As the School Reform Commission searches for a new superintendent, the Black Clergy of Philadelphia and Vicinity ramped up its pressure to include more clergy in the selection process during a press conference on Tuesday in front of School District of Philadelphia headquarters on North Broad Street.

Black Clergy president Terrance Griffith and vice president Reverend Kevin R. Johnson joined local NAACP president Jerry Mondesire and a slew of local clergy in demanding the school district do all it can to put children first.

“The School District of Philadelphia is undergoing radical education reform with little or no input from taxpayers, parents, students, teachers and voters,” Johnson said, noting that he also has two children in the public school system, and they will soon be joined by a third. “Interim appointees, who represent the mayor, governor and business interests, are moving forward with a plan to radically decentralize the district, with no publicly stated and clearly articulated vision on decentralization and how this radical education reform will benefit all children in the school district.”

Johnson and others point to the district’s Chief Recovery Officer Thomas Knudsen’s prediction that the district will face a $145 million budget gap for the fiscal year starting July 1, 2012 – and that some have suggested deficits twice as deep. Johnson also referred to City Controller Alan Butkovitiz’ scathing report that outlined the now well-known budget gap of $61 million that the district must close by July of this year.

Johnson blasted the district for basically throwing good money after bad, by hiring contractors and paying them exorbitant fees, while squeezing the services and programs it offers its students.

“In order to address this fiscal crisis, the SRC’s answer has been to hire outside debt-reduction consultants with lucrative short-term multi-million dollar contracts, eliminate Promise Academies, cut summer school, lay off school safety officers, and move forward with a plan to decentralize the district,” Johnson said, referring to the $6 million contract the district awarded The Boston Group. “There seems to be a radical education reform agenda being imposed - with no superintendent or captain to steer the ship.”
Mondesire minced no words in placing blame for the crisis facing Philadelphia public education.

“The problem begins right down the street at City Hall…it starts with the mayor, and ends up right here with the SRC, and the governor who cut the funding in education,” Mondesire said, pledging that the NAACP will back the Black Clergy’s moves. “These are the real culprits in this skullduggery. [The SRC] wants to decentralize the system because they eventually want to get to a privatized system, and that would destroy public education.”

While short on providing actual solutions to the multi-pronged issues facing the school district, Griffith made it clear that he was not pleased with the series of meetings the SRC held throughout the city, nor with the selection team itself.

“We’re looking for fair education for our kids. Education is not a Center City right, but a right for all children in Philadelphia,” Griffith said. “We are looking for a good superintendent, and we want to be a part of the process. We do not believe the members of the SRC and a few other people should determine who the superintendent is, with some orchestrated community discussions.”

Indeed, the SRC has recently completed the last of 21 meetings throughout the city, during which it has gathered information from attending stakeholders on what qualities they are looking for in a new leader. These meetings ran concurrently with discussions on the closure of nine public schools throughout the city. And through some painful cuts – including the reduction of security staff, and closing school buildings on weekends – have allowed the district to nearly cut in half its budget gap for this year.

And last week, the SRC released a statement that it had – on Mayor Nutter’s recommendation – added Reverend Albert Campbell, Pastor of Mt. Caramel Baptist Church, to its SRC search team committee, a unit that already included mayoral appointments Lori Shorr and Sylvia Simms. Pedro Ramos serves as SRC Chairman, and committee members include Len Riser, Patricia DeCarlo, Robert Wonderling, Fred Ginyard, Ed Williams and Ken Kring.

When asked about Reverend Campbell’s appointment to the SRC, Griffith would only say that he “loved Pastor Campbell.”

The district also released an update to its “Educational Leadership Criteria” it will use to select a new superintendent. The new superintendent should “be sensitive to issues of equity within the school system; manage the business aspects of the district with unwavering focus on what is best for the educational enterprise; understand and respect the diversity of the City of Philadelphia; engage, listen to, and be responsive to students, families and other stakeholders; be committed to transparency and openness in the management of the school district and understands excellent schools should be determined by more than standardized test scores but a collection of school-based outcomes.”

Founded in 1981, the Black Clergy of Philadelphia and Vicinity was born out of social justice and grass roots advocacy for quality education for public school youth. Thirty-one years and 15 Black Clergy presidents later, the organization is still promoting and advocating for the good and welfare of the African-American community, including other disenfranchised citizens in the region..

The Rev. Dr. Terrence Griffith is the current president of the Black Clergy of Philadelphia and Vicinity, he became a member in 2006. He has a vision.

“We are focused on three major areas, economic justice, political justice and social justice,” said Griffith.

In recent years, particularly under Griffith’s leadership, the Black Clergy has been building stronger alliances with political leaders, corporate leaders, education professionals and union bosses, establishing the organization as a legitimate power bloc in the region. Recently, Griffith was appointed by Gov. Tom Corbett to serve on the Governor’s Commission for African American Affairs.

