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While the immortality of Dr. Martin Luther King’s legacy was established decades ago, the recent ceremonies surrounding his memorial in Washington, D.C. can and should be more – more than a fleeting moment of national feel-good in the national conscious.  If we stay mindful of the agency of clerical leadership, if we follow and shape all the models they have provided in empowering urban communities, we give higher homage to that American hero than any sculpture ever could – no matter how majestic, no matter how deserving as an iconic tribute.  For some time, I have been intrigued by the potential of faith-based institutions.  This conviction resulted from my past partnerships with them, collaborations culminating in development projects in Harlem and Philadelphia.  So I recently interviewed two luminaries of the Mount Vernon clergy, Dr. W. Darin Moore and Pastor Troy P. DeCohen, to discuss the role of the church in issues of economics.  We also discussed its history in pioneering businesses and development in disenfranchised communities.

At his office at Greater Centennial African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church, I asked Dr. Moore to describe the role that churches can play in this new era of financial challenge.  For Dr. Moore, the exercise begins with raising the individual expectations that congregants have of themselves: “There is a prophetic aspect involving people believing in a greater purpose in life….People will then want to start a business, pursue an education, etc.”  The pastor recognizes, however, that such inspiration needs to be followed by action.  Towards that end, he cites his congregation’s entrepreneur ministry and housing development initiatives as examples.  Examples elsewhere include the National Black Church Initiative, a coalition of 34,000 African-American and Latino churches, which has focused on educational programs such as financial literacy – an issue of shared concern at Greater Centennial which also operates a credit union.

Financial literacy training is arguably a natural extension of the mission of all churches serving communities of color.  Pastor DeCohen of Mount Vernon Heights Congregational Church, who also serves as a national low-income housing advocate, concurred: “The black church has historically taken the role of addressing all the needs of the community.”  He punctuated his comments by pointing out that many households make spending and investment decisions reflecting priorities that are “screwed up.”  And given the dire state of retirement planning in African-American communities (as reported by experts such as Dr. Wilhelmina Leigh of the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies), financial management skills and robust income-producing assets are essential for avoiding an impending train wreck when households reach retirement age.  Dr. Leigh’s research has been focused on the racial wealth gap and closing it by “expanding opportunities for homeownership and for asset building via other means.”  However, the need for financial literacy training and household asset building is not limited to minority communities; The Christian Science Monitor has reported that many churches across the nation have become “a hotbed for personal finance education.”

So although some may think that it is not the proper role of the church to engage in economic activities, the link between the financial health of congregants and the economic health of their churches would seem to suggest otherwise.  (Dr. Moore does believe that diverging perspectives on the role of the church should be respected.)  According to a 2010 national study conducted by the Barna Group, a research organization that focuses on religious issues, 57% of pastors surveyed reported that the economy had negatively impacted their churches and congregations.  Dr. Moore acknowledged this crucial symbiotic relationship when he related that, although his church has been impacted by the downturn less than others, Greater Centennial’s revenues were essentially flat while his budget for benevolence has increased a whopping 50%.  While government at various levels has been cutting back its support of moderate- and middle-income households, the financial vulnerability of those same households has soared in recent years – thus requiring churches such as Greater Centennial to help when and where they can.

Sociologists have referred to “the Matthew effect” – the phenomenon where the “rich get richer and the poor get poorer” – an ironic nod to the biblical observations of Matthew 25:29.  A translation of that verse reads: “For to all those who have – more will be given, and they will have an abundance; but from those who have nothing, even what they have will be taken away.”  Clearly, this dichotomy (recently labeled as the 1% wealthiest vs. the bottom 99%) was a motivating issue for the more thoughtful Occupy Wall Street protesters.  And Dr. King and his colleagues demonstrated the potency of non-violent protest against social inequities.  However, the history of the African-American church also has shown that self-help initiatives such as entrepreneurship and financial counseling should not be overlooked as strategies for bridging economic gaps.  To do so means to deny ourselves the use of internal resources, freedom of action, and the self-empowerment of crafting our own solutions; therefore, we end up resigned to rely exclusively on the concessions of external powers for jobs and retirement security.  For Pastor DeCohen the history is clear: “In the African-American communities, the black church has been the vanguard and community liaison for bringing development and resources.”  Both approaches, self-help and collective protest, have value.

