Philadelphia Tribune Archive: 2007
Ann Walker Shares Her Knowledge, Wisdom
Issue date: 8/9/2007
It’s been said that age is only a frame of mind. Ann Walker is the embodiment of that creed.
Walker has been a member of the LaMotte AME church for close to 40 years and despite being in her late 70’s, she is still an active presence. Secretary of the Lay organization, second vide of the missionary society and a trustee of the scholarship committee are just some of the positions she holds.
Walker’s handprint is evident in her contributions towards assisting children. The scholarship committee holds various activities throughout the year to underwrite college tuitions. A flea market is scheduled for the second week of September as part of fundraising efforts. They also provide school supplies and volunteer their time as mentors.
Ann Walker
“We’re trying to encourage the children into giving them a good sense of worth. All of this that’s happening in the streets really bothers me,” Walker said.
Walker said the number of deaths in Philadelphia troubled her, but she was especially concerned that many of those who were dying were African-American.
“I just feel it in my heart. So, we’re really trying to step up our youth involvement.”
Walker, born and raised in the south, spent her own childhood working. She began her career at the age of 5 by taking odd jobs and later went on to become a librarian. Since retiring, she has immersed herself in the church but not for the recognition or rewards she has received.
“I didn’t do all this for recognition. I did it as a Christian and I did it because I enjoyed it,” she insisted.
In recent years, health-related issues have forced her to slow down a bit. She has undergone surgery for her knee and suffers from high blood pressure. She had to leave the choir because of the strain it caused to her legs climbing the step pews. Nonetheless, Walker is determined to live her life independently and is continuing to do good work through the hurt.
“As long as you want to do and physically, you can do and a lot of the times, I’ll be quite frank, I don’t feel like it but I push myself,” she said.
In October, Walker and other members of the church will be resurrecting their dormant meal on Wheels program. They will be traveling into the community to deliver meals.
“We find that the houses we go to, it’s always one more story to tell from the people we visit and one more prayer because they’re anxious for visits,” she said.
The mother of four girls and two boys also had words of praise for the Pastor of LaMotte AME Church. She described Pastor Keith Hayward as being a great administrator and preacher who has helped the church to prosper. He returned the complimentary comments.
“Mrs. Walker is very innovative, very productive person. She loves her church,” Hayward said. “She is a pillar and a power of strength.”
Disability Expo Draws Variety of Artists
Issue date: 8/9/2007
Art has many different dimensions. The same is true for the artists who bring these masterpieces to life.
Liberty Resources unveiled its first Indepnedence Arts Studio Exhibition this past weekend. This morning affair displayed creations offered up by disabled artisans. Creative writing, water coolers, and print-making were included in the many the prominent pieces that those who gathered in the Wade Blank room came to peruse.
The origins of the expo date back to January of this year when barbara Gregson was inspired to organize one. Her creativity led to the development of a six-week summer course in the fine arts. Those enrolled had disabilities, but those physical impairments did not limit their craft. Adaptable brushes and other devices were available to assist those confined in wheelchairs and who did not have complete mobility.
“I think, first of all, everybody has a potential to be an artist. And it’s just allowing people and giving people the opportunity to experience the arts and the everyone can be creative and everyone can be an artist regardless of disability,” Gregson said.
Steve Johnson, who instructed a crouse, concurred. He also participated in the expo by painting a silhouette of a woman. Johnson did not consider his impaired hand to be a handicap.
“Art, whether it be entertaining, poetry, music, or whatever—if you don’t have one way of doing it, there’s always another way to do it because it’s something that was put in you,” Johnson said.
Carol Marfisi, M.A. was another who assumed the dual roles of instructor and presenter. She presided over a writing class which was “... centered around strategy of each participant getting to the place in their spirit and creativity to expose the poetic of their choice,” Marfisi said.
Marfisi and her pupils also created a blog to post their reflections after the class’s completion. The blog Write to Poetry, will help foster the camaraderie that has grown among the students. It will also feature new works of art.
Jeanie Cardillo, a self-described revolution artist, read her poems at the event. She hoped the exhibition would change perceptions about disability and those inflicted.
The next big showcase will take place in the upcoming months. Oct. 17 will kick off a month long city-wide festival feturing disableed artists. The Kimmel Center will hold a black tie event to coincide with the celebration.
Bringing Together Germantown Community with U.N.I.T.Y. Day
Issue date: 7/26/2007
Germantown U.N.I.T.Y. Day is marked on the calendar of many people who live on the avenue. As the Aug. 25 event approaches, committee members are finalizing last minute details.
Thousands are expected to enjoy the 11th annual end of summer blowout. Yet, only a few people make up the committee that is organizing the event. Despite the challenge, the committee has met diligently in the past few months to brainstorm.
It has taken a year to submit applications, confirm performers, contact food vendors and send out invitations. There has also been the task of securing barricades, no parking signs, and police presence for the event. Joyce Olushola, a city representative, called the Wister community council office and offered assistance in these matters.
Most importantly, the committee has spearheaded an effort to raise funds since the city of Philadelphia is not underwriting any costs. The $20,000 budget was procured from grants and donations for the event.
“Most of the money is money that we raised here, Wister, through the business association, through our elected officials,” Deborah White Roberts, President of the Germantown U.N.I.T.Y. committee said.
She appealed to State Senator Leanne M. Washington, Councilwoman Donna Reed Miller and others for their cooperation. Even as each day brings the suggestion of an extravagance, the theme remains simple: U.N.I.T.Y. – which stands for Uniting families, Neighborhood growth, Investing in self, Taking responsibility, and Youth education.
The idea to honor these sentiments originated from a couple of businessmen who wanted to thank the neighborhood for patronizing their stores. Initially, hot dogs and ice water were the tokens of appreciation. That generosity has evolved into a parade route, two stages, and an array of refreshments.
“It has grown into what we consider a street festival which brings the historical significance in a long Germantown Avenue because this is one of the oldest historical roads in the city,” Roberts said.
“It’s become a way to bring the community, business, and people together in a fun filled atmosphere.”
Roberts anticipated seeing the different walks of life fill the avenue and she wants to keep the diversity of spirit alive. There will be poetry readings, hip-hop, R&B, and drill teams among other entertainment. The children will be helping at a bake sale, face-painting station, and flea market.
However, fun and games is not all the day will consist of: practical matters will also be addressed.
“Anything geared towards kids and families, children’s programs, educational opportunities, all that kind of informative services, we would love to have out there that day,” Anita Hamilton, Vice President of Wister Neighborhood Council said.
Hamilton hoped health providers would volunteer with services to test blood pressures, mammograms, and provide other screenings. The committee is still accepting vendors, volunteers, and donations. Those who are interested can contact the Wister Neighborhood Concil at 215-843-6565.
Group Giving to the Needy ‘from Their Hearts’
Issue date: 7/26/2007
Volunteer workers margret Gouam and Wilber Lawren.
Photos by Leon Robinson Jr.
For the past seven years, Vernon Park has been the place for hospitality every Wednesday morning when a group of tireless volunteers help supply food to the needy.
Items such as bread, fruit, vegetables, soda, and water are offered on a first come, first serve basis. The food is supplied by Philadelphia food bank Philadbundance.
Volunteer Emily Williams is the lead point person who organizes this weekly food give-out and another at 20th and Erie streets.
On a recent Wednesday morning, starting at 8:45 a.m., residents of the Germantown Community begin to line up. Their hands grasping shopping bags of pushing carts, the residents take tickets from Margaret Robinson, for which she has 130 to dispense.
Robinson also works as a committee person for Councilwoman Donna Reed Miller. Aside from handing out food vouchers, she also has patrons sign a food distribution sheed with their names and address to keep track of how many they’re assisting.
“You don’t have to show no ID or nothing. Just come in, get in line,” Robinson said.
“We do ask for a donation to keep the program running, but it’s not mandatory,” Robinson said. She said the donations pay for gas transportation of the goods.
Robinson has also begun a clothing drive. Donated clothes were presented for perusal before the food was put on display. Satisfied recipients of this generosity such as Maria Jones were more than happy to partake. She is also a regular at the Mount Zion Church were volunteers and members of the community meet for lunch afterwards.
“These people don’t have to do this. They do this from their hearts,” Jones said.
Woman Giving Back after Living American Dream
Issue date: 8/9/2007
Kathleen Jeanty is living the American dream in more ways than one. However, she has not forgotten where she came from. Or how she can give back.
Jeanty was born and raised in Haiti until the age of 8. She relocated to Boston, quickly adapting to a foreign culture. Within a month, she had learned the English language at a loss to her natural French dialect.
“I wanted so badly to be American. I didn’t want to be Haitian,” Jeanty spoke of her desire to fit in. “It’s really unfortunate that in order to become one, you have to lose the other.”