Originally from the Caribbean Island of Granada, Griffith was a rising political superstar. He was a senator in his country, serving in the Parliament. He came to Philadelphia more than 20 years ago. On June 17, 2001, Griffith became the 13th senior pastor to serve at First African Baptist Church, 1608 Christian St.

“We want economic parody for African Americans and the disenfranchised in our region,” said Griffith.

The Black Clergy promotes and advocates for equality, justice, brotherhood, community betterment, Black awareness, employment, better housing, education and Christian principles.

There are a few accomplishments that Griffith is pleased about.

“Presently, we are engaged in a series of health fairs across the city,” he said. “We’ve had professionals from Einstein (Hospital) and other from the health field, come serve as lecturers to educate the people, in addition to conducting various free health screenings and distribution of informative healthcare materials to families citywide. “I’m telling you, it has been impactful.”

Several churches including First African Baptist Church (in South Philadelphia), Resurrection Baptist Church (in West Philadelphia), Tenth Memorial Baptist Church (in North Philadelphia), Mt. Airy Church of God In Christ, Mt. Zion Baptist Church of Holmesburg and Great Faith Baptist Church (in University City section), have hosted health fairs.

The health fairs are being organized to address the systemic bad-health issues that exponentially plague the African-American community such as diabetes, HIV, obesity, heart disease, cancer, teen pregnancy, poor eating habits and smoking. According to a report from the United Health Foundation, the United States currently spends more per capita than any other industrialized nation on healthcare, including $1.5 trillion in medical costs associated with chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and cancer.

“Come September 15th, we are going to have a major health fair that will involve the entire city, at the Convention Center, and we have invited the first lady Michelle Obama, to be our keynote speaker,” said Griffith. “Hopefully she can make it. These are some of the things that we are doing, that Black Clergy hasn’t focused on before.”

Griffith said the Black Clergy has an economic agenda.

“On the economic field, we’re looking at workforce development, holding seminars so that we can talk to people about how they can become economically empowered,” he said. “Come September, these are workshops that our economic team will be (conducting).”

According to Griffith, building alliances with the business community is a key cog in the Black Clergy’s plans for economic uplift in the community.

“We have engaged some businessmen in the community who are a part of our Economic Development Committee, now that has never been done before … preachers do not have all the answers, and we have successful African-American business men and women that we thought we needed to tap, to put on the committee, to suggest to us ways we can assist the African-American community in becoming more economically stable,” he said.

The Black Clergy met last year to discuss a new vision and mission for the organization,

“About 30 of us met downtown and spent (hours) crafting a new direction for the organization,” said Griffith of organization’s bold new mission. “Two of the things that we did, we structured a new vision and a new mission for the organization, and the new mission of the Black Clergy of Philadelphia and Vicinity is, to unify African-American clergy, guided by Christian principles, to promote social, political and economic justice for all people. Not just for African-Americans, but to promote social, political and economic justice for all people.”

Griffith also shared the new vision statement: “To be the leading prophetic voice on issues affecting the quality of life of African Americans and the disenfranchised in our region.”

Some historical hallmarks of the Black Clergy include awarding college scholarships; establishing an ecumenical relationship with the Jewish community; establishing a non-profit organization (501(c) 3) named the African-American Interdenominational Ministries, Inc., under the umbrella of Black Clergy, which serves as a service arm. The Black Clergy is currently engaged in the city’s Peaceful Surrender Program which involves convincing those with criminal summons to surrender to churches and mosques to resolve their legal matter without violence. The Black Clergy has also forged an agreement with New York Theological Seminary for those ministers interested in pursuing a doctorate of ministry degree.

For Griffith, the unification of the Black Clergy is critically essential to the success of the organization and tantamount to its robust agenda,

“The only way we can affect change in this city, is if we come together and work together, for the common good of the people.”

The office of the Black Clergy of Philadelphia and Vicinity is located at 128 Chestnut Street, Suite 301, Philadelphia, Pa. Rev. Griffith can be reached at (215) 735-1050.

The Rev. Terrence D. Griffith was installed as the new president of the Black Clergy of Philadelphia & Vicinity on Jan. 29, during a service at his church, First African Baptist of Philadelphia.

The Black Clergy, in celebration of its 30th year of service to the community, passed the torch from Bishop Audrey F. Bronson to Griffith. A member of the Black Clergy for the past six years, he had been the first vice president for more than two years.

“The body made a decision that I was the best person to lead for the next few years, and I accepted the challenge,” Griffith said.

Many elected officials, including Mayor Michael Nutter, joined the clergy and other members of the community for Griffith’s moment.

“They were all there last night, and they heard the message of the Black Clergy, and this message is we will be heard,” Griffith said.

“That’s our new tagline, ‘We will be heard.’ So, I’ll feel much better at the end of my term and I can look back and say, we moved the needle and we’ve made a difference in Philadelphia.”

Bronson’s two-year term as president ended last December. Griffith had only praise for his predecessor. She was also among the many honoring him.