So notwithstanding Matthew's message, we should be reminded of this proverb: “Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day.  Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.”  It doesn't really matter where we fish or what rod and bait we use, as long as we do what men and women can do, legally and ethically, to quell this famine of diminished expectations.

Lamont Blackstone is an award-winning commercial real estate consultant and a past dean of ICSC’s University of Shopping Centers sponsored by the 55,000-member global trade association. He is principal of G. L. Blackstone & Associates LLC which also provides telecom and energy expense solutions to small businesses, non-profit organizations and commercial property owners. He can be reached at (914) 663-0498 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

On May 22, 2011, Reverend Darren M. Morton was installed as the seventh Pastor of Macedonia Baptist Church in 98 years. Macedonia has a long history of community, civic and spiritual enrichment. “I will build on the legacy of the great Reverend Dr. Richard H. Dixon, Jr., Pastor Emeritus, through active engagement with the community by providing ministry, services and programs to strengthen families.  Strengthening the family is the first step in advancing society and creating a vibrant and thriving Mount Vernon.”

Born and raised in Mount Vernon, educated in the Mount Vernon School System and a graduate of Mount Vernon High School, Rev. Morton is a true product of Mount Vernon and understands our community and the challenges it faces. His love of God brought him to the pulpit in 1994, under the tutelage of Reverend Dixon Jr., and was ordained in 1997.  He is a graduate of Tabernacle Bible Institute and Manhattan Bible Institute and currently taking graduate theology courses at St. John’s University. He is also a graduate of Hofstra and St. John’s Universities, where he received his Bachelor of Business Administration and Masters of Education degrees, respectively. He travels the nation with a message that the appropriate education, adequate social development and unique leadership skills serve as a springboard for success.

Whether it is in the church, his community, a college campus or in a boardroom, he constantly works to strengthen families and enhance the lives of young people of all races and nationalities. Since becoming interim Pastor 2009, Rev. Morton has embraced the youth of Macedonia and exposed them to cultural activities such as Museums, Theatre, Sports events and educatonal activities.  The youngsters were elated last year when taken to Yankee Stadium for a game to include Club House Seats and Dinner.  Currently, Rev. Morton is leading the Education Committee of the United Black Clergy to bring together the community to take ownership of the Schools System and ensure quality education for all our children; a series of meetings are already scheduled. At Macedonia, he continues to serve with the Vacation Bible School and other church programs as needed. Previously he served as an Associate Minister and Youth Minister for 15 years, Assistant Sunday School Superintendent and Executive Director of the Macedonia Baptist Church Mentoring Program. I am excited with all the tangible ideas for Macedonia. “We already began the process for the creation of a Community Development Corporation focused on family enrichment. We will also be revamping the Macedonia Community Center for enhancement of services and activities directly available to the community. Expanding our food service for feeding the hungry and partnering with our law enforcement leaders to develop a re-entry service for juveniles returning to the Mount Vernon community are some of the many programs we will implement”.  Reverend Morton continued to say “Leveraging our spiritual, intellectual, physical resources, we will partner with other faith-based organizations, city and county leadership and the school-system to offer spiritual and social services, such as initiatives in academic enrichment, wellness and personal development."

Reverend Morton is the Associate Vice President for Student Affairs and Director of the Vincentian Institute for Social Action, (VISA) at St. John’s University in Queens, NY.  For decades, Rev. Morton, product of the urban culture has focused his community efforts on the interplay between faith and education.   To that end, he has held several administrative positions at Hofstra University and St. John’s University mastering skills in a variety of student development areas, including college admissions, new student orientation, residential life, student activities, academic tutorial services, multicultural affairs, leadership development, and student development.  In addition, he serves as an Adjunct Instructor for the School of Education, St. John’s University.