She was proud of her heritage but motivated to excelt in her surroundings. By Jeanty’s early teens, she was an alum of high school and enrolled in Babson College, earning a degree in Business Administration.
Even before she graduated, jeanty had the determination to start her own firm. Naysayers believed that she was on a course of mission impossible given her inexperience. Jeanty, however, would not settle for any entry-level position. She found that her passion more than compensated for credentials.
“I love marketing. I love promotion. I have some good ideas... so the rest of the stuff I’ll figure out along the way as long as I have something to offer clients,” she said.
Jeanty began her career in Norristown and later Philadelphia. However, tragedy almost set her aspirations and life off course. In 2004, she was involved in a car accident that sent back to Boston to recuperate. As Jeanty healed, she considered forging her dream.
“I decided that I was just going to give it up and just go work somewhere and call it a day because the support network that one needs to have a business, I didn’t feel I had it,” Jeanty explained.
Jeanty’s frame of mind changed when one of her clients tripled their contracts. She launched InnerLeaf Communications, which specializes in public relations and event management.
Earl Boyd, who roks for Philadelphia Development Partnership, had high praise for Jeanty. Innerleaf has been a client with Boyd years now. He described her as being thorough, attentive, and a good person to work with.
LaSalle Security Make Minimal Changes in Wake of VTech
Issue date: 8/16/07
The shootings at Virginia Tech earlier this year was the impetus to changes made a colleges across the country. LaSalle University will be implementing theirs as classes resume.
LaSalle has always boasted an impressive security regimen. They have 70 proprietary officers in addition to the contract services they hold with other security services. Allied Barton also helps to facilitate safety on the open campus, aiding Philadelphia police officers who are hired to patrol. There are also over 100 cameras and 30 blue light emergency telephones.
In the aftermath of the killings at Virginia Tech, LaSalle re-evaluated their preparedness to handle such an occurrence. Arthur Glover, director of security and safety, immediately put new measures in place to buttress the existing ones.
“We felt that there was an urgent need to be able to communicate more quickly and more readily with our students, faculty, and staff,” said Glover.
To that end, LaSalle instituted an emergency text messaging system. All patrol vehicles will now be outfitted with a public address system. This approach will ultimately be replicated at key locations on campus.
Despite the efforts to ensure safety, Glover and his staff do not want to create a ‘Big Brother’ atmosphere. They want to strike a balance between prevention and productivity.
“Our campus has always been maintained as an open campus. We pride ourselves on that. We host a number of community activities,” he said.
The former Philadelphia police captain is against teachers being armed in the classroom. The V-Tech massacre led many to believe that instructors carrying weapons would be a deterrent. Glover, who taught at the academy for cadets, found this circumstance to be counterproductive and distracting.
“I do not think that there is an instance for teachers on this campus to be carrying weapons. We hire on a daily basis armed Philadelphia police officers to patrol our campus and be a part of our force. And we feel, frankly, that’s sufficient for keeping the campus safe.”
Other suggestions implemented in the wake of the V-Tech tragedy included matriculating plaing clothes police officers into the classroom. It would be a concept similar to the show 21 Jump Street where cops posed as students. Again, Glover found this tactic unnecessary.
“Hiring uniformed police officers serves more of a deterrent than someone who is not recognized as such,” Glover said.
Dennis Graeber, Associate Director of seciruty, is also a veteran of the police force. He and others have many years of seasoned experience. He said they were diligent in ther safe-guarding which included listening. He cited the students themselves as a way to help keep the campus safe.
“They alert us and they call us and they’ll report suspicious things,” Graeber said. “People are alert. They’re aware of the surroundings.”
Humble Beginnings in Philly Lead to International Effort
Issue date: 8/16/07
The Reverend Leon H. Sullivan started the Opportunities Industrialization Centers (OIC) in the 1970s to help Philadelphians. Almost 40 years hater, his agenda has gone international.
The opportunities Industrialization Centers International is the global arm of the Philadelphia based non-profit organization. It evolved after Sullivan’s efforts, who created they agency to help African-Americans gain more advantages in the community. He even organizaed boycotts to get Blacks equal employment opportunities. The success of his efforts led to OIC America and later OICI.
“Reverend Sullivan would walk around the neighborhoods of his church and get distressed to see the large numbers of... school dropouts, unemployed, uneducated youth who basically did not have any hope for a way out of the cycle of poverty and difficulty that would encounter,” Ronald W. Howard said.
Howard is the chief operating officer of OICI. The main areas he and his staff focus on are education, workforce, agriculture, health, and community development. They currently serve 17 countries in Sub Saharan Africa, Le Belize, haiti, and have interests in Jamaica.
“Oftentimes, when people think of development, they think of starving children in Ethiopia with flies covering their faces. They don’t know that there’s a whole range of services of and career paths that encompass international development,” Rachelle Martinez said.
Martinez is responsible for the Building Global Bridges, which is the only program out of OICI that is centered on those in Philadelphia. Bridges recruits upper class college students or recent grads that have an interest in working abroad. OICI has partnered up with local colleges such as Temple, Lincoln LaSalle, and St. Joe’s to offer information sessions and hold 10-week courses taught by those who are working in the field.
“We help them build their skills in certain project areas, project management, proposal writing, relationship development, how to identify needs of a poor community. They end up walking away with a solid understanding of what international development is, how to get started in the field and what some of the basic skills you need to be employed in this field,” Martinez continued.
The students are also given homework assignments that include a group project, which involves creating a mock non-profit organization. They address poverty related issues and apply the techniques learned. At the end of the course, the group presents in front of a panel.
Molly Ruth, Ph.D., who joined the OICI last year, has enjoyed her time thus far at the organization. She wanted to stress the difference between OIC and OICI, believing that while they share the same philosophy, the audience is different. She also believed that individuals could contribute to the case by becoming more aware.
“There are some ways more attention, energies, resource [and] thought being focused on the problems of international development more than have ever been. And I think it’s more in the consciousness of ordinary Americans that there’s poverty in other parts of the world, particularly Africa,” Ruth said. “We all have have a moral responsibility as inhabitant of the planet to face this.”
Play Calls on Youth to Get Involved with Activism
Today’s youth are often accused of having an ambivalent attitude towards social consciousness. iPods, music, and other media are perceived accomplices. The Young Black Activists committee wants to acquit their generation.
The Philadelphia-based group was assembled by the National Coalition of Blacks for Reparationsin America. N’Cobra designated Charmane Perry, Katrina S. Williams, Rell Stylez, and Joel R. Gray to organize young African-Americans in the city. They fuse their activist backgrounds to help light a similar fire for their peers.
“For them to get involved in their community,” Williams stated of the group’s desire.
“If there’s something they want to change or don’t like, definitely step up and have your voice be heard,” she continued.
The agenda also includes activism, reparations and repair, which are heavily emphasized. This is taught through a series of workshops and a stage play, “The Beginnings of a Revolution” which was penned by Williams. The play centers on characters dealing with racism, family conflict, and a call for reparations.
Many youngsters claim their indifference is in part due to that adults do not know how to talk to them, but rather talk down. The Young Black Activists committee frame crucial topics in blunt words, which uses profanity, but not for the sake of shock value. The committee insists that the expression of offensive euphuisms is a refleciton of everyday life.
“Yes, there’s strong language but the children hear strong language on a day to day basis,” Gray spoke of the play.
Gray, who performs one of the characters, believed that children had a comprehension for the subject matter. He called upon his own experiences growing up.
“The youth are sharp. Adults, we’ve been fooled to think that the children do not know what’s going on. I remember being a child myself, seeing and hearing things. I did’t have complete understanding. I wasn’t cognizant of everything but I tell you, they know more than we think,” he continued.
Williams shared the same viewpoint and took those factors into consideration when writing the play. The Temple junior did not want to water down the content by imposing a filter for fear her audience would not understand. To do so would have insulted their intelligence and they are far from stupid.
“They see these issues everyday and if we can bring these outs and then really have a discussion as to why these issues are at play in our society, then they can better understand,” Williams said.
The committee is in the beginning stages of presenting a full-scale production of their play. They hope to include some of the youth in the actual recitals as means of engagement. There are many program directed at kids, but very few involve their active participation. Above all else, this involvement would rectify a grievance that predecessors have blamed the new breed for—inactivity. Stylez faulted some of his peers for not addressing some concerns.
“A lot of people looked at the news and said, ‘I don’t want to deal with it’ and stepped away,” Stylez said.
“Now you have a whole generation of young people wilding out, going crazy, killing each other, ending up in jail, having babies before they reach the age of maturity. All these things going on in our community is a product of people running away from it.”
Summer Camp Lends A Hand to Students
Issue date: 7/12/2007
“An idle mind can get into a number of things that are destructive,” Pastor Keith Hayward said recently about the LaMotte Summer Camp – a program he develped to give kids an alternative to the streets and to help them with their studies.
