January - February - March 2015

brownsvillematters@gmail.com

Vol.: 2 No. 1

MILLIONAIRE WITH THREE FELONIES

And He Made It

By Pastor Sherri Black

r. Jay Morrison is a young Black man who

has encountered many obstacles in life
including three felonies and has overcome
them all in rare fashion. He is known as Mr. Jay Real
Estate. He has met lifes challenges and is now a millionaire who is reaching out to inner city youth and
changing the game from gang banging and drug dealing to Real Estate owning and selling with no money
down. His story is amazing and yours can be too. I
briefed him on Brownsvilles negative statistics.
Jay says, Im very familiar with New York. I was
locked up in New York for a year. I was on Work
Release in Harlem, I lived in Brooklyn near the Pink
Houses, I was locked up on Rikers Island with guys
from Brownsville. I understand the whole culture.
What it boils down to is that we can spend our money
on our look. Well spend our money for clothes, well
spend our money on cars, and these things show the
people in our neighborhood that were making progress; that we even made it. But in reality, to the larger
world, you got a $1,000 chain or a $20,000 chain,
you got a $5,000 car or a $20,000 car. You got $300
jeans on, you got Prada sneakers, Giuseppe heels or
whatever it is; all of those things go down in value
when you buy them.
They dont make you any money. You having the
freshest pair of Timbs on or having a gold chain on
or watch on or some Red Bottoms; those things dont
actually improve your life. They make you feel good
for the moment. That s why we say Yo-Lo you only
live once. But the reality is; yes you may only live
once but a lot of times our lives are longer than what
we anticipate. And even if were in a high crime area
you think, I could be dead tomorrow, so you know

someone with two gun charges, two drug trafficking

charges and be looked at as a statistic; I had to make
different decisions. I had to prioritize where I wanted
to put my money. So I put my money into Real Estate
School. I put my money into my 1st house at 25. I put
my money into learning how to create businesses. It
all boils down to not trying to impress our peers.
Most of us who have been to jail know that when
you go they dont write. They dont take care of your
family, or very few of them do. Ive been to prison
with guys from Brownsville and I know that there are
people in worse situations than in Brownsville... We
all have a story. The question is what are you going
to do with your story?
Continued on page 4
Brownsville Matters Event
Saturday July 11th 2015
Location to be announced

what Im gonna enjoy today. But theres a balance to

that though because if you enjoy today like today is
your last day but you actually survive till tomorrow,
you survive to the next day, then survive to the next
day, now youre 20 thinking that you might die by the
time that youre 22 but you actually make it till the
time that youre 50, but youve blown everything for
your life and never set anything up for the future. So,
its all about buying assets and everything; having a
balance.
For me to have made it from a high school drop out,
remember Im a three time felon; for me to make
it and actually be something in the world besides

STOP THE MURDERS

YOU'RE BETTER THAN THAT

If My People, Which Are Called By My Name

Shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways
Then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal
the land2 Chronicles 7:14

Self Imposed Tragedy is never tragic; its foolish!

When are we going to turn? Pastor Black

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Vol.: 2 No. 1

Brownsville
Matters TM
To The Heart
of God

The Cross of Jesus Christ of Nazareth

Jesus is reaching out to save those who are willing to
come to him.
Whosoever will let him come.
COME AND MAGNIFY THE LORD WITH US
337 ROCKAWAY AVE
NEAR CORNER OF ENY AVE.
2-5PM
SUNDAY AFTERNOONS

Into Each Life Some Rain Must Fall

A compelling Adult Gospel novel Purchase a copy today on Amazon.com to
support Brownsville Matters the organization that serves young people in our
community and beyond.
A portion of the proceeds will help to support our youth. Ages 12 22.
This endeavor will also help to support our prison ministry reaching all ages.

Ministers of
The Way Church of
Christ
Founding Pastor:
Elder Catherine Jackson,
Pastor Sherri Black,
Out of State Minister:
Evangelist Dr. Catherine
Jackson-Evans M.D.,
F.A.C.O.G.,
Youth Minister:
Najee Sherman Sawyers,
Assistant Pastor:
Evangelist Lisa Paul.

Brownsville
Matters TM

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Vol.: 2 No. 1

Page 3

To The Heart
of God

Community Under Siege

By Pastor Sherri Black

he Brownsville Community can truly be said

to a community that never sleeps. Deep into
the night siren lights can be seen blaring atop
numerous police vehicles parked on street corners
and sitting on sidewalks scattered throughout the
neighborhood. This scene can be likened unto a war
torn country where the land is being occupied by the
enemy. But its hard to tell who the true enemy really
is.
The 73rd pct. has been plagued for years with disrespectful officers whose harassment and intimidation
tactics forgo them. During the stop and frisk phase
they were well known for arbitrarily stopping young
men and boys and putting their hands down their
pants for a search. This often led to young people
feeling so disgraced and violated that they didnt
even report it. Imagine if this had been done to girls
and women. Either way, its outrageous. While the
community cries out for more police protection
some wonder who will protect us from the police.
Overwhelmingly many corners in Brownsville are
manned by the 73rd both day and night.
My quandary is; who are the true gangsters? On one
hand you have Bloods and Crips operating in their
limited roles; I say limited because the main veins
that they fall into are the prisons or the graves. They
do what they do yet they are without authority.