“Bishop Bronson is an endearing woman, a bold pioneering woman. I love her a lot. She actually will be working in my administration.

“She’s just a fine, fine lady and I tip my hat to her. I learned a tremendous amount from serving together with Bishop Bronson.”

Bronson returned the kind words.

“He has a very ambitious agenda and I think he’s going to do a very good job if he’s able to do everything he has in mind,” she said.

“I think he’s going to do great.”

Under Bronson’s leadership, the Black Clergy worked in cooperation with Nutter’s office on a variety of issues such as job development, rehabilitation for ex-offenders, and educational concerns.

Nutter said he was certain that Griffith would continue the clergy’s commitment toward being an important voice in the city’s political, social, religious and spiritual landscape.

“Reverend Griffith is a great pastor and leader, a friend and an adviser. I fully support his message. The Black Clergy of Philadelphia & Vicinity is determined to be heard in both City Hall and the Statehouse, and I welcome a collaborative partnership with him and his executive team,” he said.

“They are going to make a difference on issues such as crime, jobs, quality of life and education. We are fortunate to have his leadership.”

Griffith outlined his three-pronged attack to address these issues. He said he would direct the Black Clergy to focus on social, economic and political justice. In doing so, it would be a throwback to the organization’s roots.

The Black Clergy was organized in 1981 in response to a school strike that lasted more than 51 days. Various ministers tried to bring about a resolution by blocking traffic at the intersection at Broad and Vine streets and disrupting the flow of business. Many of the ministers were arrested, but the demonstration yielded a breakthrough between the teachers’ union and the school board.

“We want to push for the largest voter registration drive and get out the vote in Philadelphia. And in terms of economic justice, we want to ensure that minorities in the city receive a fair share of city contracts, school district contracts, airport contracts,” Griffith said.

“On the political side, to certainly ensure that elected officials are held accountable for the promises that they’ve made and that they’re not getting free lunches and they’re doing what they’re supposed to do.”

The Rev. Larry L. Marcus, pastor of Greater Faith Baptist Church, was confident of Griffith’s ability. He is the treasurer of the Black Clergy and has worked alongside Griffith.

“I think that he is a visionary who has a very solid plan for moving the Black Clergy forward — and not only Black Clergy, but the community in which he’d be serving. He has laid out a very positive vision and mission statement,” Marcus said.

“I think yesterday’s celebration gave not only the clergy an insight in terms of the vision of President Griffith, but I also believe, for the politicians and business community people, that it gave them an opportunity to hear the vision that he has, which also helps to solidify the purpose of President Griffith and where he’s leading this organization,” he said.

Griffith has been the senior pastor of First African Baptist Church of Philadelphia for the past decade. A former senator in the Grenada parliament, he is the 13th spiritual head of the third oldest African Baptist Church in the nation.

He also sits on the executive committee of the Foreign Mission Board of the National Baptist Convention USA, Inc. and has written eight books. The married father of two said he was not weary from finding equilibrium in the midst of all his responsibilities.

“When you look at Martin Luther King Jr., who was a pastor of Ebenezer Baptist Church, but at the same time, the nation called upon him to lead the civil rights struggle, when you look at that and certainly to me that’s more demanding, and to me that’s what the church was called to do,” Griffith said.

“We definitely believe that if God has brought you to a task, he’ll give you the energy and the strength to accomplish what you need to accomplish. I don’t feel that overwhelmed. I feel the more you have to do, the less idle time you have on your hands.”

Contact staff writer Stephanie Guerilus at (215) 893-5725 or sguerilus@phillytrib.com.

Mayor, community groups, head of teachers union welcome new superintendent

According to early reports, the School Reform Commission seems to have gotten it right with the selection of career educator Dr. William R. Hite Jr. as its next School District of Philadelphia Superintendent.

A myriad of stakeholders unanimously hailed the SRC for its choice, giving embattled school officials rare praise.

“Today, we take a giant step toward providing safe, high quality educational opportunities for all Philadelphia children,” said SRC Chairman Pedro Ramos last Friday, when the decision had been reached. “Dr. Hite is an eminent educator and a proven transformative leader.”

Hite Jr. comes from the Prince George’s County Public Schools system, Maryland’s second-largest school district with an enrollment of 135,000 and a budget of $1.6 billion.

The SRC has promised to release the details of Hite Jr.’s contract as soon as it is finalized.

Nutter, kept abreast at every stage in the superintendent search, also praised Hite Jr. for his education acumen and dedication to students.

“I was very impressed with Dr. Hite’s passion and commitment to educating children, support for the professional development of teachers and principals, and his dedication to working with the broader Philadelphia community,” Nutter said in a joint statement released by the SRC. “He understands that a high performing, high expectation system of schools is critical to the future of the City of Philadelphia. I would like to thank Wendell Pritchett for leading this effort by chairing the search committee and to all of the members of the community who attended meetings, offered advice and were involved in this thorough process.