The LaMotte African Methodist Church summer camp reinforces what students learned in the past year—focusing on problems they encounteres—through one on one support.
Key areas of focus are reading comprehension, computer courses, writing, science, and math. The kids also partake in exercise classes three times a week, visit the library, and go to the movies.
The overall objective of the camp is to provide a holistic approach toward providing tutors for the students, Hayward said. The maximum of enrolless in the day camp is 16 so that they could get individual attention from volunteers such as Patreel Tyler who is a teacher at Cornwell Middle School.
“When the students go back to school in September, they will have a head start on what they will be doing and they won’t have forgotten what they learned last year,” Tyler said.
The curriculum also extends beyond refresher courses. Hayward said it is imperative that his young charges know where they come from.
“What we want to do is not just have them understand academics but we want to have them understand things about their culture, heritage, and history,” he said. He and others chaperone visits to the African American Museum of Philadephia.
Other practical matters such as banking are also taught. The kids are taken through the steps of opening bank accounts at no extra fee from the weekly $50 cost. Moreover, the static learning experience is spun off into a conflict management. Peer pressure and bullying is also part of the dialogue. They explore the topics before the kids can become statistics, Hayward said, referring to the high rate of Black men in jail.
“One day, (inmates) will come home (from prison) and most of them will be unequipped, no skills. We need to fix that problem,” Hayward sad. “So, we want to mentor our young men now to be productive students so that they can be on the road to success. Not just educationally, but spiritually, socially. We need to sharpen our children; shape them instead of what they see on TV.”
The Archdiocese of Philadelphia pays for the meals the children receive while in Hayward’s care. The pastor is committed toward establishing a scholarship for some of these kids. One Potential recipient is latifah Muhammad, 13.
“It’s getting us ready for the school year and it’s a very nice program,” she said.
Haywayd, who also has a Masters degree in Education, hopes that the children will ultimately learn from each other. He hoped that they would build connections and turn to each other for support.
Hayward said the church also plays a critical role in that process.
“The Black church has been the saving grace in the African-American community,” Hayward said.
Germantown Celebrates U.N.I.T.Y. with Music
The much-anticipated Germantown U.N.I.T.Y. Day was a fete worth the wait.
Residents of the Avenue spread out into the streets to partake in the end of summer revelry last weekend. The blocks between 5000 and 5400 blocks were sectioned off to accommodate two stages at each end blasting music. Hosts of vendors were selling food, books, jewelry, and other wares to attendees. The ambience was one Deborah Roberts worked diligently to create.
Roberts is a member of the Wister neighborhood Concil and assumed the lead role in coordinating the outdoor festivities. She was happy to see the people embracing the agenda of bringing the community together. She rode in the parade shouting for more to come and join the crowd and wouldn’t let last minute cancellations of performers deter her mood.
“I like the way it’s shaping up. It’s bigger and better than years past. Two stages force people to start walking the avenue,” she said.
“So, we [are] actually accomplishing our goals by getting local people to see the businesses, what’s out there. So, it’s going good. It’s better than we can ask for,” she continued.
Shannon Vail was one of the first to take in the sights and sounds. Vail lives in the neighborhood and has been an attendee for the past few years. Her St. Bernard’s, Owen and Wendell, drew attention from many of the kids because of their 186 lbs of girth.
“It’s really nice. We’re hoping there are more vendors set up by the end of the day but it’s nice overall,” she said.
Live parrots were also on display and a booth was set up for people to take pictures with the birds. Kanessa Wideman sat in the stand, braving the hot weather to participate in her 6th outing at the event.
“I think this is good for pepole to get together because it’s not violence. It’s a lot of people around here that get into violence during the day. Today is, you know, everybody get together. There’s none of that nonsense,” Wideman said.
“They’ve got everything for everybody. It’s turning out good.”
These comments were echoed by Judge Cheryl Allen, who is running for the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. She said she enjoyed attending her first U.N.I.T.Y. day and meeting the constituents.
“Unity in the community is a major, major issue because if the community is unified, we don’t have the violence and the division and a united community is certainly a stronger community. It’s always better when people can come together for the good of the community.”
The younger set was not left out of the celebration. There was a dunking booth and face painting available for kids. The children even helped to provide some of the entertainment. The Richardson Young Riley Raiders drew in a crowd as they performed their sequence of steps, aided by drums, down the route.
Campus Ministry Uniting Faiths
Members of the Campus Ministries at Temple University include, top row from left, Kristen Poole, Nick Ferrera, Jack Sutton, Laurie Wolpert and theRev. Gregory Wilson, and bottom row, Emily Jennings, Kylie patterson and Kamilah Guiden.For many students, the college experience is fraught with many challenges and experiences. For those enrolled at Temple University, a campus ministry has been established as a resource to aid students looking for direction.
The Episcopal Diocese of Pennsylvania and the Souther Pennsylvania Lutheran Synod founded New Wine: The lutheran Episcopal Campus ministry in 2004. The Rev. Gregory M. Wilson, and Episcopal priest, was brought in to oversee the religious group. Wilson was enthusiastic about the task, but recognized the difficulty in attracting members in an environment with many alternatives. He credited hard work for the campus ministry’s success whose objective is to provide a forum for students even though some perceive it as unorthodox. Its name, derived from Mark 2:22, is a reflection of that. The scripture cautions against putting new wine into old wine skins.
“We’re doing a new thing in a way that doesn’look like the traditional church,” Wilson said.
“Sometimes... people have a hard time sort of getting it in their head what a campus ministry looks like. It doesn’t look like a church. It looks like a group of students who are inviting other students.”
Wilson and his young delegation often travel for spring break and go to various locales as a representative body of their faith. They meet for weekly gatherings, On Sundays there is discussion and communion. Wilson hosts Theology Night at the Draught Horse on THursdays. It provides for an informat setting for those who would not ordinarily attend LECM. Wilson said the LECM as unapologetically open and welcome.
“If the church isn’t willing to engage those young adults, then they’re not going to engage the church and that’s my critical focus,” Wilson said.
To that end, Wilson has entered into many initiatives that foster this type of communal participation. He worked with Muslim students to help build a relationship between them and their Christian counterparts. Wilson wants the LECM to have a furter impact with some of the ultimate objectives being a graduate program and an office building that could be utilized to help those in the comunity and on campus regardless of their background.
“We really don’t try to push beliefs on anybody, which I think is a big thing, especially in college where people want to be so individualized,” Becky Mastin, student president of LECM said. “We dont’gt try and tell you what to believe. It’s more about discovering yourself and your own faith kind of journey.”
Wilson said the students in LECM were very instrumental in helping raise funding as money has tightened since its inception. The Lutheran church has come under some financial hardships in the past few years. As their budget decreases, the campus ministry is afforded fewer funds. last year the LECM was able to raise $50,000 to keep itself afloat.
He said they have also taken on the responsibility of attracting members and being a presence on campus, which he acknowledged, is hard to maintain. Wilson has to contend with the ebb and flow of membership with each new semester.
“It’s sort of a moving target with campus ministry. You’re never sure of what’going... to work and it changes each semester,” he said. “It’s sort of an exercise of constantly just trying new things and seeing what’s going to work: where the energy is with students.”
For more information on the New Wine: The Lutheran Episcopal Campus Ministry, contact (267) 254-3947.
Man serves God as inspiration to others
Bismark Agbemble left corporate life to help others find their calling
Issue date: 2/29/2008
Bismark Agbemble walked away from a high paying job in corporate America in the pursuit of his life mission—to seek after God’s heart.
Also known as Mr. CEO, the Ghana native left the lucrative proession of banking to become an agent of change. Agbemble wanted to make a significant impact on the lives of consumers for the long term and assume the social responsibility that some of those beofre him, such as Mahatma Ghandi and Martin Luther King Jr., set forth. He lives hi life by the Canaan rule, choosing to make his words through action a covenant.
Bismark Agbemble left corporate American after seven years to start R.A.N. Capital Group, a faith-based business development fund that helps business find money to grow.“My life mission statement is to seek after God’s own heart, which simply means that I want to keep on seeking Every day that I wake up, I know that I’m not going to be perfect but I know I want to live a day better than I did yesterday and that’s seeking after God’s own hear,” Agbemble said.
After his departure, Agbemble focused his efforts on helping others achieve their own goals. He said he was inspired by the shortcoings of others because he wants people to live up to their potential. He penned “Chosen One” to offer a template as to how success could be realized. It was a tome seven years in the making with research detailing why people achieve happiness and developmental strategies. One of them is to live beyond the status quo.
“The kind of example I hop I’m setting from the outside is that I want to be a fighter,” he said. “I want to associate myself with the concept that, hey, you really have to fight for what you believe in which is giving it [your] all.”
Singer Takes Gospel to the Street
Issue date: 2/29/2008
Canton JonesCanton Jones has a unique way of spreading the gospel and delivering souls. He has taken the hymns out of the church and spread them to the streets.
