By Adrian Council

We extend our heartfelt thanks to the hundreds that joined us on March 27 th at the Newark Museum to celebrate The Positive Community’s 6 th anniversary. Many traveled from Brooklyn, Harlem, Westchester and South Jersey to be with us in our salute to “Women of Inspiration” and the selfless service of the African-Americans for Diabetes Awareness committee. “One Love” was the spirit that prevailed throughout this awesome event (see page).

In Harlem, a community mourns the loss of a giant, in the person of Cannon Frederick Boyd Williams, Pastor Emeritus of the Church of the Intercession.

A well-known and respected figure, Cannon Williams served as Chairman of the Board of the interfaith ecumenical Harlem Congregations for Community Improvement, Inc. (HCCI). He was a key member of a leadership team that has developed over 2000 units of new and rehabilitated housing in Harlem, the largest such undertaking in the history of New York City. Through his church, Cannon Williams was at the vanguard in response to the HIV/AIDS crisis. Whenever we saw one another, Cannon Williams would never hesitate to offer kind words of encouragement about our work with The Positive Community, and in public settings, he spoke highly of the magazine to others. He had become a friend and will be remembered as a man of great intellect, wisdom and insight.

Congratulations to President/CEO Lucille McEwen and the Board of Directors and staff of HCCI on their 20 th Anniversary Gala at Rockefeller Center’s Rainbow Room this past April 27 th. Look for photos of this special event in the June issue. This year I was privileged to serve on the dinner committee along with HCCI board member, Dr. Muriel Petioni, This humble and charming woman of extraordinary achievement is the subject of our special health section’s cover story (see page ).

Don’t forget to join The Positive Community, African-Americans for Diabetes Awareness, the Baptist Ministers Conference of Newark & Vicinity, and the Newark – North Jersey Committee of Black Churchmen at the Universoul Circus at Jesse Allen Park in Newark on Thursday, May 25 at 7:30 pm for a special evening of family fun and tips for healthy living.

During Memorial Day Weekend, all roads lead to the African-American Heritage Parade & Festival in Newark. This year’s parade will feature as Grand Marshalls, my friend the great Balozi Harvey and a local legend in business and community service, Mary P. Smith (see special section).

As Rev. Theresa Nance said in her column, we’re all proud of Dr. Suzan Johnson-Cook (“Dr. SuJay”). The release of her newest book, “Live Like You’re Blessed”, is hitting the bookstores in early May. Meanwhile, this busy minister of the Gospel is preparing for her last Hampton Ministers’ Conference Retreat in June. Elected in 2002, she is the first female president of this 100-year old, 12,000-member institution, the largest interdenominational conference for African-American clergy in the world. You can look forward to the book review and conference highlights in future issues.

At the Newark Club on April 26 family, friends and co-workers gathered to honor a true women of inspiration, and East Harlem native, Maria Viscarrondo, President and CEO of the United Way of Essex & West Hudson for 10 years of wise and effective leadership that has touched and improved the lives of many in our communities. Maria’s long-time companion, William Velazques took advantage of the occasion to “pop the question.” She accepted. Congratulations to them both.

The New York Theological Seminary hosted their 3 rd Annual Urban Angel Awards Gala at the New York Marriott honorees included Rev. Dr. Johnnie Ray Youngblood, author and youth advocate Terrie Williams and Dr. Barbara Williams Skinner. The event’s highlight was keynote speaker Harry Belefonte.

There are so many individuals, businesses, community and faith institutions working to effect change for the good of all. It is an honor and privilege to share with our readers “Good News From The Church and Community.”

May 9 th is an important date as Newark goes to the polls to cast their vote for the future of this great city. We urge our readers to exercise your franchise. Vote in each and every election for the candidates that you believe represent your community’s bestinterests. Let us do whatever we can to advance the interests of our children and culture…because a positive community is everybody’s business…it really pays to care.