High-ranking members of City Council were equally impressed with the new superintendent’s education acumen and his straightforward, yet affable nature. While Hite Jr. seems at ease in Philadelphia, even with taking on such a monumental challenge, veteran members of Council expect Hite to deliver on the hype.

“I am very pleased. He was my choice — and not that the other guy couldn’t do the job — but [Hite Jr.] was my pick from the beginning,” said Education Committee Chair Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell, noting that Hite Jr. was very forthcoming about the problems identified in the district, including combating low morale and dealing with special education issues. “But I am interested in what he plans to do about crime and truancy, and how he wants to handle alternative education for the kids who don’t make it out of regular classes.

“We look forward to the opportunity to directly engage him.”

Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown, co-chair of Council’s education committee, echoed Blackwell’s sentiments.

“I believe the background of Dr. Hite is important, as he has served as an educator, principal and superintendent. He faced numerous and similar challenges as the Superintendent in Prince George’s County School District that we face here in Philadelphia,” Reynolds Brown said. “That history will be vital and inform how he tackles the numerous budget and academic issues that confront the Philadelphia School District. He also seems well aware that the district cannot face the problems that it faces on an island — that it takes a community effort of all stakeholders. I appreciate that approach. I look forward to working with him as we move the needle forward for our students.”

To form that relationship with students and teachers, Hite Jr. must first form a relationship with the powerful Philadelphia Federation of Teachers union. Previous superintendents had, at best, lukewarm relationships with the union, but PFT President Jerry Jordan seems willing to start anew with Hite.

“On behalf of the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers, and the city’s educators and staff, I congratulate and welcome Dr. William R. Hite as he assumes the role of Superintendent of the School District of Philadelphia. In a time of great upheaval for our schools, we are hopeful that Dr. Hite’s appointment signals the beginning of stability and clarity that has been lacking for many months,” Jordan said in a statement released by the PFT. “Dr. Hite’s background as an educator and administrator in urban school districts should serve him well as he navigates the unique challenges facing Philadelphia’s Public Schools. The PFT looks forward to collaborating with the new superintendent to ensure our students and teachers are given the support, tools and conditions that foster high quality teaching and learning.”

Leaders with the Black Clergy of Philadelphia and Vicinity — long a watchdog organization in the superintendent search — have yet to meet with Hite, but its leadership is looking forward to working with the new schools chief.

“I have not had the opportunity to hear or meet with Dr. Hite, however, some Black clergy, our general secretary and others, have met with him and conveyed that Dr. Hite was very charismatic, and his presentation was very good,” said Black Clergy President Rev. Terrence Griffith, referring to the recent community forum Hite Jr. attended. “It seems that he has done a tremendous job in Prince George’s County in terms of resuscitating that school district.

“I don’t know if being charismatic qualifies somebody, but it goes a long way in reaching a lot of people,” Griffith continued, “but if those people who attended the forum are correct, then the SRC has chosen wisely.”

Contact staff writer Damon C. Williams at (215) 893-5745 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

As the School Reform Commission searches for a new superintendent, the Black Clergy of Philadelphia and Vicinity ramped up its pressure to include more clergy in the selection process during a press conference on Tuesday in front of School District of Philadelphia headquarters on North Broad Street.

Black Clergy president Terrance Griffith and Bright Hope Baptist Church’s Reverend Kevin R. Johnson joined local NAACP president Jerry Mondesire and a slew of local clergy in demanding the school district do all it can to put children first.

“The School District of Philadelphia is undergoing radical education reform with little or no input from taxpayers, parents, students, teachers and voters,” Johnson said, noting that he has two children in the public school system, and they will soon be joined by a third. “Interim appointees, who represent the mayor, governor and business interests, are moving forward with a plan to radically decentralize the district, with no publicly stated and clearly articulated vision on decentralization and how this radical education reform will benefit all children in the school district.”

Johnson and others point to the district’s Chief Recovery Officer Thomas Knudsen’s prediction that the district will face a $145 million budget gap for the fiscal year starting July 1, 2012 — and that some have suggested deficits twice as deep. Johnson also referred to City Controller Alan Butkovitiz’s scathing report that outlined the now well-known budget gap of $61 million that the district must close by July of this year.

Johnson blasted the district for basically throwing good money after bad, by hiring contractors and paying them exorbitant fees, while squeezing the services and programs it offers its students.

“In order to address this fiscal crisis, the SRC’s answer has been to hire outside debt-reduction consultants with lucrative short-term multi-million dollar contracts, eliminate Promise Academies, cut summer school, lay off school safety officers and move forward with a plan to decentralize the district,” Johnson said, referring to the $6 million contract the district awarded The Boston Group. “There seems to be a radical education reform agenda being imposed — with no superintendent or captain to steer the ship.”

Mondesire minced no words in placing blame for the crisis facing Philadelphia public education.

“The problem begins right down the street at City Hall — it starts with the mayor, and ends up right here with the SRC, and the governor who cut the funding in education,” Mondesire said, pledging that the NAACP will back the Black Clergy’s moves. “These are the real culprits in this skullduggery. [The SRC] wants to decentralize the system because they eventually want to get to a privatized system, and that would destroy public education.”