“The Bible talks about the gospel being the good news. So my job is to put the good news over hip-hop, the good news over R&B, the good news over country, the good news over classical, whatever it is,” Jones said.
The Atlanta-based artist infuses gospel with hip=hop to create a unique sound of deliverance. Jones, the recipient of two Grammy nominations and two Gospel Choice Awards to his name, is promoting his latest effort &lduo;Kingdom Business” that includes such titles as “Pimp Hard,” “Hater day” and &ldquol24’s” with a tour. He was to perform in Philadelphia last weekend but a cancelled flight delayed that showcase until other arrangements can be made.
As Jones travels to the next city on the leg of his tour, the 10-year music veteran will boast the lyrics of the good news and his struggles.
Jones grew up in the Pentecostal church and sang in a traditional choir. However, during college he strayed from his roots but an epiphany soon came. He described God callingon him, just as he appointed Peter to be a fisher of men, and to use his talents to help others even if his words are not the norm.
“They loko at me and say, ‘He can’t be a gospel cat. This cat has a cap copped to the side. He’s got earrings and he’s sitting in front of the ’65 Bonneville?... how is he gospel? You can’t put God in a box. You can’ put Jesus in a box.”
Jones points out that God himself worked outside the confines of the church to heal. He sees himself as following in that same pattern, with his platform to be a mainstream artist doing something positive. He would welcome collaborating with rappers T.I. and T-Pain but insists he would still maintain his outlook.
“I’m not expecting my momma to be riding on “24’s... but I do want her to respect the fact that the way you save people is not the same way I save people, but we’re still saving people,” Jones said.
After he finishes his tour, he will be releasing material from artists on his label CAJO International Records. He also has a radio show, which he is working on getting into syndication. Regardless of his endeavors, Jones says he wants to keep a Jesus perspective and continue to deliver his brand of truth telling.
“I think the people who keep the gospel to themselves are selfish. I you’re in a situation and I know the way out and I don’t tell you, that’ selfish to me. My job is to spread light in darkness; to take the gospel to the streets and tell people that don’t know who Jesus is.”
Couple Honored for Life of Faith Dedication
Issue date: 2/29/2008
Canton Jones has a unique way of spreading the gospel and delivering souls. He has taken the hymns out of the church and spread them to the streets.
“The Bible talks about the gospel being the good news. So my job is to put the good news over hip-hop, the good news over R&B, the good news over country, the good news over classical, whatever it is,” Jones said.
The Rev. C.L. Pryor and Viola J. Pryor pose with R. Waunda Loadholt and Dolores Y. Owens, event coordinators.Camphor United Offers Food Program
Issue date: 3/7/2008
Camphor United Methodist Church has opened its doors not only for worship, but also in providing for members of the community with their food program.
The Community Fellowship Food Program acts as a host for Self Help and Resource Exchange, a nonprofit organization that distributes food to thes in need. SHARE obtains its food from state-funded programs and from the private sector. Camphor picks up the collectiion during a designated period during the month. Afterwards, the committee offers the donations to those whos how up at Camphor on Tuesday mornings from 9 a.m. to noon.
“It’s been very good. In fact, many look forward to our meetings on Tuesday,” Walter E. Stanley Jr. Said.
Stanley has been the chairman for the food cupboard for the past 20 years. stanley, who has been a congregation member for over 45 years, and his committe ration out the items after receiving it.
“The amount that we give is dependent on the amount they give us. And at times, if we’re very, very short and we don’t have any organizaiton to get food from, we’ll purchase food in order to fill in the gaop,” Stanley said.
Stanley said the food doled out was mostly canned goods. To qualify for the food cupboard, interested parties have to verify their income. This measure is performed monthly. they also have to be a resident of the specified area. These provisions ensure that the free service is not abused. In emergency situations, Stanley has authorized the allocaiton of food on a one-time basis.
In the past year, Camphor has invited members of the food cupboard to light the Advent candles and read a litany on how the candle represents the light of the world. The church has also undertaken providing an annual credit check and providing voter registration forms.
Recently, the cupboard has also begun accepting donated clothes. The Rev. Laurie Ann Rookard is pleased that Stanely has been able to engage those who come to Camphor for the donations. Some have even joined the fellowship.
“Mr. Stanley is an excellent leader. He is excellent in my mind because not only what he’s doing but he treats everyone with such respect and dignity and I support all of his efforts,” Rookard said.
before each distribution, there is a devotional period where scripture and prayer are said. Hymns are also sung. This past Tuesday, Amazing Grace and 1 Corinthians 13 were recited.
To learn more about the Food Cupboard, contact (215) 747-2600.
Palm Sunday March Takes Mission to Streets
Church hopes to spread peace, promote social awareness
Issue date: 3/14/2008
Tokunbo A. AdelekanMt. Olivet Tabernacle Baptist will be keeping with tradition to celebrate Palm Sunday. Their yearly march will be held to recreate when Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey shouting for peace and was met with greetings of Hosanna and palm branches.
A March of Solidarity and Spiritual Renewal in Our COmmunity is to take place on Sunday, March 16. It will begin at 8:45 a.m. in front of Mt. Olivet on 42nd and Wallace streets. Pastor Tokunbo A. Adelekan, inspired by prayer and the energy of his congregation when he assumed the post in 2004, will lead a delegation of various organizations, church leaders, community activists and those who live in the community through the streets. Adelekan expects between 250 and 500 people to participate in the faith walk, which will include music and rereshments.
“We try to have a march of peace and solidarity in order to raise the spiritual and social awareness of the community... to bring us closer together,” Adelekan said of the day’s purpose.
“The church has turned insular and we have lost and external focus and this has to primarily be with the lack of understanding of what it means to be called and committed... what it means to be a disciple.”
Adelekan hoped that the stand-alone march, the third installment of its kind, ouwld provoke social empowerment. He said there had been an absence of personal responsibility and individual accountability to one’s community during times of struggle. He and the church want to build partnerships with other institutions and groups. He said no man or church is an island, citing fewer activities and waning participation for a reason to get involved.
“As a result of this, you have increasing amounts of alienation and isolatio. So, the march is now called to combat this... and to get people to be connected with the church with one another as a way to empower ourselves and our families and the institutions within the community.”
He further said Mt. Olivet was developing a holistic ministry. The multi-generational church, which boasts a diverse congregation of 400-plus members, emphasizes social justice based on spiritual and biblical values. To that end, their heavy focus is on prayer, Bible and stewardship. They implement these tenets through their routine community awareness programs that highloight evangelism, ministry fairs and marital discord. There will also be a march held on AIDS in the near future. According to Adelekan, all of these initiatives enhance society even through the worst of circumstances.
“You have to be realistic about the evil but you must show how God has not been absent but present and powerful in their lives,”he said.
Following the Palm Sunday March, Adelekan will return to Mt. Olivet for service at 10:30 a.m. For more information, contact (215) 386-5638.
TV Show Reaching Lost Souls
‘The Real Praise’ brings power of God to viewer’s living rooms
Issue date: 3/14/2008
Nanette Lankford believes that her calling in life is to be an encouragement to others. She is using her television show, “The Real Praise,” as such a vehicle.
Her executive producer, Tony Lankford, who is her husband, brought the idea of the show to her. At the time, the two were not married. She was a hostess on a different show called, “All About You.” When it went to radio format, he pitched the idea to her. After consideration and prayer, she accepted.
“My wife has a very strong inspirational outlook toward life and she applies the love of God in her show, which makes it very successful and interesting to people who watch,” Tony Lankford said.
“Nanette Lankford“The Real Praise,” which airs every third Thrusday of the month from 7 to 7:30 p.m. on Philly TV 7, promotes itself as a faith-based community show. It features real life issues about everyday people who triumph over difficult times with faith and inspiration Lankford acts as a conduit for them to express such testimonies.
“The truth of the matter is that everybody’s got a story to tell. Everybody has gone through different facets in their life to get to one plateau to the next and normally what I say is go from glory to glory,” Lankford said.
“I believe in reaching out to people, allowing them to see that they’re not alone. There are other people that support what they’re going through and are here to encourage them to get them to where they need to be.”
Lankford instills hope and a sense of direction through the Bible, which she uses as a guideline. She is an advocate of taking everything back to the word and often going to specific scriptures for people. The family-oriented woman, who also operates a floral business from home, pre-screens her guests before their appearance to be assured that their motives are sound.
“I take my Christian faith very seriously and I don’t want people to perceive me as another face on the iar. I want people to see Nanette Lankford and say, ‘You know what? She is saved. I feel her spirit. She is on a mission for the Lord. She is trying to reach people.’”
Lankford says she does not have a personal favorite airing of “The Real Praise” despite its two and a half year run. She was appreciative of all the stories shared on her stage. As for her own journey, Lnakford gives credit to her family and God. She very seldom has bad days and uses obstacles as catalysts.