On the other hand you have an armed battalion of

programmed to dominate uniformed terrorists who
sometimes bring calm. Their two veins are help and
hurt. But even when they help theyre doing a job
that has been assigned to the strength of the community... that strength is our men. But there is so much
fatherlessness; we have dropped the ball.
There is a whole generation of what we call baby
mamas and baby daddies. Marriage is more and more
not a consideration by our youth. And it is their children that will pay the price. Marriage is more than a
piece of paper. It is a commitment to stay and to work
together towards common goals not only for one
another but also for the children. It is not optional; it
is mandatory for us to flourish as a people.
Our problem has grown to be so overwhelming that
it is pouring out onto the streets. We now have young
people who are killing one another on the streets and
their deaths are not even published throughout the
community because it is so commonplace that it is no
longer shocking.
We have become numb to the rampant death and
dying in our midst. I have a lot of questions. Why
so many police in Brownsville? But I also have the
answer... Sin is pervasive and running rampant in the
souls of those who were called of God to dominate
and have authority. Black men you must rise up. God
has called you to have authority and to dominate in
the land. Therefore the police are policing a people
who have not policed themselves.
Their authority comes from the government in an
earthly realm. The authority of the fathers comes
from God as a heavenly mandate. Last question? Who
will pick up the mandate and reclaim Brownsville?
But not only Brownsville; these same problems are
prevalent in most of our communities.

young man is proud to say how many women he has

slept with and how many baby mamas he has; while
knowing that its not possible to properly care for all
of the children that he is producing.
This same absence of fathers in the household is what
lends to our babies being inevitable prison inmates.
Lets stop the nonsense. Open your eyes Brownsville.
Is this what God has called us to? Is this the legacy
that we want to leave for our children? Ask yourself
what is the torment of Prison? The answer is you
the very system that you claim to hate depends on
you to act out violently on a daily basis.
Just imagine if you went to prison and actually
decided to refuse to be your cellmates tormentor.
How else would the prison system put fear in your
hearts? They are depending on you to torment one
another for them. There is no true program in place to
rehabilitate. Thats what Scared Straight is all about.
Idiots saying, you dont want to come in here because
Im gonna get you. Lets learn to police our own
selves; even in the prisons. You say that you hate the
system, but you are their bread and butter, overtime,
and ability to expand their territory. We dont need to
have our street corners running over with police. We
are better than that.

When Black people learn that the Church is our

only salvation, our communities will experience an
awesome turnabout. The family unit will be restored.
There was a time even when we were enslaved that
we valued family and the strength of leadership by
a strong man who ruled his household with his wife
by his side. Not having a scattered family where a

Letters to the Editor

Pastor Sherri Black is the editor of this newspaper and the pastor of The Way Church of Christ
in Brownsville, Brooklyn, New York.
She reserves the right to publish only what she considers to be beneficial to the body of Christ
and to African descendants at large.

Phone: (347) 447-2244

Write to the Editor of this newspaper: brownsvillematters@gmail.com

E-Mail: brownsvillematters@gmail.com

If you have community news that is relevant to African descendants that you would like to
submit for consideration of being published; write us and we will be in contact with you asap.

Blog: pastorsherriblack.wordpress.com

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Vol.: 2 No. 1

Brownsville
Matters TM
To The Heart
of God

MILLIONAIRE WITH THREE FELONIES

Continued from page 1
I was born to a single mom. My pop left when I
was 3 months old, my step-father who passed away
last week at 55, was a heroin addict from the time
he was 20, he was very abusive in our household,
to my mom and to myself. But everyone has a story
and got a hand dealt to them. But its about how bad
do you want to make it. You have to want to make it
more than you want to be cool. If you just want to
be cool then go cop your Timbs, cop your Jordans
which dont make any sense for your progression.
But if you want to be one of the champions out of
Brownsville, if you want to be somebody who was in
the gang, did go to prison, mom was on drugs, didnt
know their parents, and be a success.

And He Made It

If you want to be a champion, you gotta hang your

belt. Its a matter of whether you want it bad enough.
A lot of times it feels so hard, so we take the easy
route. Its a way easier to save $300, $400, and go
buy a pair of jeans. Its way easier to put on a Louis
Vuitton belt, and sag your pants and be like Im that
boy. But you dont even have $10,000 or $30,000 or
$300,000 in a bank or an IRA or 401K or a property
that you can pass down to your kids one day. But
youre making babies all over the hood.
To acquire a property and own it with no money
down what you have to do is bring in a partner who
will finance your deal. Its often private lenders who
will finance your deals. But you wont know what a
good Real Estate deal is unless youre educated. No
one will take you seriously unless you have a business; meaning an LLC. Then having business cards,
a business website, having a business Facebook,
a brand. This is what we teach at Jay Morrison
Academy.
The first thing that I teach is how to build your business and brand. Find out what your tag line is, create
a professional profile for yourself. If youre going
to ask someone to invest one hundred thousand or
a million or ten million into you; no matter where
you come from they need to believe that you are serious about your business and that youre a legitimate
person. From an investors standpoint if I go to your
Instagram, your Facebook, and in your profile youre
smoking a blunt; Im not going to take you serious.
What is available to our community which is not
100% financing but its really, really close, is that