He is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. the oldest Black Greek-Lettered Intercollegiate Organization, where he maintains 23 years active membership, holding numerous leadership and committee appointments, including NY District Director, Eastern Region Executive Director, 24th Eastern Region Vice President/National Board Member (2001-2005), and most recent Chairman of National Intake Taskforce.  Additionally, he serves as the Chairman and CEO of the William Ross Education Foundation, the 501c3 organization for the Eastern Region of Alpha Phi Alpha and is active with Zeta Zeta Lambda Chapter, St. Albans, NY.
As a Civic Leader, he serves the community as: Chairman of the Education Committee for the United Black Clergy, Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Brooklyn & Queens Advisory Board, Mount Vernon Branch NAACP, Advisor to the St. John’s College Chapter of NAACP, Past Master of Progressive Lodge #64, and Immediate Past President of the Third Masonic District, Prince Hall Affiliated, Free and Accepted Masons.

Rev. Morton is the proud father of three adult children: Coleman, Chakka and Daniel and eight grandchildren.

Every Tuesday evening: Children, youth, and adult bible study at 8 p.m.

Saturday evening prayer at 6 p.m.

- July 9: 3rd Street Thunder

- July 23: Men's Ministry Fishing Trip

- July 23: Missionary Boutique

Save the Date

- August 13: Annual Church Meeting

- August 13: Annual Fellowship (4th Street Park)

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Maintaining a connection with our youth and reaching out to the next generation is one of the many missions and priorities of Grace Baptist Church where Rev. W. Franklyn Richarson is the head pastor.  As parents, community leaders, educators, and activists continuously strive to engage our youth in activities that promote spiritual development, academic advancement, and personal empowerment; everyone gains through participating in Christian fellowship.  The Grace Baptist Church Young People aspire to build a Ministry dedicated to encouraging one another to live and develop faithful lives for Jesus Christ.

In addition to multiple youth ministries and events presently occurring, a pilot program commenced this past November.  The Youth Church and Bible Study group launched its first service on November 21, 2010.  The group targeted high school students, ages twelve through eighteen, and the goal is to provide an opportunity for youth to fellowship in an environment which encourages their spiritual development, Christian educational learning, and preparation for a lifestyle of Christian stewardship.  The eight month pilot is facilitated by Associate Minister for Stewardship, Sheila Simmons.  She is supported by participating leadership, Associate Pastors and Ministers, Deacons, Youth Advisors, and members of the Young Adult Ministry.  Each third Sunday of the month, worship time begins at 11:30 a.m. followed by a twenty minute break, then bible study ending at 1:30 p.m.  The curriculum uses a thirteen week bible study of the Pauline Epistle.  These are letters written by Paul the Apostle, found in thirteen books of the New Testament.  A supplemental Christian hip hop album uses the voices of urban bible scholars to translate the word through rap lyrics, verses, and hooks, utilizing an appealing hip-hop gospel approach.  Social networking outlets such as Facebook and Twitter, along with blogging, and the Grace Baptist Church website advance participation and interest.

Each third Sunday of the month students leave Youth Church and Bible Study with a clearer understanding of how they can apply the gospel to their daily life and apply their spiritual gifts to strengthening the church for a lifestyle of Christian stewardship.  Grace Baptist Church bridges the gap with the next generation by investing in the future, and nurturing talents of our youth.

Grace Baptist Church is located at 52 South Sixth Avenue. Sunday Worship services are held at 7:30a.m., 9:30a.m., and 11:30a.m. Wednesday prayer and bible study is held at 7:00p.m. and monthly fellowship includes Holy Communion and Baptism at 6:00p.m. on the first Sunday of the month.  For more information, visit www.gracebapt.org.

Nicole Lucio is a resident of Mount Vernon and an active member of Grace Baptist Church. She is a graduate of Florida State University, has a Master’s from John Jay College of Criminal Justice and multiple Securities Licenses from Greico Financial Training Institute. Nicole enjoys music, traveling, community and public service and is a member of the Association of Anti-Money Laundering Specialists, New York Chapter.