“The joy that I have, the world did not give it to me and I’m not going to let the world take it away because the joy of the Lord is my strength.”
For more information about “The Real Praise and Lankford,” she can be reached on the Web at www.theactorslounge.ning.com. She is also on www.youtube.com with the words “the actors lounge” in the search.
Rendell Aids Clergy Healthcare Project
Issue date: 3/21/2008
The Rev. Natalie Mitchem, Gov. Ed Rendell, the Rev. Ellis I. Washington, and Everett Gillison, the deputy mayor for public safety stand with the check Rendell presented to the Faith Based Children’s Health Insurance Project, which aims to sign up additional children who are eligible for health insurance throught the state’s program.The Black Clergy of Philadelphia & Vicinity kicked off their Faith Based Children’s Health Insurance Project with a brunch on Wednesday. Governor Ed Rendell was on hand to baptize the occasion with an $18,500 check.
Cardenas Grant Communications, in conjunction with various faith leaders, coordinated the event. It was to help churches identify and enroll children in their communities who iwll benefir from affordable health insurance. “Cover the Kids Sunday,” being held on April 27, is being advertised as a day when churches recruit those who may be in need of coverage by spreading the message from the pulpit.
“You really can’t do any major movement in the African-American community without coming to the Black church,” Barbara Grant, one of the organizers, said.
“In the tradition of the African church, we often pray for protection... we cover our people with prayers and protection and literally in this case, if you’re not covered, you’re not protected. Children need to maintain their well being.”
Between 50 and 60 churches responded to Wednesday’s invitation. Grant said 90 percent of those eligible were enrolled. The brunch was to devise ways to reach out to the remaining percentage that have not tapped into the resource. The Rev. Natalie Mitchem, organizer and pastor of St. John AME Church in Wayne, said many shy away because of a lack of knowledge. Some of them are also afraid of the stigma attached and the belief that there may be a hidden agenda involved.
Mitchem, an organizer, herself, dispelled those theories. The state subsidized CHIP is available at all level incomes and the card is not marked to indicate a difference from other carriers. Mitchem, who has a long history in health ministry, just felt compelled to help in an effort that crosses denominational barriers.
“By joining us together across denominational lines is also helpful because this is not just AME. It’s not just Baptist. It’s not just Pentecostal. It’s not just Church of God in Christ. We’re all coming together,” she said.
“It’s an opportunity for us to be like Jesus in a sense because his mission was to go around and see about the needs of those who have basic human needs and I feel that we are addressing those basic human needs.”
Michelle Nerestent of Love Fellowship Tabernacle echoed her sentiment. She has a background in nursing and also emphasize that the day’s events were part of a larger movement to insure those under the age of 19.
“The Bible says that you will know my disciples by the love that they have for one another. We’re just extending that love,&rdquol Nerestent said.
Elder Joseph Patterson, president of Black Clergy & Vicinity, introduced Rendell as a compassionate man. Under his tenure, Rendell expanded CHIP guidelines and signed legislation in 2006 that allowed 20,000 more children to be added to the program. He asked that churches reach out to constituents through sermons and public educations seminars. He then said it was his pleasure to give a check to the AME church as means of continuing their endeavors.
For more information on CHIP, go to www.chipcoverspakids.com
Singer Brings Fresh Wind to Gospel Music
Issue date: 3/21/2008
“The whole CD is geared toward reaching out to man, woman, boy or girl about Jesus Christ,” said Gospel singer Eric O. Shipman.Eric O. Shipman has spent almost all of his life in the church singing the word of God. His latest effort, a contemporary gospel CD produced by Tramaine Dunlap, “What Will it Take,” is an invitation to those who feel lost.
“The whole CD is geared toward reaching out to man, woman, boy or girl about Jesus Christ,” Shipman said.
“It’s anointed and second of all, it cuts straight to the core. It reaches out ot that person who feels like nobody loves them, feels like nobody cares and it tells them about the love of Jesus Christ.”
Shipman has felt that love from an early age. his late great-grandmother Lillie B. Shaw helped to develop his love of gospel, taking him to church and also singing hymns. Although he used to imitate one of his favorites, the late R&B crooner Luther vandross, Shipman found a greater richness in gospel in comparison to other sounds.
“It was nothing that could compare to gospel. That’s one thing I never vowed to God that I would never do is go into the secular and begin to sing R&B or hip-hop or whatever is offered to me no matter how much money,” Shipman said.
The two-time winner of the talent competition “Philly Gospel Showdown,” Shipman is an independent artist manage by Sheldon Price. he is currently on a church tour to support the album, which debuted November last year.
“Just like churches need revivals as far as the word, they need revival as far as the word in song,” he said.
The first stop on the tour was at The Deliverance Evangelistic Church, a guest of the minister of music Alex Ingram. His second jaunt was at Mt. Airy Church of God and Christ, courtesy of the minister of music James Joseph. He will perform at Enon Tabernacle as the guest soloist on March 28 at an event honoring the institution of Black marriages.
Shipman credits his own church, Cathedral baptist Worship Center, for being a reservoir of support. They hosted the CD release party. Bishop Millicent Hunter, the pastor, has offered to avail her help in any way that she can.
“I can’t even express enough how much support I get from my church and from my pastor concerning the CD,” he said.
Shipman himself is an associate minister. However, he is not advertised as one when it comes to the promotion of his CD. He does not want listeners to “tighten up,” at the sight of his collar. He wants them to instead hear the word of God coming through his voice rather than to focus on titles.
“What Will It Take” is currently available at Wal-Marts in Philadelphia and surrounding areas. A Night with Eric Shipman at North by NorthWest, 7165 Germantown Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19119, is a buffet and show scheduled for April 28, 2008.
For more information on Eric Shipman, he can be contacted at shipmane@comcast.net, www.myspace.com/ericoshipman or (484) 684-6693.
‘Painted to be A Villain’
Philadelphia pastors, friend praise Rev. Wright amid controversy
Issue date: 3/21/2008
Those who know the Rev. Jeremiah Wright by way of Philadelphia argued that the fury of sound bites broadcast do not accurately depict Sen. Barack Obama’s spiritual adviser.Philadelphia native, the Rev. Jeremiah Wright, who is the spiritual adviser for Democratic presidential hopeful Sen. barack Obama, has come under a maelstrom of controversy following various narratives deemed racist by some.
However, those who know him argue that the sound and fury of sound bites broadcast do not accurately depict Wright.
Wright was described as a family man committed to his faith and his community by many who have known him since before he was thrust into the public sphere.
The former pastor of Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago, whose slogan is “unashamedly Black and unapologetically Christian” was said to be comical, warm and an effective preacher who is also a great soloist.
The words of praise were in contrast to the radical identity Wright has been assigned by some commentators who found fault with his sermons that suggested the United States was to blame for Sept. 11 and lambasted Obama’s rival, Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, of having an easier time securing the nomination because she is white.
“If you take some of the things he says out of context, you can accuse him of anything you want because of just some of his ideas and so forth,” said one of Wright’s childhood friends Barbara Bell-Jones.
According to the Rev. G. Daniel Jones, some of the comments that have been inflammatory have been taken out of context. Jones is the current pastor of Grace Baptist Church of Germantown—Wright’s home church in Philadelphia. He is not related to Bell-Jones.
“They have not heard his sermon in its entirety from beginning to end to know the context,” he said. “Also, their views should not be limited to those few snippets.”
Bell-Jones has known Wright since they were in kindergarten.
They spent their youth skating and bowling, Bell-Jones really got to know Wright, whom she affectionately refers to him as “Buddy,” when he invited her to join grace Baptist Church of Germantown where his father Jeremiah Wright Sr. was pastor for 42 years.
She has always known her friend to be spiritual, socially conscious and well read, utilizing all these attributes to buttress his opinions.
It had upset her that there is now an impression made that he is an angry Black man—a characterization she believed was politically motivated to discredit Obama amid tihgtening poll numbers.
“They have painted him to be such a villain and I really think that there’s a hidden agenda here and it’s not just about Buddy, his sermons,” she said.
Local businessman Cody Anderson, who has been a close personal friend of Wright for years, echoed her belief.
He did not think there would be such a firestorm if Wright were not the pastor of front-runner Obama and that the words he spoke were true when taken in context.
Anderson was in attendance for Wright’s retirement celebration and found the ongoing portrayal of the pastor to be unfair.
Wright, he said, was a leader who spoke his mind, inspiration and champion for all.
“When he talks about folks who have been unjust, he’s talking about Black, white... he doesn’t single any particular person out,” Anderson said.
His son, Bill, the morning radio host for WURD 900 AM, where Wright’s sermons are aired every weekday, agreed.
He took to task those who have chosen to define Wright after 30 seconds of select sound bites as opposed to framing his character around the estimated 40,000 minutes of sermons he has orated.