FHA loans still exist. And government back loans

or mortgage loans to buy Real Estate will go down
to a 580 sometimes even a 550 or 520 credit score.
Theyll work with you on your credit. You dont
have to be fearful of that. Also with FHA they only
ask for 3 % down for the purchase price.
On a $100,000 house, thats $3,500 down. On a
$200,000 house, thats $7,000 down. On a $300.000
house, thats $10,500 down. Thats something that
you can save up, thats realistic. Now if you just want
to be cool and youre more interested in your kids
having the latest Jordans on and your kids looking
all fashionable and youre going out every Friday to
Happy Hour and youre down with that and you go
to every concert at Barclays and thats your priority
then its gonna be hard to save seven grand towards
a house.
But if you have your priorities straight and you have
a goal in mind, you can start by going to a local mortgage company and asking them to pre-qualify you.
Even if you have no idea whether youre qualified or
not. Its free, it cost you nothing.
Your local bank can tell you what
your path to home ownership looks
like. Then you work backwards
and you fill in those gaps.
When it comes to faith in God, Jay
says that he identifies himself as
spiritual and a Christian. He prays
for a strategy, guidance, wisdom,
revelation and understanding. He
doesnt pray for things but for
empowerment. Its about having a personal relationship with
God. Jay Mr. Real Estate has an
academy that is taught online with
a special interest in minority and
low income students.

Last September Jeezy donated $1,000,000. to the

academy. He saw what Jay was doing and got on the
band wagon to reach out and be a help to our community as a people. Mr. Morrison has been reaching out
to Hip Hop artists and Professional Sports Athletes
to help out with the mission to empower our culture.
The course is Real Estate education to the masses.
Jay says anybody can learn it from any demographic.
Hes teaching them to wholesale properties- No Cash,
No Credit. When you wholesale, you dont own the
property. But you own the contract to the property.
Then you can sell that contract to an investor that
has more money than you and make $3,000 $5,000
$10,000 or whatever your number is. Jeezy saw that
vision and donated helping Jay to give scholarships
to under-served youth and at-risk youth.
Jay Morrison will be doing a lot for prison re-entry
and people with criminal backgrounds. When you enroll in Jay Morrisons academy Jaymorrisonacademy.
com you get lessons every week by way of an
email. Then every other week you get a phone call
from Jay Mr. Real Estate himself. Or you can go
to JayMrRealEstate.com for a free download of his
book Hip Hop to Home Owners or you can purchase
an autographed copy. It uses Pop Culture terminology. Go to YouTube and look up his videos. Jay is a
great inspiration and his contributions are tangible.
There is a better way of life than to work 40-60 hours
a week or go out gang banging and selling drugs to
make a living. God always provides a way of escape
for what the enemy is putting you through. While this
is not the only way out, for our people; it is a way
out. If you can take it and run with it; save yourself
from the destruction that awaits you. This message is
not for Brownsville alone; its for Brownsville and
beyond, wherever our people are needlessly dying to
keep up an image that means nothing in the end.

Brownsville
Matters TM

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Page 5

Vol.: 2 No. 1

To The Heart
of God

Nuggets: Me and My Big Mouth

Story by Assistant Pastor Evang. Lisa Paul
Special Points of Interest:

Guarding your ear and mouth gate

A powerful confession

Sticks, Stones, and Words CAN hurt me!

Guarding Your Ear and Mouth Gate

Are you a human garbage can? Well if you sit around
people who talk, talk, talk about nothing that is good,
or of virtue, or in the spirit of love, or of truth. Thats
what you are. Have you ever been in a conversation
and felt I should leave, but you stayed because you
didnt want to hurt someones feelings or perhaps the
conversation was interesting until they just went too
far? And then it happened. You did it. You said something you shouldnt have and the words that stuck out
in your mind like a big billboard were, Me and my
big mouth! The word of God teaches usbut, those
things that proceed out of the mouth come forth of
the heart and they, defile a man. Mathew 15:18. Are
you defiled? Do you feel dirty?
Have you cleaned the inside of your cup? The Pharisees were clean on the outside but dirty inside. Jesus
says to us dont be like them for they pretend that
they are something that they are not. They say all the

right words; they know how to get in the Church

Mode, but in the privacy of their homes and when
no one is around whats in them begins to come out.
The garbage can opens up to everything. We must
learn to place a lid on it. We can choose what to let in
our spirit by guarding what comes in and what goes
out. Dont let your mouth be a revolving door for
garbage, rather let it be open to praise and honor unto
our God to those who are and arent deserving of it.

