Celebrating Black History Month with role models for women, from the Morristown Neighborhood House

0

Since 1898, the Morristown Neighborhood House has provided services for immigrants and struggling families.

It’s also given them some superb role models.

Like Jessica Ballew, founder of J.E.S.S.I.C.A. Cares, an organization that strives to help teen girls overcome demeaning stereotypes from pop culture and build self-esteem.

“If you see one young lady who is beautiful and is struggling, help her to see she is beautiful,” said the Sparta resident, one of four African American women honored on Wednesday by the Nabe in a Black History Month program entitled, Black Women in American History: Past, Present and Future.

The evening included youth dance tributes to Etta James, Whitney Houston and Beyoncé, and African dance by the Iwa L’ewa (“Beautiful on the Inside”) Heritage Dance Ensemble. As a projector depicted successful black women from Michelle Obama and Coretta King to astronaut Mae Jemison and Xerox CEO Ursula Burns, keynote speaker Evelin Potts asserted they all shared a common trait with the program’s honorees.

“All these women use their gifts to help others,” said Evelin, vice president for diversity and inclusion at Wyndham Worldwide. “None of these women asked, ‘Why me?’ They just knew they were put here for a purpose. . . I challenge (young) women to really educate yourself, know your heritage. Being smart is cute. But knowledge is power.”

Helen Arnold at awards ceremony sponsored by the Morristown Neighborhood House for Black History Month. Photo by Kevin Coughlin
Helen Arnold at awards ceremony sponsored by the Morristown Neighborhood House for Black History Month. Photo by Kevin Coughlin

Helen Arnold, a former Morristown employee who once danced on a TV show called The Merry Mailman, was recognized for her volunteer service at Calvary Baptist Church, the NAACP and other organizations. She issued a challenge–and a warning–to the audience at Morristown High School.

“Every single one of you has something to offer, to a child or an organization. Perhaps one hour a week will make a difference. There is a child that needs you. There is an organization that needs you,” she said.

However, she cautioned: “Never ever look for or expect rewards. It seldom comes from others. It comes from within.”

A similar note was struck by the president of C.H.E.T.S. Inc., a Dover-based organization that has been mentoring eighth-graders since 1967. Community Helpers Emphasizing Teenage Support now has a couple of generations of success stories, and some of them stop Ottawana Anderson on the street from time to time. It’s a wonderful feeling, she said.

“We’re thrilled,” said Ottawana, accepting an award on behalf of the group, “and happy to work with these young people. We hope it makes a difference. I think it does.”

The other honoree, Dr. Judy Banks, remembered spending a good part of her teen years at the Neighborhood House, “a place of happiness and joy and support and encouragement.”  As an obstetrician, she now feels a special kinship with the Nabe. With curiosity it watches how its young protégés turn out, the same way she looks at the evolving creatures she has delivered to the world.

Bicycles or gift certificates were awarded Wednesday to four young essay winners–Noelle Pooler, Danielle Simon, Angelina Bennett and Tyrel Tchinchinian–and audience members were invited onstage for some African dance.

That last part did not sit well with Corban Thermitus on the eve of his third birthday. His mom, poet Carline Titus-Thermitus, pulled him into the swirling maelstrom.

By the looks of his expression captured on video, Corban won’t mind at all if dancing shoes are not among his birthday gifts.

Photos by Bill Lescohier. Please click icon below for captions.

LEAVE A REPLY