Even then, the younger Anderson believed some would still hold a different perspective of his quotes.
“He’s a brilliant man,” he said. “He’s an educated man. He’s a sensitive man. But he is an African. He’s an advocate for African-American people.”
As for the sermons in question, his brother in the cloth at Virginia Union University concurred with the sentiments.
Jones, the senior pastor at Grace Baptist, said the furor over Wright’s harsh language did not dilute his claims.
He maintained that the average Black minister supported his pronouncements because the words were true rathern than born of prejudice.
“I don’t think he’s racist,” Jones said. “I think he calls attention to the racism that exists. He has a passion for the empowerment of oppressed people. He has a passion to denounce social ills when he sees them.”
Jones said his friend was not a separatist caricature.
Instead, he was performing his duty as a modern day contemporary prophet in the church who addresses the concerns of his congregration, which envelopes race, homelessness, discrimination, education, poverty and people without health care.
Jones said many do not understand the dynamics of the Black church, which empower their constituencies to shake and challenge oppression on all fronts.
“Many of our Caucasian churches have been committed to patriotism,” he said. “It’s not that the Black church is against patriotism, but our primary agenda is liberation.”
Jones did not believe the current criticism would negate Wright’s legacy.
In fact, he thought it would grow because of the newfound publicity. Wright has been a mainstay as a lecturer at different universities.
In his retirement, he has been called to preach at many pulpits. The citywide Evangelist for Philadelphia for two years in a row will return to his roots this October to Grace Baptist as its guest. He is expected to spend a week and deliver a sermon, a practice he has done for many years now.
“We look forward to his coming,” Jones said. “He’s coming home. We welcome him home.”
Jones noted the former marine had done a wonderful job building up his congregration. He pointed to the growth of Trinity, which mushroomed from 80 to 8,000 under Wright’s leadership with Obama and Oprah Winfrey being ust two of the leaders who have evolved from the church.
Jones, who gave Wright credit for being an excellent communicator, did not think that his voice would be censored.
“He cannot be silenced,” Jones said. “There will be no silencing until he dies. There will be no silencing of Dr. Wright and there will be no silencing of any Black preacher. That cannot be done.”
“[For] people who know him and have been inspired by him and motivated by him and rejoiced to his word, his legacy will not be touched. If anything, it will be enhanced,” the elder Anderson said.
Temple professor and activist Molefi Asante asked the question: What was it that Pastor Wright said that created such a stir?
“The truth of the matter is that the snippets we saw over and over again from a couple of the 4,000 sermons that Jeremiah Wright delivered at Trinity Church of Christ tell me something profound,” he said in a statement. “Here we have, in the Christian sense, a modern Jeremiah pronouncing his jeremiads against a nation and a people who have refused to heed the moral teachings of the church.”
Asante went on to defend Wright.
“The reason that Jeremiah Wright is considered by his peers to be one of the most distinguished Black preachers in America is because he uses his prophetic voice to call us to recognize the injustice, madness, irrationality and destruction that we have caused as a nation,” he said. “What the majority of parishioners at Trinity United Church of Christ are saying is that somebody somewhere sometime ought to take on the powers that be and cause them to remember that America has not been blameless.”
20 Years of community work by Black Clergy
Issue date: 4/27/2008
The African American Interdenominational Ministries will be celebrating its 20th anniversary with fetes and occasions to mark the milestone. In fact, they will span over six months.
The Black Clergy of Philadelphia and Vicinity created its non-profit wing in 1988 to be its advocacy arm. It would empower black churches to address urban issues and the needs of those in the community. Under the chairmanship of Rev. William B. Moore, AAIM has been able to raise federal and private dollars to benefit the community.
“We’re using this year as a time to celebrate twenty years of work that we’ve done on behalf of our constituencies. We represent about four hundred churches and we comprise of all the major black denominations,” Rev. Moore said.
Since it’s inception, AAIM has been involved in the Rite of Passage, information and service project, health screenings and youth ministry to name a few. They also entered into a contract with the city of Philadelphia for several years to work with kids who were under their custodial care.
“The satisfaction of knowing that you can really give back to the community but more importantly to help young people, to see their lives transform and change has been perhaps,” Moore said.
The youth will play a part in the months long celebration. The month of June will be devoted to their concerns. Various workshops and a mentoring program will be held at Bright Hope Baptist Church. Their input will be taken into consideration as discussions are framed and organizers will also be sensitive to the music they prefer as long as its in good taste. There will also plans for a youth slogan scholars contest.
Other tributes to the AAIM will include the Gospel Fest in July, Quality of Life Crime and Safety workshops in August to deter violence. This period will also take into account how to help ex-prisoners with their re-entry into society.
September will feature the First Lady’ Luncheon and the culmination of all these festivities will occur October 31, 2008 with a Black Tie Celebration at the District Plaza. For those involved, six months just barely covers the achievements and accomplishments of an institution that has crossed faiths.
“For me, both personally and professionally, it has been an extension of my ministry and one of the joys in particular has been to work with Pastors, church leaders and youth across the ecumenical front and to realize how much we have in common despite what may be some of our denominations… different ways of doing things,” Rev. Ralph Banks, Executive Director, said.
“But the bottom line is that we’re about a better community, empowering people personally as well as corporately be responsible and to take ownership and be accountable for themselves but also for the enhancement of the community,” Banks continued.
The kickoff to the celebration will be the “20 Years and More to Go” luncheon held on May 2, 2008 at Pinn Memorial Baptist Church. It will open with members of the organization convening for the monthly meeting and culminate from there.
Blanks was hopeful that the series of events honoring AAIM would lead to greater awareness and appreciation and “two, a greater commitment from Pastors to support and be involved… and more into another twenty year period.”
For more information on the luncheon, contact (215)-783-4593.
Celebrity Basketball bouncing for God
Issue date: 4/25/2008
Gospel and basketball came together for fellowship and unity last Friday at Community College of Philadelphia. Koinonia Ministry presented their first Celebrity basketball game to demonstrate a parallel between struggles in the game and in life.
Founder of Koinonia, Reggie Bullock, wanted to use his favorite sport as a tool of communication. The main focuses of the evening were to minister the will of God to those in attendance, educate them about emotions, which can trigger violence and confronting them biblically.
“No one, at least from my understanding, has done something to this effect. There’s been games and things like that but never a combination of the two… all gospel and basketball,” Bullock said.
Bullock was confident that the theme for the evening was received. It was reinforced with an opening prayer and during intermissions different speakers addressed the sizable crowd about violence. It was a message specifically tailored for the youth.
“One of the problems that the youth are saying is that they have no voice. No one has said anything or heard from them. We’re just creating an opportunity for that.”
Some of the participants who put on their jersey’s and ran up and down the court included Gospel artists TWyse, HanSoul, Hersey Coles, The Psalmist and Dr. Marc Lamont Hill who Professor, author, speaker. Two time stellar nominee Antwuan Stanley, Founder of award-winning group, Tony Moore & Jehovah’s Chosen Tony Moore, BJ Shores & MSG, Pastors Joseph Barnes and Kevin M. Aiken rounded out the ensemble. B.I.G. CI.T.Y, host of the host of “Holy Hip Hop” on Praise 103.9 fm, presided over the event, that saw the red team defeat, the black by a ten-point margin. The final score was 89-79.
Although some of the players grumbled about some calls, they were in agreement that the evening was for a good cause. Ultimately, those watching were the winners. Moore said it was inspiring to see the community come together with such passion.
“I thought the game was a success. I really did. I was just happy to be able to participate. And I think everybody coming out, different gospel musicians and pastors and everyone who participated, I really thought that it helped to just strengthen the morale of young people,” Stanley, a red team player, said.
“The basketball game that we all played in showed a bit of struggle and how struggle can happen and how you can come out still a winner… by the end of the game, the team that I was on won. Yeah, we won the game but really we all consider ourselves winners and stuff like that because the event was centered around faith,” Stanley continued. For more information on Koinonia Ministry, visit www.PhillyKoinonia.org.
Gospel Cruise Puts Spin on Lunch Time
Issue date: 4/18/2008
The Spirit of Philadelphia set sail to the sounds of gospel music Saturday as it launched the successful gospel lunch cruise series, featuring husband and wife duo Lionel and Leslie.
The three-deck vessel boarded passengers for a voyage that showcased the city’s scenic views and skyline. They feasted on a buffet lunch for the first hour as their journey along the Delaware River was narrated. various historical sights such as the Ben Franklin Bridge were pointed out before the main course gave way to the moving dance floor to entertain those who came from as far as New York to hear a new twist on the way hymns have been heard.
Lionel and Leslie, recipients of several awards and recently nominated for a Stellar Award, returned for the fifth year to be a part of the themed luncheon. They both enjoyed sharing their talents for the varied audience. They took traditional gospels and infused it with a contemporary filter to provide a broad appeal and played a game of ldquname that tune” to incorporate crowd participation.