A Powerful Confession
In the beginning God spoke. He didnt speak what he
saw he spoke what he wanted to see. The Word says,
the earth was without form that it was void and dark.
These words depict a worthless, hopeless situation;
but God spoke life. He spoke with power! You are
created in the image of God. Began to speak your
desire not your frustration and surely youll see the
vision unfold.

Sticks and Stones May Break My Bones,

but WORDS Will Never Hurt Me
She said, Oh this is a crazy hair style. as she giggled and fondled my hair. I was angry. I was furious.
She obviously didnt like it. Or she would have

said your hair looks nice. I was observing an aunt

doing something nice for her niece and I said in the
presence of the other aunt oh youre the best aunt
ever! I quickly noticed the effect my words had on
the other aunt. I was guilty. I wanted to say I didnt
mean that she was less of an aunt, but I didnt know
how. Think of yourselves as you speak. Would you
want what youre saying to be said to you? Make a
conscious decision to watch what you say. Apologize
if you need to; if you hurt someone unintentionally. It
is important to understand that while you can apologize for your actions, the true purpose is not to repeat
them.
Sometimes in the spirit of love you have to say things
people may not like. Dont be afraid if you know it
will empower them. Just remember its not what you
say; its how you say it. Usually youll be received
unless the person doesnt want to change or just
doesnt respect hearing it from you. This reminds me
be careful how you judge because if you are in sin
yourself and youre trying to bring correction you
wont be effective. E.M. Bound says in his book,
Power Through Prayer, we must be a pure stream by
which the Word comes through.

Near the corner of Pitkin and Saratoga

Avenues you will find a little variety
store named PINK.
Its owned and operated by a lovely
woman named Sharon. Businesses like
hers are vital to Black empowerment
and becoming financially selfsufficient.

UPGRADE YOUR LIFE

This establishment presents hope

to the community that we can move
forward in the spirit of collective
economics.

BY
FOLLOWING

If you havent stopped by to see what

Sharons store has to offer; then you
ought to. Lets invest our dollars
where they will count.

The Way Church of Christ

337 Rockaway Avenue (Corner of ENY Avenue)

Sundays 2-5pm

JESUS

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Brownsville
Matters TM

Vol.: 2 No. 1

To The Heart
of God

Community Level
Justice for Our Youth

ts always better to be judged by those who truly care for your overall well
being. Sitting down with Sharese Crouther the Coordinator of Community
Initiatives & Special Projects of the Brownsville Community Justice Center;
she speaks of the Brownsville Youth Court which is a project out of the Center for
Court Innovation. They operate six Youth Courts in New York City. Other communities that have Youth Courts are Red Hook, Staten Island, Harlem, Queens
and Newark, New Jersey.
Brownsville Youth Court is an opportunity offered to young people 14-18 years
of age in the Brownsville community that either go to school or live in the area.

Health Corner
Chia Seeds
By Chef Sherri Royes
The healthy food we will be discussing this issue is called Chia Seeds. Chia
Seeds are a power food that is jam packed with nutrients including antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. They are the highest plant based food source
for Omega 3. They are also a great source of fiber and protein. These seeds
are grown in Mexico, Australia, Ecuador and Argentina. Chia seeds come in
a dry form and are very small with a grey hue. They have no particular taste
and can be manipulated in many ways.

The first opportunity is to young people that have been accused of low level
crimes. They can have their cases resolved in Youth Court by a true Jury of their
Peers. Adults are always present.
Youth Court has a Leadership and Diversion program. Leadership is an eight to
ten week training focusing on peer advocacy while building strong leaders. They
learn a multitude of skills, from public speaking, improvement on their writing
skills, customer service, how to be objective, how to be unbiased. In addition to
all of the roles of the court, the Youth Court rotates all of their roles.
Theres a teen judge, jury, floor person, a community advocate, which is similar
to a defence attorney, and a bailiff, and they operate their full court. Then diversion side of the program is the alternative to going through the penal system.
There is an application process which is simple demographic information, then
three short answer questions, to get insight as to who the young person is. Theyre
invited in for a group interview. The Center trains anywhere from 30 to 40 youth
twice a year. Recruitment in the area is through schools, other community based
organizations and referrals. Some cases are received from the 73rd precinct and
from some schools as an alternative to suspension.
The Brownsville Youth Court is a not for profit and accepts donations. So, for
anyone that is looking for someplace to put their money to good use keep the
Brownsville Community Justice Center in mind.
Pic of Sharese Crouther

Chia seeds can be used soaked, whole, or milled. Soaking Chia seeds is
simple. There is a 1:1 ratio of tablespoons of seeds to cups of water. If you
are soaking two tablespoons of Chia Seeds you add two cups of water to the
seeds. This should be done in an empty jar such as a mason jar as they will
increase in volume. Allow the seeds to sit for ten minutes, shake and stir then
allow it to sit for an additional ten minutes. Once soaked Chia seeds have
a gel like consistency and are called Chia gel. Soaked Chia Seeds can be
added to water which is called Chia water or to your favorite drink such as
coconut water, or cranberry juice. Once you add soaked Chia Seeds to your
drink of choice you can than infuse the drink with different fruits, and herbs.
Chia water before a meal has been shown to help curb an appetite. Chia
water is also a great post work out drink to replenish the body with nutrients
and can be used as a substitute to sports drinks. Chia gel can be stored in the
refrigerator for up to two weeks before it spoils.
Whole Chia Seeds can be added to a salad, smoothie, or oatmeal to add texture. Milled chia seeds (ground by a blender or food processor) can be added
to baked goods such as brownies, pancakes, and cookies.