While short on providing actual solutions to the multi-pronged issues facing the school district, Griffith made it clear that he was not pleased with the series of meetings the SRC held throughout the city, or with the selection team itself.

“We’re looking for fair education for our kids. Education is not a Center City right, but a right for all children in Philadelphia,” Griffith said. “We are looking for a good superintendent, and we want to be a part of the process. We do not believe the members of the SRC and a few other people should determine who the superintendent is, with some orchestrated community discussions.”

Indeed, the SRC has recently completed the last of 21 meetings throughout the city, during which it gathered information from attending stakeholders on what qualities they are looking for in a new leader. These meetings ran concurrently with discussions on the closure of nine public schools throughout the city. And through some painful cuts — including the reduction of security staff and closing school buildings on weekends — have allowed the district to nearly cut in half its budget gap for this year.

And last week, the SRC released a statement that it had — on Mayor Nutter’s recommendation — added Reverend Albert Campbell, pastor of Mt. Caramel Baptist Church, to its SRC search team committee, a unit that already included mayoral appointments Lori Shorr and Sylvia Simms. Pedro Ramos serves as SRC chairman, and committee members include Len Riser, Patricia DeCarlo, Robert Wonderling, Fred Ginyard, Ed Williams and Ken Kring.

When asked about Reverend Campbell’s appointment to the SRC, Griffith would only say that he “loved Pastor Campbell.”

Campbell, who will celebrate his 46th year as spiritual leader of Mt. Caramel, says his appointment “may have the potential to strain a few relationships,” but Campbell — himself a member of the Black clergy association who once served as secretary for the organization — also believes the integrity and devotion of the members will overcome any disagreement over his appointment.

“I think, for the most part, the brotherhood and the solid foundation that exists among the brothers and sisters who are pastors and part of the pastoral arena will remain intact,” said the 79-year-old Campbell. “So I am reasonably comfortable with our ongoing relationship as it relates to the Black Clergy of Philadelphia and as it relates to the Baptist Pastors and Ministers Conference.

“We’re not strangers, but I am amongst the elders — and there is awareness of my reprioritization of my life.”

Campbell said his relationship with Nutter goes back more than 30 years, when Nutter was a member of the church’s choir. That relationship continued through Nutter’s appointment as City Council president, and then through Nutter’s two successful mayoral campaigns.

“When he decided to run for mayor, we conferred; he consulted me, and I gladly gave him my judgment about the wisdom of his running,” Campbell said. “He was running against the odds; there were two or three other prominent Black politicians who threw their hats in the ring.

“I encouraged him to run,” Campbell continued, “and I have stood by my commitment to support him, be his spiritual consultant as well as one of his up-close and personal critics.”

Meanwhile, the school district also released an update to its “Educational Leadership Criteria” which it will use to select a new superintendent. The new superintendent should “be sensitive to issues of equity within the school system; manage the business aspects of the district with unwavering focus on what is best for the educational enterprise; understand and respect the diversity of the City of Philadelphia; engage, listen to and be responsive to students, families and other stakeholders; be committed to transparency and openness in the management of the school district and understand that excellent schools should be determined by more than standardized test scores, but a collection of school-based outcomes.”

Contact staff writer Damon C. Williams at (215) 893-5745 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

Closures, crime and clergy are just three of the issues facing the School District of Philadelphia and the School Reform Commission, stemming from the school board’s recent decision to end a 90-day grace period for the shuttering of schools announced for closure, and the viral videos of student-on-student assaults in public schools that have become popular on video sharing sites such as YouTube.

Coupled with the Black Clergy of Philadelphia and Vicinity’s recent stance on the district’s non-inclusion of a member of the clergy on the SRC search team, it has been a contentious week indeed.

At its last public meeting, the SRC board voted to end the three-month waiting period, reasoning that the general public has been well informed of the already agreed upon closings, and that more meetings about them — above and beyond the ones already scheduled — were unnecessary.

“We’ve suspended the 90-day waiting period between the public hearing for the school closing and the actual vote on the closing,” said School District of Philadelphia spokesman Fernando Gallard. “The reason for the suspension is that the district has been involved in public outreach and gathering public input, actively, since November. We’ve had over 17 meetings, and more than 1,100 people attended those meetings, so we felt we already had sufficient input.

“We also wanted to accommodate calls from the community members that wanted a vote as early as possible — so they could start planning for the changes.”

Others weren’t so sure that the elimination of the 90-day window is in the best interests of either the students or the district.

“All of us can and should have our say, even if they don’t ultimately get their way. It’s good to have parents who want to get involved, and we shouldn’t do anything to diminish that,” said City Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown, co-chair of Council’s education committee, and a former teacher. “It doesn’t have to be 90 days — I realize that. But there should be a period of time where students and parents have their say.”

