Today, just as in 1967, NCC joins in solidarity with all those who seek justice and an end to police brutality and racism. In these fifty plus years, some things have changed but others have unfortunately remained the same. Newark is on the rise and is a model for peaceful protests. However, the incidents of police brutality, senseless hate crimes and the ravages of COVID-19 throughout the Black community are reminders of systemic racism in our society.

To this end, NCC has pledged to double down on our existing initiatives to close the asset gap and reduce inequality in health care, education, affordable housing and workforce development. We will also lean in with the social justice advocacy groups New Jersey Institute for Social Justice, Newark Communities for Accountable Policing (N-CAP) and others.

Furthermore, we will continue our ongoing support of Mayor Ras J. Baraka鈥檚 initiatives toward racial and economic equity, including:

• Equitable Growth Advisory Commission
• Civilian Complaint Review Board (CCRB)
• Newark Guaranteed Income Task Force
• Newark 2020

As we face the unfolding events of 2020 and the transition to a changed world, we are reminded of our humble beginnings and that success is possible even in the most dire situations when people come together for the common good.

We invite all to join our charge as we embark on this journey for systemic change.

In solidarity,

A. Zachary Yamba
Chairperson, 91看片 Board of Directors

Richard Rohrman
CEO, 91看片

Miles Callender has completed an impressive amount of education: two associate degrees, two bachelor鈥檚 degrees, two master鈥檚 degrees and a doctorate. He currently works at Bethel Counseling Services in Newark as a substance abuse and mental health specialist. But it wasn鈥檛 always obvious that he would end up on this path.

What鈥檚 not surprising is that Callender entered a career path helping others. From the time he was young, he looked up to people who were making a difference in the world. He met Martin Luther King Jr. a week before his assassination and took part in the Walk for Understanding that took place after his death. He was 6 at the time.

91看片 Founder Monsignor William J. Linder was Callender鈥檚 pastor at one time. His whole family attended Queen of Angels Church until its closing.

鈥淭hat鈥檚 the history I come from: social justice, civil rights and to advocate for the less fortunate,鈥� Callender said.

He spent 15 years in the military, serving in the Army, Army National Guard, Army Reserves and United States Marine Corps. He received an honorable discharge from all.

Callender lived at 91看片 Gardens Senior, 265 Morris Ave., Newark, for a time until he was removed from the building about 15 years ago for substance abuse. While he was a resident, he opened an account at 91看片 Federal Credit Union. He remained a credit union member even after his departure and still uses its services today.

鈥淓ven in my worst state, they were always very, very supportive,鈥� Callender said of 91看片 personnel. 鈥淢ulu always said, 鈥楳iles, you鈥檙e living beneath your potential. Just stop doing the drugs.鈥欌��

Mulu Gebreyesus is the director of the 91看片 Federal Credit Union. She always encouraged Callender to get sober and he has. Once he was free of drugs, he was able to focus on education, which has led to multiple degrees and certifications.

Callender has an Associate of Applied Science degree, Bachelor of Social Work, Master of Social Work, a Doctor of Theology (Th.D.) and a Ph.D. in theology and ministry. He has studied at Essex County College, Eastern Bible Institute and Seton Hall University. He is a Certified Social Worker, Licensed Certified Social Worker and Licensed Substance Abuse Addiction Specialist. He is a member of the national social work honor society Alpha Delta Mu. He also has a certification in anger management and is an HIV specialist.

鈥淭he first time I met Miles as a young man, he did not take any directions or follow anyone鈥檚 rules other than his own. Today Miles has accomplished the goals he has set for himself, and that made him an exemplary within his community,鈥� Gebreyesus said. 鈥淢iles鈥� achievements show that one can dream and make the dream come true with hard work and dedication.鈥�

In addition to meeting his own goals by completing his education, his career in social work is very fulfilling to him.

鈥淚t鈥檚 in giving that we receive. And that鈥檚 why social work is so gratifying,鈥� Callender said.

He uses his own past experiences to help with his work as a substance abuse counselor, though he said disclosure of his past is only necessary when it helps the client.

Callender is happy to be drug free and helping others but hasn鈥檛 forgotten all his experiences.

鈥淚鈥檓 not ashamed of my past,鈥� he said. 鈥淭hose that don鈥檛 acknowledge their past are doomed to repeat it.鈥