One cup of water

Chia Seeds Have Been Used to

Treat:

Two teaspoons of chia gel

High blood pressure

Two mint leaves shredded

Diabetes

Heart Disease

Simple Chia Water Recipe:

teaspoon of lemon juice

Combine all ingredients and enjoy!
Health Benefits of Chia Seeds:

Curbs Appetite

Replenishes Body with Nutrients

and Essential Fats

Great source of Omega-3 and

Fiber

Brownsville
Matters TM

January - February - March 2015 -

brownsvillematters@gmail.com

Vol.: 2 No. 1

Page 7

To The Heart
of God

Poems of Inspiration and Prophecy is a book of poems which touches on everyday

life situations which we all go through. It is a reassurance from the Lord that no
matter how big or small the situation, he will see us through.
CARLA EDWARDS was born the last of six children to Robert and Catherine
Jackson in Brooklyn, New York. She became a nurse at eighteen, working at
various skilled nursing homes, then moving on to a Brooklyn hospital. She is a
mother to three beautiful children. This is her first book.

Buy your copy today from:

barnesansnoble.com, amazon.com, or
crossbooks.com

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Vol.: 2 No. 1

Brownsville
Matters TM
To The Heart
of God

Brownsville
Matters TM
To The Heart
of God

January - February - March 2015 -

brownsvillematters@gmail.com

Vol.: 2 No. 1

Page 9

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Vol.: 2 No. 1

Brownsville
Matters TM
To The Heart
of God

Brownsville
Matters TM

January - February - March 2015 -

brownsvillematters@gmail.com

Vol.: 2 No. 1

Page 11

To The Heart
of God

Past Gang Member Appointed & Anointed to

Preach and Pastor
By Pastor Sherri Black

astor Elizabeth Johnson is the pastor of Sons

and Daughters of God Ministry at 110-24
Farmers Blvd, St. Albans, New York. This
story tells of a pastor with a past of being a gang
member. But after sitting with Pastor Elizabeth
Johnson; I find that her ministry is about so much
more than escaping her past. She was gifted
from birth as she was told and instructed by her
grandmother as she grew up.
Those gifts were realized by her by the age of
5. At the time she was afraid of the gifting. Her
grandmother always told her that she was a chosen
one. From that time she could just look at people
and see back into their lives as well as their future.
Its a gift that reveals a persons character to her.
Pastor Johnson says, At some point in my life I did
ungodly things but always knew that my path was
spiritual. Not having earthly experiences I went
through a Job mode instead of Satan asking for the
covering to be removed; I asked God to remove
the covering so that I could understand what was
going on in the world. All of my experiences had
been in the church, being on the choir, and so on.
I served in my familys church Brayle Chapel in
South Carolina growing up.
When God was ready be brought me to where I
needed to be spiritually. The Sons and Daughters of
God Ministry was started out in my home known
as The Beginning and the End; which was taped
and broadcast on QPTV. Pastor Carlton Jones was
there from the beginning,
Minister Greene, Brother Paris, Rachelle and
Brother Jeane. We started it off here in my home.
As everyone went their separate ways I guess that
was the calling of God to go out. Jennifer Graves
is my Vice President, Secretary and Administrative
Assistant and an awesome woman of God. We
preach and teach about God and Christ; the way
the truth and the life.
They also do outreach in the community. Pastor
Johnson feels as though you have to had been in
a gang before you can truly understand it. She
says, Some are forced in the gang while others
choose to be in the gang. A lot of times we blame
other people, like we blame the parents. And its
not always the parents fault. Todays gangs are
usually more forced and loss of self control. Many
times the parents are not there and theyre being
misguided, then its disobedience. Todays gangs
are not trying to protect something. But they are
trying to claim something. But what are they going
to do with what they claim?
Pastor Carlton Jones is Co-Pastor of Sons and
Daughters of God Ministry. Pastor Jones says,
Im from a family of nine. Im next to the oldest.
I grew up fatherless. There were nine children and
five fathers. I was one who never saw my father; he
died. I was abused by my mother and her boyfriend.
I had a horrendous childhood.