Philadelphia Federation of Teachers President Jerry Jordan believes that instead of eliminating the window, it should be expanded to ensure that every question and concern has been addressed, particularly the thorny issue of students traveling outside of their neighborhood and attending another school in a more hostile section of the city.

“A school is the hub of many neighborhoods, so it’s important that people be able to comment on why the schools are closing. I think we’ve all learned from watching the school closings in Chicago, where students were forced to cross certain turfs, which led to violence,” Jordan said. “In Chicago, unfortunately, some kids were killed. So it’s important to include the community in the conversation.”

Gallard also said there will still be separate public meetings for the nine schools scheduled for closing — Edwin M. Stanton Elementary School, Harrison Elementary School, George Pepper Middle School, FitzSimons High School, Washington Rhodes High School, Isaac A. Sheppard Elementary School, Philadelphia High School for Business and Technology, Sheridan West Academy Middle School, Charles R. Drew Elementary School and William Levering Middle School — on Saturday, March 3 at district headquarters. Gallard said those meetings are open to the public, and urged the public to call 215-400-4010 for more information.

If the Black Clergy of Philadelphia and Vicinity has its way, its membership will also have a say in the selection process of choosing the School District’s next superintendent.

At the last SRC meeting, Black Clergy president Terrance Griffith petitioned the SRC to include a member of the clergy on the search team.

While the SRC hasn’t officially commented on the inclusion of the Philadelphia Black Clergy, the idea of adding the organization has growing support.

“Well, there’s always value in having the best speakers at the table … in this case, you’re talking about a school district that is predominantly minority, where tens of thousands of students attend the very same churches these clergy lead,” Reynolds Brown said. “Bravo for the leadership of the Black Clergy for making it plain and making it clear that they want to be involved in a participatory way.

“Some would argue, ‘where has the Black clergy been?’” Reynolds Brown continued. “Now they have the leadership that wants to be actively engaged and make contributions.”

Jordan agreed.

“The members of the Black Clergy represent many families of children who attend school in Philadelphia, and they have the interests of children and families at heart,” Jordan said. “And they certainly are aware of the importance of having a well-funded and well-operated school district.

“I don’t think there is anything that should be kept secret about the search, and cannot understand any problems with any of their members serving on the search team.”

Perhaps the Black Clergy can assist when it comes to student-on-student violence. Recently, video clips of harrowing assaults on schoolchildren have made their way to YouTube and other sites; the school district contends that social media is heightening awareness of violence in schools, but that the number of assaults is about level to what it’s been in previous years.

“It is important to note that these incidents highlighted on video have been appropriately seen by the schools and reported to the proper authorities — the school district police and the Philadelphia police — and principals have taken appropriate steps to handle this,” Gallard said. “The actual videotaping of these incidents is unfortunate; people have more access [to the Internet and video-hosting services] and that can sensationalize what is going on in our schools.

“We don’t take it lightly, and we are taking steps everyday to ensure the safety of our students and teachers.”

Contact Staff Writer Damon C. Williams at (215) 893-5745 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

Group of pastors says same-sex rights not equal to civil rights

Since its beginnings in 1909, the NAACP has stood on the front lines of the African-American fight for equality on every level in American society — from the right to vote to equal education and employment opportunities.

Last week, at the organization’s national convention in Houston, a coalition of African-American pastors who attended the convention voiced their displeasure with the NAACP’s public support of same-sex marriage.

These ministers are saying that the NAACP has lost sight of its primary mission; which is to support the efforts of Black Americans in the fight against racism and for social equality and justice. These ministers say that the organization has ceased addressing the most pressing issues of African Americans with a Christian ethos and the spirit of humility, justice and racial reconciliation. They’re contending that the organization’s support of homosexual marriage was politically motivated and that most African Americans oppose same-sex marriage.

“There didn’t seem to be any discussion about it — it was political pandering,” said Bishop Harry Jackson, pastor of Hope Christian Church in Beltsville, Md., and leader of the High Impact Leadership Coalition. “Without any animosity for the NAACP, the central issue for us is that the organization has moved away from its original mission which was to end racism in America. Over the years it seems to have become more politically elitist.”

Jackson, along with Rev. Bill Owens, leader of the Coalition of African-American Pastors and others expressed the opinion that homosexual activists, in their press for the apparent right to marry, have “high-jacked” the Civil Rights Movement.

They have gradually moved the public’s perception of what was once considered a moral choice to a civil right, Jackson said. Following the organization’s stance, which was announced in May, Rev. Keith A. Ratliff Sr., a member of the NAACP’s national board and an outspoken opponent of same-sex marriage resigned his position in June. Ratliff said, and Jackson agreed that there is no parallel between the issues of the homosexual community and the struggles of African Americans.

“How has the NAACP veered off course?” asked Bishop Harry Jackson, pastor of Hope Christian Church in Beltsville, Md., and leader of the High Impact Leadership Coalition. Jackson said in a commentary prepared by the Coalition that in light of its position, the NAACP no longer speaks for him.

