Cover Story: Ms. Clarke Goes to Washington
Yvette Clarke a shoe-in for election to Congress
from Brooklyn’s 11th Congressional District

By Glenda Cadogan

There is a little girl who lives in the heart of Brownsville, Brooklyn . We do not know her by name, but we know her by her social condition. The daughter of a welfare mother, she lives in abject poverty. She is lost, alone, uneducated and misguided. She is seemingly hopeless, assuredly voiceless. But a new day is dawning for this little girl. Its first rays of sunlight were seen on Tuesday, September 12, 2006 when Yvette D. Clarke, a second-generation Caribbean American woman was elected as the Democratic candidate for the 11 th Congressional District.

A Shepherd's Corner
By Rev. Reginald T. Jackson

I have been away a few months and not able to contribute to this column. I am back, now and eager to address a host of issues that impact our people and communities. There is much to write about. For instance, in a few days we will cast ballots for congressional, gubernatorial and other state and local elections. At stake are control of the Congress and the direction of this nation for the next two years and beyond. I am one who believes the nation desperately needs a change in direction.

Love, Peace and the Joy of the Lord Laughter heals, laughter soothes and laughter creates bonds. In Sunday school, we teach the children a little song that says: "I've got that joy, joy, joy, down in my heart. I've got the peace that passes understanding down in my heart. I've got the love of Jesus down in my heart."

My View: Obama for President? Why not?
By Rev. Theresa Nance Pastor of
The Church By The Side Of The Road
108 Hoover Ave., Passaic, NJ.

There is excitement in the air about the slim possibility that U.S. Senator Barak Obama will enter the political arena as a presidential candidate in 2008. And, the tall, handsome man, who not only has become a media darling, but also the darling of the Democratic party is a bit coy regarding his intentions.

THE WAY AHEAD: Call for Katrina Healing
By Mwandikaji K. Mwanafunzi

I indicated in the October 2005 issue of The Positive Community that we must distinguish between Hurricane Katrina and its aftermath. The hurricane was an act of God, whether specifically directed by Him or just part of the earthly weather system that He created. The Katrina Aftermath, however, was manmade. The massive flooding, destruction, suffering, and death resulted from federal, state, and local government neglect and misplaced priorities.

Gospel Train: "This Is Who I AM”
Kelly Price speaks out on her relationship with Christ,
enjoying salvation and her new CD

It is about 7:30 p.m. and I am at the Westin Hotel in Manhattan on the ninth floor eagerly waiting the presence of my high school classmate’s sister. To my surprise because of how I last saw her, in walks a slimmer (yet healthy) Kelly Price. With an air of confidence she enters with her manager & husband Jeff ready to handle business. Casually dressed in a blue denim jean outfit & iced out bandana over her tapered hair, she’s yet had a chance to change after a busy day of catch up with finalizing details for her new album, flying in her sons from Atlanta and getting in a quick shoe shopping spree in the famous Village.

Movie Review: Color of the Cross
Film Review by Kam Williams

Headline: Crucifixion Revisited with Black Jesus as Victim of Bias Crime

Was Jesus a black man? He might have been, given the features of the folks from the region of the world where he was born. He was at least more likely to look more like a brother than the generally accepted representations of him as a fair-skinned, flaxen-haired Caucasian. Yet, Hollywood has never seen fit to make a major motion picture featuring a sepia Son of God. Till now.

Razac thanks you for 25 years:
Family firm celebrates success by creating more businesses
by g.r. mattox

It’s a busy, prosperous and happy time for the Dowdy family. Later this month brothers Darren and Jalil, sister Devvan and their father William, will celebrate a milestone – 25 years in business. This family owns and operates Razac Products Company, one of the fastest growing hair care companies in the nation. With its headquarters tucked away on a two-block side street in Newark’s Central Ward, it is one of Newark’s success stories, and if the Dowdy family has its say – and it does – it will continue to grow and prosper in the city where they grew up.

The Last Word: T’is the season – for giving and sharing
By Jean Nash Wells


November is the month that begins the holiday season. It is the time when family and friends gather to give thanks, break bread, fellowship and reminisce about times gone by.This is the season of giving and sharing. Giving, not measured by size or amount, but rather by value or deed. Quite often a little goes a long, long way especially when it comes from the heart.