After like eleven or twelve I was beaten so much

until I just told them that neither one of you are
going to put your hands on me again. So, I started
shooting drugs at eleven. Heroin, cocaine, sniffing
glue, sniffing dope, stealing; because my family
wasnt buying me anything. I got into the criminal
nature. I never stayed at home. Id rather sleep
behind the stairs instead of being with my mother.
I went off into jails and institutions. I got into a
gang.
I went to Sparford Youth House like a hundred
times. Then I got into selling drugs. I started a
family but the drugs took me away from my family.
I wound up going to jail. I was never able to get
back with my daughters because of abandonment
issues, even up until now. They are adults by now.
You never now the fallout for you losing focus for
a moment. You never know how long it will take
you to regain your focus and get back on the right
track. I lost focus for a very, very long time.

that, and he didnt understand the sin that the

preacher was talking about. But he wanted to be
helped. The preacher started preaching about being
tired and weary and he identified with the message.
He said, Thats me.
Pastor Jones began to cry and once he got the Bible
in his hand he was hooked on it. At the age of 26
it was his first time hearing someone preach Jesus.
He volunteered to go out with an Evangelist to get
people saved and says he didnt know what he was
doing. But it was a learning situation for him. He
wound up losing his girlfriend because he was no
longer willing to be in sin. Today Pastor Carlton
Jones is all in for Christ and a powerful force
against the effects of sin.

Brownsville Matters Event

Saturday July 11th 2015
Location to be announced

Pastor Jones went to school and got his degree.

After graduating college with an Associates degree
in Bookkeeping he started with crack cocaine.
That went on for over twenty years. At some point
he was introduced to Narcotics Anonymous. He
became an Accounting Specialist, Founder and
Executive President of a Rehab. Thats when
he knew that his life was turning around to help
people. When people came into his program he
gave great encouragement. At the time he was still
unsaved.
Pastor Jones finally got saved. He walked into a
mission place where they were talking about Jesus.
He was a Five Per Center at the time. The Preacher
started preaching about Jesus Jesus this and Jesus

STOP THE MURDERS

YOU'RE BETTER THAN THAT

Page 12

January - February - March 2015 -

brownsvillematters@gmail.com

Vol.: 2 No. 1

Brownsville
Matters TM
To The Heart
of God

BR0WNSVILLE PULSE
Mercy Me

by Rhonda Jackson

asha slowly looks from side to side and all she

sees are boxes, tiny little boxes, now coming
together to form a picture. She realizes its
a wall that she is gazing at, her thoughts becoming active at this time. She thinks did he say five
years? Suddenly she realizes that she is restrained
to a flat mat on the floor. Pasha rolls her head from
side to side, no, no, no, no she shouts mournfully.
Grandma!
The correction officer bangs on the bars loudly, You
stop all that noise right now girl, your grandma cant
help you now, you shoulda listened to her when you
could. Pasha being startled by the loud banging
and C.O.s loud voice loses control of her bladder,
urine spreading from the mattress to the floor. The
correction officer notices the floor getting wet and
loudly yells out, look at you, pissing yourself! Now
youre just going to have to lay in it, bet you wish
your grandma was here now! The officer begins to
laugh out loud. Pasha can hear the laughs and jeers of
fellow inmates and officers.
Closing her eyes, and lying really still, Pasha blocks
them out, tries to remember better times. Back, back,
she sees herself being slapped into the wall by a man.
No, no, no, she is thinking. Drifting back to a happier time, she sees herself as a little girl with her hair
twisted, and what looked like one hundred barrettes
attached to the ends. Pasha is a sweet five year old
child.
Pasha, come and get your dinner. Mom has boiled
some cabbage for dinner. Pasha runs to the kitchen,
and sits to the table. She looks at the meal that has been
prepared. Can we have chicken like Grandma, she
asks. Mom grabs a hand full of her twist, snaps her
neck back, and says, You aint at your grandmas.
What do you think that you are too good for what I
cook? Pasha begins to snivel, Mom shouts, dont
you start that whining, you know that I hate that.
Pasha tries to stifle her cries and Daddy slips out.
Mom puts her hands on her hips, cranes her neck to
the side and repeats, Daddy?! When was the last
time you saw your daddy? You two wouldnt even
recognize each other. She throws her head back and
laughs. She takes her hand and smushes Pasha in the
face. Now you eat your food right now. Pasha begins to push the food around on her plate; her mother
says get your shoes on right now, youre going to
your grandmas house. Youre blowing my high. And
if you think that Im gonna waste my money on some
chicken, you got another thought comin. Thats my
get high money, for me and my man! Get your shoes
on, youre gittin out of here right now, you little rat!
It felt so good and warm to be at Grandmas house.
Grandma was sitting on her recliner chair. Grandma
was a middle aged woman who suffered from many
ailments such as, high blood pressure, diabetes, arthritis, low vision and heart failure..but her heart
was full of love for Pasha.
How is my little Butterfly? Come on over here and
let Grandma see you baby. Pasha runs over and gives
Grandma a big hug, Grandma hugs back. She notices
some bruising below her babys left eye, she rains