“The most concerning sign of mission drift is their stance on traditional marriage,” Jackson said. “First of all, they opposed the Defense of Marriage Act, signed into law by President Clinton in 1996. Secondly, the NAACP also opposed the traditional marriage affirming Proposition 8 in California in 2008. Most recently, their 2012 resolution supporting same-sex marriage has become the source of tremendous controversy for many NAACP members and the Black community at large. This measure was passed quickly, without discussion or debate. In Florida, the NAACP sent out letters promoting same-sex marriage — and that was in a state where 70 percent of Black voters voted for traditional marriage. I was appalled when, in North Carolina, which passed a ban against homosexual marriage, a local NAACP leader came out strongly against traditional marriage. What I’m saying is the NAACP seems to be moving to an advocacy position on homosexual rights.”

The Rev. Keith A. Ratliff Sr., who resigned from his role as a NAACP national board member said there is no similarity between what the homosexual community is trying to attain and the struggle for freedom hard fought for by Black Americans. Where is their “Middle Passage” he asked, how many of them were denied the right to vote or attend a specific school?

“There is not a parallel between the homosexual community and the struggles of African Americans in our country,” Ratliff said in a press statement following his resignation. “I haven’t seen any signs on any restrooms that say ‘For Homosexuals Only.’ Homosexuals did not have to sit on the back of the bus, as African Americans had to.”

The verbal wrangling started in May, following President Barack Obama’s public announcement that he was in favor of same-sex marriage.

In response, the NAACP issued the following statement: “The NAACP Constitution affirmatively states our objective to ensure the ‘political, educational, social and economic equality’ of all people, Therefore, the NAACP has opposed and will continue to oppose any national, state, local policy or legislative initiative that seeks to codify discrimination or hatred into the law or to remove the Constitutional rights of LGBT citizens,” the statement read. “We support marriage equality consistent with equal protection under the law provided under the Fourteenth Amendment of the United States Constitution. Further, we strongly affirm the religious freedoms of all people as protected by the First Amendment.”

The NAACP Board of Directors passed the resolution with only two dissenting votes.

“Civil marriage is a civil right and a matter of civil law. The NAACP’s support for marriage equality is deeply rooted in the Fourteenth Amendment of the United States Constitution and equal protection of all people.” said Benjamin Todd Jealous, president and CEO of the NAACP in a press release.

“I was one of those who voted for it,” said J. Whyatt Mondesire, president of the Philadelphia NAACP. “The organization is against any form of discrimination and that’s what this is.”

But not everyone agrees.

The Rev. Terrence Griffith, president of the Black Clergy of Philadelphia and Vicinity said while he does not support homosexual marriage, people must still have respect each other’s choices.

“For me, as a minister, I teach that we must respect each other’s choices even if we don’t agree with them,” Griffith said. “Having said that I don’t believe in same-sex marriage, I believe, and the Scriptures teach that sex is between one man and one woman. Will this have an affect on how the Black community votes in November? I don’t think so. There are other issues in play, and same-sex marriage won’t be the litmus test.”

Bishop Jackson said over the years there has been a progression of homosexual rights to mask them as civil rights issue and that their activists have been effective in that regard.

But, he said the Civil Rights Movement was about job equality, fair housing, education and other equities that were denied to African Americans and other people of color. He said homosexual activists are seeking additional rights.

“The Movement was about equal job opportunities, fair housing, judicial equity and healthcare. Charles Drew died because a hospital would not admit him and he died when his own invention could have saved him,” Jackson said. “The average gay person makes more than the average African American and our team feels that they are looking at the imposition of extra rights. They’re looking to change the definition of marriage, which will change the definition of the family and that will change education. They’re seeking to impose society’s acceptance of their moral choice. Essentially, we are entering an era where teachers will tell your children things you might not believe and if you oppose it you will be called bigoted and hateful. Laws are being made on the basis of these rights; for example, if you’re a man who feels like he is a woman, should you be allowed to use the ladies bathroom? This isn’t about hate or bigotry; it’s about a weakening of traditional family values that I believe will create more confusion in the long term.”

Fellowship and sharing blessings are important to the members of the First African Baptist Church, located at 1608 Christian St. Every Saturday at noon, the church is open for a feeding ministry with home cooked meals for people who are in need.

Lilian Henderson (Mother Henderson) volunteered to run the feeding ministry in 2005 and has been running it since.

“We have a two purpose goal — our goal is to feed them spiritually and also physically,” Henderson said. “We give them very good meals — a well balanced meal.”

Each Saturday, Mother Henderson and other members of the church serve individuals who come on Saturdays. In an effort to incorporate other forms of assistance to those who come each week, Mother Henderson coordinates visits with individuals in various fields, like social work.

The individuals who attend come from all walks of life. Len Armstead started coming last year and feels it is a place for healing.

“I feel like I’m at a place where I can unwind spiritually,” he said. “We all have one goal, and that’s to seek God.”

