Sam Bolden has done so league. ■ af-am point of view page thirty-six january 1, 2020 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. 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Email: [email protected] for more in‐ formation. af-am point of view page thirty-seven january 1, 2020 COMMUNITY CALENDAR ▬ JANUARY 2020 Monarch Place Hotel 395 Dwight St., Spfld., MA Tuesdays Jynai McDonald, When: 10AM–4PM ______Adult Basic Education (GED/HiSET POV Community Info: www.actionnetwork.org or January 23 (Thursday) Classes) Calendar Editor [email protected] Hampden County LIPPI Link Where: Training Resources of America Please submit your events ______Where: 211 Worthington St. Pub 32‐34 Hampden St., with attn: Jynai in the January 11 (Saturday) Springfield, MA subject line to Ground level Spfld., MA Poetic Recovery When: 5PM–6:30PM [email protected] When: 11AM ― FREE Where: Make‐It Springfield Tickets: https://www.mywom‐ Info: 413‐732‐2223 or 168 Worthington St., ensfund.org/event/hampden‐lippi‐link jmcdonald@tra‐inc.org November 27, 2019 – January 5, 2020 Spfld., MA ______BRIGHT NIGHTS When: 7PM–10PM January 25 (Saturday) Mondays Sunday through Thursday Suggested donation $10 Parent Villages Lunch and Meet‐up 5PM to 9PM ______Where: Mason Square Branch Library Forest Park C3 January 14 (Tuesday) 765 State St., Spfld., MA Community Engagement Initiative Work‐ Friday, Saturday and Holidays* McKnight Potluck Dinner Party When: 12PM–1:30PM ing Together for a Safer Community 5PM to 11PM Where: Eagles Club ______Where: Calvarys Love Church New Year's Day ‐ 5PM to 9PM 530 St. James Ave., Spfld., MA January 25 (Saturday) 17 Oakland St., Spfld., MA When: 6PM Credit Success Workshop When: 10AM Buses with Reservations Priority Where: Way Finders ______5PM to 6PM January 18 (Saturday) 322 Main St., Spfld., MA Tuesdays Rates: Mon. ― Thurs – $20 per car MLK Memorial Scholarship Breakfast; When: 9AM–4PM Mason Square C3 Fri ― Sun and Holidays* Rev. Willie Dwayne Francios, III, Guest FREE *Lunch provided Community Engagement Initiative Work‐ $25 per car Preacher Info: wayfindersma.org/training‐center ing Together for a Safer Community ______Where: Sheraton Springfield Monarch ______January 7 (Tuesday) Place Hotel Where: Mason Square Branch Library 3rd Annual Career Conversations for 1 Monarch Place, Spfld., MA 765 State St., Spfld., MA Springfield Young Women’s Initiative When: 9:30–11:30am When: 11AM Where: Women’s Fund of Western Tickets: $40/Adults, $25/Children ______Massachusetts http://bit.ly/MLKBreakfast20 Wednesday Metro/South C3 1350 Main St., Spfld., MA January 18 (Saturday) – When: 5:30PM 8PM 4th Annual Pioneer Valley Women’s Community Engagement Initiative Work‐ Info: www.mywomensfund.org March ing Together for a Safer Community ______Where: Starts at Northgate Center Where: South End Citizens Council January 9 (Thursday) 1985 Main St., Spfld., MA 510 Main St., Spfld., MA Western Mass Area Labor Federation When: 11AM When: 11AM Women’s Caucus Info: https://pioneervalleywom‐ ______Where: Western Mass Jobs With Justice ensmarch.org Tuesdays & Thursdays 1380 Main St., Suite 203, ______Co‐Ed Adult Kickball League Springfield, MA January 18 (Saturday) Where: South End Community Center When: 5:30PM The Land of Suez Temple 114 and Suez 99 Marble St., Spfld., MA ______Court 149 Joint Kickoff $100/team, $15/individual January 9 (Thursday) Where: War Memorial Building Info: 413‐788‐6173 ask for Dion SPS Magnet & High School Information 310 Appleton St., Holyoke, MA Night When: 8PM–1AM Where: Central High School Tickets: $25/advance, $30/at door ______1840 Roosevelt Ave., Info: 413‐530‐9363 or 413‐505‐4844 January 28 (Tuesday) For more Springfield, MA ______Homework Heroes – When: 5:30PM 7PM January 18 (Saturday) Drop‐in tutoring & homework assistance events Info: or 413‐787‐6959 MLK Weekend Movie Screen, Discus‐ program springfieldpublicschools.com sion, and Day Party Where: Springfield College Center for happening ______Where: Smokey Joe’s Cigar Lounge Leadership and Civic in the January 10 (Friday) 395 Dwight St., Spfld., MA Engagement Higher Education Conference: Powered ______385 Eastern Ave., Spfld., MA community, Up 2020 January 18 (Saturday) When: 12PM–2PM ― FREE Where: Sheraton Springfield Rise Up! Empowering Fashion Show ______please visit our Monarch Place Where: Elegant Affairs Mondays 1 Monarch Place, Spfld., MA 1380 Main St., Spfld., MA Women & Girls Open Gym website – When: 12PM 8PM When: 3PM Where: South End Community Center Info: www.cvent.com ______99 Marble St., Spfld., MA at ______January 23 (Thursday) When: 6:30PM–8:30PM – $1 fee www.afampov.com January 11 (Saturday) Sing Along to the 70’s, 80’s, and 90’s! Info: 413‐788‐6173 Springfield Fund Our Future Bootcamp Where: Smokey Joe’s Cigar Lounge ______Where: Sheraton Springfield af-am point of view page thirty-eight january 1, 2020 Forward Fifty Golden Anniversary Recognition Gala

Photos by Leonard Underwood af-am point of view page thirty-nine january 1, 2020 The Squires Hold Their Annual Holiday Dinner Dance

Photos by Ed Cohen af-am point of view page forty january 1, 2020