kisses all over her beautiful face. Grandma pulls her

up on to her lap, and rocks. She can remember the
first time that she saw her granddaughter; she was
crying and waving both her arms. Grandmas heart
melted and she became her little Butterfly. Grandma
was not pleased with her daughters teenaged pregnancy, but this darling child took away all the pain
and regret she had felt.
Grandma knew that she would not be here much
longer to take care of her Pasha. She wished that she
could hold and protect her grandbaby forever. With
tears running down her cheeks, Grandma prayed,
Father God, in the precious holy name of your son
Jesus Christ, I ask that you forgive my sin and hear
my prayers. Youre a loving God, besides you there is
no other, you are awesome; God I love you. I ask that
you will always watch over my little Butterfly, Father
God please continue to protect and keep her. Teach
her your ways and lead her in the path of righteousness. Show her your glory, save her soul. I decree and
declare that she will serve you. I thank you Lord for
all of your blessings. I bless you with all my soul. I
pray in Jesus name. Amen and thank God.
Always remember that God loves you, my Butterfly.
Pasha looked up at Grandma and asked, Grandma,
why are you crying? Grandma answered, Because
I love you.
When Grandma went away, Pasha didnt quite understand. She looked strange sleeping in a box. Some
people cried, But Pasha was just quiet.
Mom kept Pasha as long as she could, then began to
leave her with different relatives. They would keep
her for a while and then begin to complain about
the cost and the time spent. Mom never contributed,
though she received funds for her. She preferred to
spend the money on drugs and alcohol, and partying with whoever was her boyfriend at the time. She
would always yell, curse and beat Pasha whenever
someone sent her back home. Mom said that it was
her fault. It wasnt too long before Pasha was placed
in foster care.
Pasha is shifting her weight uncomfortably on the
mat. She is looking around and knows that she
doesnt want to be here, so she slips back into her
past, trying to find a happier place.
Pasha remembers being a foster child. Some of the
homes were good, some were bad; a real nightmare.
Mother Fanny was a very sweet lady; she had a
daughter named Brianna. Pasha and Brianna became
very close. They were inseparable. They did everything together. They were best buddies for four years.
Mother Fanny met a nice man named George, they
soon married. He was very kind to Pasha. They
bought a house in Stone Mountain Georgia. Even
though she never visited, Pashas mom would not
release her to move to Georgia. Mother Fanny and
Brianna often wrote to Pasha. She was so angry and
hurt that they left her, she never wrote back.
The next family ignored her most of the time. They
would go on trips all day long and leave her alone.

While the family was out, the uncle who lived

upstairs would often come down and touch her inappropriately. He told her not to tell. She never did.
Next family, big brother would sneak into her room
at night. She never told.
Pasha didnt know how to fight back, and was often
bullied in school. To stop the attacks, she learned
how to use her girlie ways with the boys. They would
protect her from others. She recalled one boy who
would slap her up himself, but he wouldnt let anyone else do it.
When Pasha was twenty three, she met a nice guy
named Isaac. He was very good to her. She vowed
she was going to keep this one; she was never going
to be left alone again. When Pasha found out that
another woman was trying to steal his affections, she
got a gun and went to the womans house. She fired
off two rounds, but could not bring herself to shoot
the woman. The police were called.
After many days before the judge, she was told, five
years. Pasha could not take it anymore. She began to
scream, and scream, and then collapsed in the court
room. Now she finds herself strapped to this mat.
Pasha is trying to slip back into her memory, a happy
place. She finds that there are not many places to go
in her memory, unhappiness all around.
Pasha is thinking of Grandma. Grandma was soft,
sweet and loving. Grandma I need you. She remembers that Grandma used to talk about a man named
Jesus; she said that God loves me. Pasha begins to
ask Jesus to come into her life. She is apologizing to
God for the things that she has done wrong, and for
not listening to His voice sooner. She is praying, and
she is praying. She doesnt know where the words are
coming from. Pasha is feeling lighter, the burdens are
lifting. The tears begin to fall. She is thanking God
for everything. She is thinking, I can do this. The
shackles are falling from her mind. She is thinking,
I am free.
The tears are falling freely. The correction officer walks over to the gate and says, You shouldve
thought before you picked up that gun. What are you
crying for now? Pasha looks her in the eyes and
says, Because I love him.
I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth
me. Philippians 4:13
If the son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be
free indeed. John 8:36
And the rest, some on boards, and some on broken
pieces of the ship. And so it came to pass, that they
escaped all safe to land. Acts 27:44

Brownsville
Matters TM

January - February - March 2015 -

brownsvillematters@gmail.com

Vol.: 2 No. 1

Page 13

To The Heart
of God

The Prison Connect Contact

This segment of our paper presents an opportunity for community members to reach out to those behind the wall and let them know that we still care and hold onto
faith for a better tomorrow. Naked and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me. Matthew 25:36 -- Pastor Sherri Black
Sherrell Moore
DIN # 13-G-1003
Bedford Hills Correctional Facility,
Box 1000, Bedford Hills, New York
10507

John Williams
DIN # 94-A-4614
Eastern New York Correctional
Facility, Box 338, Napanoch, New
York 12458

Stevie Robinson
DIN # 00-A-6830 Eastern New
York Correctional Facility, Box 338,
Napanoch, New York 12458

David Bowman
DIN # 06-A-0094 Shawangunk
Correctional Facility, 200 Quick
Road, Box 700, Wallkill, N.Y. 12589

Date of Birth 3/31/1980

Date of Birth 3/14/1969, Height

57, Weight 181 lbs, Religion
Christianity

Date of Birth 12/15/1963,

Height 60, Weight 220 lbs,

Date of Birth 12/19/1983,

Height 60, Weight 165
Religion Higher Spirituality

I am a very lovable person thats

looking for a friend more of a
pen-pal. I have been looking for
a relationship, just someone to be
supportive in my time of need (vice
versa). I am currently in prison for
a crime that I did not commit. So
instead of feeling sorry for myself I
am learning how to create a positive
out of a bad situation. I am in school
and Im also in cosmetics. That way
when I go home I can do something
productive with my life. So, if you
are interested in being a support
system as well as having one, feel
free to reach out to me. God Bless.