Pastor Terrance Griffith is pleased with the development of the feeding program and finds gratification in seeing the progress and development of those who attend.

“Ms. Henderson has built one of the most successful feeding programs I’ve ever seen,” he said. “We’ve seen lives change through the feeding program.”

The historic First African Baptist Church has made its impact on the Philadelphia community since 1809. The feeding ministry is one way the church continues to reach out to the community.

Jeffrey Harris, Philadelphia resident, heard about the program through a few friends in the area. Harris believes the blessings go way beyond the food. He believes he has learned a lot from the visitors and the different activities incorporated into the program.

“It’s a beautiful thing, you get to meet different people and learn a lot.” He said. “The food is always fantastic—there’s just a lot of love here.”

Barbara Ford has been involved with the church since the ’60s but didn’t come faithfully until the passing of her brother in 2008. Her brother was a consistent member of the church and his funeral service at First African Baptist, drew her to want to rejoin. As chair of the church’s trustee board, she finds the feeding ministry to make a great impact on the Philadelphia community.

“It’s beneficial to the neighborhood because they really look forward to every Saturday,” she said. “It’s all about giving back to the community.”

Those who come to First African Baptist on Saturdays, leave with advice, friendships and satisfied appetites.

In response to health issues plaguing the community, the Black Clergy of Philadelphia and Vicinity is hosting a major health fair next week.

During a press conference Monday at City Hall, clergy leaders encouraged community residents to turn out for the “Health Care Matters — Take Charge of Your Health” fair held Oct. 27 from 1 to 5 p.m. at the Pennsylvania Convention Center.

Terrence Griffith, president of the Black Clergy of Philadelphia, kicked off the press conference by citing statistics about issues impacting the health of many city residents such as diabetes, HIV and obesity.

For instance, Griffith noted that more than 24,000 Philadelphians have died from diseases caused by poor diets and physical inactivity since the year 2000, according to the Philadelphia Department of Public Health.

“The reality is we are digging our graves with our teeth and the practice of unhealthy lifestyles,” said Griffin.

“Philadelphia, we have a problem, so this is the reason that the Black Clergy of Philadelphia, Gateway Health, AmeriHealth Mercy, elected officials and community leaders are here to declare that we are launching an assault on the chronic, pandemic diseases that continue to affect our community.”

Griffith was joined by various politicians, including Councilman Curtis Jones, Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell, Congressman Bob Brady and State Rep. Ron Waters who expressed support for the Black Clergy’s efforts to address the health of city residents.

Clergy leaders are hopeful that thousands of Philadelphians will attend the upcoming health fair.                  

“We expect to mobilize thousands that are interested in taking charge of their health, leaders who are concerned about the pain that continue to engulf our community because of chronic diseases and citizens who are shedding tears for family members and friends who died before their time due to premature death,” said Griffith.

“We have choices and these choices are to change our lifestyles, eating habits and diets. Live a life filled with possibilities or die before our time.”

The health fair is sponsored by Gateway Health Plan and the AmeriHealth Mercy Foundation.

“AmeriHealth Mercy Foundation is honored to serve as a partner in supporting faith-based programs that health and wellness of body, mind and spirit,” said Maria Pajil Battle, president of AmeriHealth Mercy Foundation.

The upcoming health fair features workshops, food demonstrations and live entertainment. Allen Payne of Tyler Perry’s House of Pain will be a celebrity attendee.

Governor Tom Corbett has appointed community leaders to serve on the Governor’s Advisory Commission on African American Affairs.

The commission advises and makes recommendations to the governor on policies, procedures, legislation and regulations that affect the African-American community. It works to articulate and address the unique needs and issues of concerns of the African-American community.

“The history of African Americans in Pennsylvania reflects a diverse and unique blend of cultural, social and economic influences which have had, and continue to have, a beneficial impact on life in the commonwealth,” Corbett said.

The 18-member commission will be chaired by Karen Stokes, deputy director, Governor’s Southeast Regional Office.

“I think there is some work ahead, but I’m excited to be able to put together a really pretty neat group of people, who I think are going to have some interesting and different ideas about how the commonwealth can be more responsive to African Americans,” says Stokes.

The following have been named as commission members: Otto Banks, Dauphin County; Wayne Barnett, Philadelphia County; Rev. James Breese, Luzerne County; Fred Clark, Dauphin County; Elizabeth Dennis, Allegheny County; Evan Frazier, Allegheny County; Maurice Goodman, Philadelphia County; Rev. Terrence Griffith, Philadelphia County; Cathy Hardaway, Lackawanna County; Rodney Little, Philadelphia County; Sara Lomax Reese, Montgomery County; Marcia Perry, Dauphin County; Rev. Michael Robinson, Delaware County; Dr. Kiron Skinner, Allegheny County; Ronald Steele, Erie County; Bishop A.E. Sullivan Jr., Dauphin County and Floyd Titus, Allegheny County.

Members are appointed for a 2-year term and serve at the pleasure of the governor.