“We enjoy it. The customers who come on, they enjoy it. And like I said, thatrsqus been one of the reasons why we keep coming back every year because they have such a good time, they request us and we keep coming back,” Leslie said.
“We really enjoy the atmosphere. It’s more of an intimate setting… and being that we’re a husband and wife ministry, it’s a more intimate setting and we can connect with the people more so than singing in the churches,” Lionel said.
Bob Gregory, general manager of the Spirit of Philadelphia, said the gospel cruise lunches were in great deman. They had been sporadic at one time but for the past five years, there has been a consistent schedule of these days on the calendar. One-third of all Saturday cruises have been focused on this unique forum of singing praise while taking in the outdoor surroundings.
“I love it. The entertainment is nice and the service was beautiful,” Jateris Bermudez said.
Lionel and Leslie were the star performers on the Gospel Cruise.Photo/Robert Mendelsohn
“I was open for it. It was something she had told me about and I said, ‘Let’s go for it,’” he said.
An excited JoAnn Sauders-McCants from Shiloh baptist Church of New York won Name that Tune. She jumped up and down when it was announced that she was the winner. Of the overall experience, she declared she had a “wonerful time. I recommend it to anybody and everybody.”
The next scheduled gospel cruise lunch is for April 28 and will run until Oct. 25. The times vary depending on the date and tickets start at $35.
Grammy Winner Makes Her Gospel Debut
Regina Belle says career has come full circle
Issue date: 5/18/2008
Regina Belle is a multiple Grammy awarding winner whose career spans two decades. However, she recently accomplished another feat to add onto her impressive resume by releasing her first gospel album.
“Love Forever Shines” was released on May 13. The 14 track disc, which features guest spots from Melvin Williams and Shirley Murdock, has already garnered the hit single “God is Good”. Although she is a name in the industry, Belle is essentially starting over. She has moved from classical and R&B to gospel and gave praise to a higher power for allowing her the opportunity.
“It is exciting. It’s certainly a dream come true and I feel like my life and career has come full circle; to be able to say thank you for so many years of covering,” Belle said.
“God has definitely been a keeper in every sense of the word.”
The hit maker who belted out tunes such as “Baby Come to me”, “Stay with me” and her duet with Peabo Bryson, "A Whole New World" from the “Aladdin” Soundtrack, always had an interest to venture into gospel. However, her record label was concerned by sales. They did not want to deviate from the status quo. Belle trusted that God would make a way and allow things to fall into place. The divine intervention Belle spoke of certainly came into play as two companies, Ruben Rodriguez’ Pendulum Records in association with Walker Davis Entertainment, backed the endeavor.
But the experience has not been without criticism from those who see another secular artist attempting to profit from infusing a gospel sound into their music. Belle insisted that was not so for her. She maintained having served a risen God for a long time. She wants her music to reflect that he can be available to others as well.
“I’m not talking about bumpin’ and grindin’. I’m talking about the same things that… were institutionalized in the Bible. That institution of family,” Belle noted.
“The high is just bigger than entertainment. It’s about making sure folks don’t leave the same way they came in.”
The New Jersey native was thankful to her fans for their reception. During her promotional tour, she visited Philadelphia’s Sharon Baptist Church on May 4. She got a chance to minister before the congregation and they were very welcoming. Belle, in turn, does her best not to let them down, aware of her influence.
“My fans have never, ever given me a problem with me praising God in the midst of wherever I’ve been; the club, the theater because I’m always going to get my praise. It don’t matter,” Belle declared.
“I’ve always tried to maintain integrity as it pertains not just to the music but also as my reflection in society because there are young ladies looking at me and patterning themselves after me. So, it’s important that I kind of take on the responsibility and accountability for who I and those who are looking at me and trying to fashion themselves after me.”
Love Forever Shines is available in stores, iTunes, Amazon and other digital outlets. For more information on Regina Belle, visit Pendulum Records.
Minister Admonishes Readers to heed Bible’s Hard Lessons
Issue date: 4/27/2008
Ministed Anthony Love Sr. puts his life on display as a testimony to God’s imprint on his life. The former drug addict has written a new book to reveal harsh truths that the church hasn’t been preaching from the pulpit.
“It is a good book—if you’re obeying it. If you’re not obeying what it says, that’s the worst book that you could ever read,” Love said about the Bible.
“It is a good book—if you’re obeying it,” says the Rev. Anthony Love.
“One of the things that really bothered my spirit is that people want a relationship with God and then they wonder the blessings of God aren’t happening in their lives. That’s because they’re not getting the whole truth of what God says in his word,” Love said.
“I just listen to ministers and they talk about prosperity. There’s nothing wrong with prosperity messages but you have to get the whole meat and potatoes of God’s word in order to get into the prosperity messages.”
Love spoke of the 32 books in the Bible that address God’s wrath. He holds some members of the clergy accountable for not informing their parishioners of God’s anger but only stressing his love. The newly ordained minister was initially worried about what the reaction would be but therein laid the rub. He proceeded, declaring that scripture supported the judgments he wrote about.
“The ministry that God gave me is a no-holds barred ministry. I preach what the word of God says.”
His mentor, Pastor Tony Pritchette of Provision Church, said Love has been a fast learner with an astute knowledge for the word of God. Congregation members have taken to Love, who has been given the responsibility of getting the drug and alcohol ministry off the ground at Provision. Pritchette was confident in Love’s abilities and the message behind his tome.
“He has an in-your-face kind of ministry to bring people back to the reality of the word and not watering down the word of God. That’s how the Lord has called him to be. So, I really love his book and the style of his book,” Pritchette said, “in terms of… right in the people’s faces with the word of God.“
Love is currently working on the follow up to “From Crack Cocaine to Christ From Calvary.” It will focus on deliverance. He admits to having moments where his own faith is tested but considers them to be learning experiences.
“I have a lone time when it feels like God is not there. And I’m sure that everybody experiences that who has a life in Christ because God wants to elevate us. God doesn’t want us to lean on him so much. He wants us to always continually trust him,” Love said.
“He wants us to be able to do the work on our own, guided by his spirit. That’s why God says put on the armor of God.”
“I Know Something You Don’t Know: What the Bible Says That Some Churches Don’t Have the Heart to Tell You” is available at amazon.com and barnesandnoble.com.
To learn more about Anthony Love Sr., e-mail lisaandtony86@aol.com
Retiree on Mission to Help Women
Issue date: 3/28/2008
It was 1995 and Mary Williams had just settled into retirement when a vision came to her. She would focus on the tents of character, attitude, relationship and empowerment as a resource for women.A year later, C.A.R.E. manifested itself as a community oriented, faith based program whose mission was to help women overcome barriers in their lives. It is also a supportive network that offers referrals. Bible Study, street evangelism, retreats and seminars are just some of the activities offered to help establish a spiritual foundation for daily living. They are specifically designed to help those that fall through the cracks. Williams has encountered many who do not fall under certain categories such as those who have just gotten out of jail and are between the ages of 45-60. She wanted to offer a shelter that provided beds for those that did not have children or dependency issues.
“Sometimes, women don’t have nowhere to go and I would just like to have some beds,” Williams said.
“You know, women that don’t have children have or you have to be on drugs or you have to be on alcohol.”
Mary WilliamsWilliams has already envisioned what she sees for the future offices which would include board members Curtis Anderson, Gerturde Major, Linda Johnson, Terelesta McNair, Pastor Bruce W. Hook, Nannie Wooten and office mangers Debra Mason and Patricia Backmon . She wants it to be three thousand square feet. There will be 12 cubicles on the second floor. Some of the services offered will be correctional, domestic violence support, counseling and health. Above else, the extra space will allow Williams and her dedicated staff to amplify their mantra, which is to teach a woman and reach a community.
A single mother who was divorced early, Williams has found that those in similar positions do not have a support system in place to provide direction and practical skills. “Most girls carry the problems of their mothers and fathers because if we don’t teach them, they are carbon copies of what we are and that’s why the majority of them are hurting,” she said.
“Some of them don’t even know how to make a bed… we were taught by our parents you know how to cook; they don’t know that and it’s just kind of sad.”
Mason, who has been with C.A.R.E. since inception, was proud of the program’s effect. She helps out with the Evangelism Outreach by passing out tracks about God and how to get saved. Mason herself has benefited, crediting Williams with gaining office skills, Mason has also witnessed C.A.R.E. impact the lives of others who needed tokens to get to various appointments and basic necessities being tended to like getting food. It has led to a bonding experience.
“When a group of women get together sometimes and talk about the issues that they’re having, it gives them a little relief from the situation,” Mason said.
C.A.R.E. will be hosting a fundraiser on Saturday, March 29, 2008. The play Sistah featuring Kristal Kinard of HIS ministries will be presented at 3:00 at Pinn Memorial Baptist Church, Founders Hall, 2251 N. 54th Street, Philadelphia, Pa 19131. A buffet will promptly follow.
Tickets are on sale for $40.00. For more information, contact (215)-748-1050.
Rev. Davis Breaks from TV Personality
Issue date: 4/18/2008
The Rev. Clifton Davis at Thankful baptist Church presides over the Sunday service. He will make a return apearance in September to commemorate their 85th anniversary.Photo by Stephanie Guerilus
“Part of my real job, though one would say my acting in a comedy was my real job, I didn’t consider that my real purpose. My real purpose was to monitor the message for the master,” Davis said.
“I don’t mean that in a slave sense. I mean that God put me there to fight the battle on behalf of the Black Christian church so that it wouldn’t be made fun of. So that God or Christ or any of our sacraments wouldn’t be ridiculed. So that we wouldn’t go into so many stereotpes,” he continued.
“So, a part of my job was to be there praying, fighting, reasoning and I paid a price for it. But, ultimately, it was in service to the Lord. And whenever you lose something in service to the Lord, he knows how to return to it tenfold.”
The strength of his conviction was one of the reasons why Davis was invited to Thankful Baptist Church last Sunday for its 11 a.m. service. He will make a return appearance in September to commemorate their 85th anniversary. On this occasion, he preached about the need to perfect praise. Congregants did not see a performer famed for his portrayal of Reuben Gregory on the series “Amen.” Instead, they reacted to a spirited man of God who told them that their walls of Jericho would not come down until they shouted to the Lord with the voice of triumph.
The co-founder and former co-pastor of Welcome Christian Center in Huntington Beach, Calif., admitted to having some nerves before he took the pulpit. He hadn’t yet finished putting all his notes together. However, he heard in his inner being not to worry and to trust in the Lord. That conquered his fear and he was able to move forward before a sizeable audience that hung on his every word of pent-up praise. He joked with the congregation that it was not an easy decision for him to speak before them; it only took him a few seconds.
“Someties, I’ll drive up to the church and it’s a storefront with six members. Sometimes, I’ll drive up to the church… it’s an eight-sided building with 16 to 25,000 members. I decide to [preach] when I have a week available and God calls because I consider a call from the church not a call from the church,” he said.
“I consider it a call from the Lord. It’s an invitation from God to go and speak. It is also a call to arms fro me; it’s a call to get in the battle. It’s a call to trust him.”
Davis credited his wife of eight years, Monica, as being his confidante, prayer warrior, best friend and strength. She said the feeling was mutual. Monica, a flight attendant, is helping her husband launch his official Web site.
“It’s [the good thing] for e [is]… being married, just to have that partner in life. Especially, someone that you can share your thoughts and dreams, your prayers especially. It’s one thing to pray when you’re by yourself. It’s another thing to share a prayer that can hear your most personal thoughts and challenges, dreams and sharing that with that person before God and that kind of gives you strength,” she said.
Davis’ next public appearance will be as the commencement speaker at Edwards Waters College on May 3.
Youth Rally Teaches Integrity
Issue date: 4/27/2008
The Pennsylvania Eastern District Congress of Christian Education presented their annual Youth Rally/Oratorical Contest on April 19. New winners were minted but everyone went home with a prize and a greater appreciation of their faith.
This year’s theme centered on maintaining Christian integrity (vaules) in changing times and to pass the ball on. The children who participated, who ranged from 9 and up, competed in two divisions in response to the premise. The younger kids were judged on scripture memorization, delivery, pronunciation, posture and eye-to-eye contact. The older ones had to recite an essay and were critiqued on the aforementioned and also content and originality.
Jade Spence came in first followed by Danielle Bradley-Wilson, Arianna Ahiagbe and Akira Miller. Spence was awarded $100 in a savings bond and will now represent Pennsylvania Eastern Congress. She will enter in the overall state competition and will be eligible for a monetary prize of up to $10,000. For chairwoman Cynthia Jefferson, the backbone of this disciplined competitive forum, she placed a greater value on instilling esteem, knowledge and confidence each youth left the stage with.
Danielle Brady-Wilson speaks at the annual youth Rally/Oratorical Contest on April 19.“This contest is to allow our young people to shine, to grow and, hopefully, it sets an example that you can be whatever you want to be and I just want young people to know that.”
During the ceremony, many were recognized for their contributions with children and lifting them up, including the Superintendent of the Chester Upland School District, Gregory E. Thornton, for continuing to provide funding and encouragement. Mae Rhea, who has been in the state Congress for many years, received flowers. Rhea has been able to get to every function despite not having a vehicle. Deacon John Williams, president of Pennsylvania State Congress, received recognition for telling pastors and teachers that education begins in Christ and then in the home. Past President Johnny Crawford and Robert Lord, president of PA Eastern District Congress of Christian Education, were also highlighted for their involvement.
Gail Cain, co-chair of the Youth Rally Committee, got a nod as well. Jefferson described her as always being there for the young people and acting in a Christian manner.
“It was a feeling of joy, an absolute joy. I was totally surprised that Dr. Jefferson took the time out to honor me in that manner. The award itself was beautiful,” Cain said.
Despite the competition, the day was a joyous one filled with fellowship. A skit,“Christians on the Red Carpet,” written by Superintendent Ruby Cotton, New Light Beulah B.C., was performed as were other musical selections. Jefferson was hopeful that the messages of the day would carry forth into the lives of the youth.
“Our theme last year was keep the ball moving… and this year, it was pass the ball on and we can’t be afraid to let our young people do a job. We’re supposed to be there to help them, to support them and I just hope that we’ve helped some of them,” she said.
“I use the example that if we all fish together in the same ocean with the same initiatie, fishes will beome whales of knowledge and knowledge and experienc will become wisdom because if you give me a fish, I can eat for one day. However, if you teach me to fish, I can eat for a lifetime.”
Hip-hop Remixed
Annual concert and conference celebrate youthful Christianity
Issue date: 4/18/2008
Members of the Christian youth Squad P.R.A.Y. attend an event with Kirk Franklin at the University of Delaware in March.Bishop Jimmie Ellis founded VVC, which ic located in the heart of Southwest Philadelphia, in 1983 with just seven members in his living room. It now as more than 2,000; one-third of them are youth and young adults. As such, the focus of the April 25 and 26 events will be geared toward this demographic, which has been engulfed in drugs and violence and particularly African-American males.
Wesley T, Proctor, youth pastor and executive administrator, is hosting ht eevnets, which kicks off the evening of Friday, April 25, at 7:30 p.m. with the rap concert. He did not find the inclusion of rap to be counterproductive but rather an effective tool that could be used to reach his audience. Nonetheless, there will be no cusing, the content will be clean and there will be no violating the Bible.
“I say it all depends on this message. A lot of the messages in the rap music tends to attract or lure young people and I think that Christian rap has a good message and I think a lot of young people tend to gravitate towards and that’s why wersqure hosting a rap concert,” Proctor said.
Proctor’s Christian Youth Squad P.R.A.Y. Youth Ministry will be sharing the stage with Ordered Steps of Enon. Other performers include rappers Knowledge, marc Cornelius, Niko the Messenger and Nazarene Sect to name a few.
The following morning will be the Youth Conference, which will highlight different aspects of the lives of young people with various workshops. They will have a forum to discuss their relationship with God, financing money and transitioning from high school to college. This year will introduce a parenting component that Proctor found essential because he often finds himself assuming such a role.
“You have to be all things to them. You have to be like a father. You have to be a coach. You have to be a friend. You have to be a coach. You have to be a friend. You have to be the police. You have to be the referee. You just have to wear so many hats because so many of our young people in the inner city lack resources and I know how that was because I know I did when I was growing up,” Proctor said.
“If a friendship comes out of it, that’s one thing but I try my best as… the youth pastor to show them biblically and give them spiritual guidance. That’s my primary function and them from there, hopefully, they’ll find that guidance and not just a relationship within the ministry and the people and myself but a relationship with God comes out of it.”
Brandi Hall, who has been involved with VCC for the four years and is once again coordinating the affair, agreed. As a young adult herself, she thought others in her age group would be better able to relate with peers. She also thought it would be helpful for them to hear from those who faced similar struggles and overcame.
“I hope they will learn something about violence and more about God—how God will always be there for them regardless of the situation that they’re going through,” Hall said.
On Sunday, Proctor will close the weekend activities by delivering the keynote address during service. It will buttress VCC’s theme of taking territory.
“Taking territory means grabbing hold of those areas in our lives and reaching for things that we never thought we could never achieve… to really cover areas in our lives that are lacking,” he said.
All are welcome to attend both events, which will be held at the center located on 5220 Whitby Ave., Philadelphia. There is a fee for the Youth Conference. For more information, contact (215) 474-2717.