Symmetrically
built,
African
American male. Seeking fellowship
with significant other. I like an honest
woman with a playful spirit. Race
is not a factor. Im communicative
and a good listener. All letters will
receive a response.
Alan Davis
DIN # 94-A-2997
Eastern New York Correctional
Facility, Box 338, Napanoch, New
York 12458

Religion Christianity
I am looking for a woman who
would be interested in opening up
a fruitful and meaningful line of
communication with me based on
the word of God. I have a lot of rare
good qualities that a woman would
love and appreciate in a man. I am
a very nice gentleman that happens
to be incarcerated for a crime that I
did not commit. All letters will be
responded to. I dont discriminate.
I will send you a photo of myself
when I hear from you.

lbs,

While I am serving 25 to life; I

am family oriented and business
minded. I enjoy reading, writing and
working out. I enjoy cooking food
and baking cakes. Im looking for a
friend that is mature,
independent, and open-minded;
someone that I can trust to always
be honest with me. Someone who
strives to exceed normal barriers.
Lastly, someone with a sense of selfesteem, self-love and self-worth.

Date of Birth 5/12/1971

Shaliq Reed
DIN # 97-B-1130 Eastern Correctional Facility, Box 338, Napanoch, New
York 12458
Date of Birth 10/28/1974, Height 61, Weight 180 lbs Religion Pentecostal
Accomplished musician, keyboard player, song writer, member of The House
of The Lord Church and plays for Church service in prison. I am an honest,
loyal, sincere, committed and faithful servant of the Lord.
Tall, slim, light skinned with 7 years left to the board. Single searching for
a soul-mate that shares similar qualities such as love for jazz, gospel music,
serving God and willing to give of themselves. Preference is a very dark
skinned woman slim or petite, but more concerned with heart and mind.
Studying Sign Language, Chinese, Spanish and have college experience.

Adolph Wright
DIN # 04-B-1229 Eastern New York Correctional Facility, Box 338, Napanoch,
New York 12458
Date of Birth 7/13/48 Height 511, Weight 241 lbs Religion Protestant/ Born
Again
My name is A D. I an 66 years old. Ive been incarcerated for 11 years with 5
to go. Seeking companionship/marriage. At times I lift weights. I am a veteran
of the U.S. Army. I have a testimony to send to the blessed woman who drops
me a hello note of a desire to become better acquainted on hopes of marriage
in Christ by Gods oaths; not an oath made by man. See 1 Corinthians 6:15.
I renovated homes and I know that with Gods help we can renovate your heart
and life for the kingdom of God as well.

This Is The Stone Which Was Set At

Nought Of You Builders,
Which Is Become The Head Of The
Corner.
Neither Is There Salvation In Any
Other Name Under Heaven Given
Among Men Whereby We Must Be
Saved.
Acts 4:11-12

Flamboyant
Transportation
Inc.
(718) 696-8147

Page 14

January - February - March 2015 -

brownsvillematters@gmail.com

Brownsville
Matters TM

Vol.: 2 No. 1

To The Heart
of God

The Prison Connect Listen

Ernest Iverson Brownsville
Matters
DIN # 06-A-0295
Great Meadow Correctional Facility,
Comstock, New York 12821
Date of Birth 10/20/1979, Height
54, Weight 164 lbs, Religion
Righteous Brownsville Matters.
From now to thereafter. So blessed
be the Pastor. Blessed be the staffers.
Im an Entrepreneur, a poet, not just
a rapper. I say things that matter. You
know what really matters?
Us coming together, unity. Climbing
up the ladder. So the killing must
stop, because were killing us faster.
You my brother, you my sister,
family really matters. See Im really
sincere. Im really one who cares.
About our Father and seeing us
getting there. Peace and Blessings.
Edwin Grant (Looking for
friendship, someone to write to).
DIN # 08-A-1436
Clinton Correctional Facility, Box
2001, Dannemora, New York 12929
Date of Birth 11/16/1984, Height
511, Weight 185
My Views on Your Open Letter to
the Bloods and Crips
We are locked up. We have to use
this time away from the grind of
the every day life out there in the
world to educate and prepare for
the outside; so we can be the man,
brother, father, and son our people
need. It dont make no sense to be
running around stabbing and cutting
each other over colors. We must all do
our part to better our neighborhoods.
Make your life count. Let people
know you were here.

Travis Weston
DIN # 00-A-0358
Auburn Correctional Facility, 135
State Street, Box 618, Auburn, New
York 13021
Im a born again Christian. Ive
been saved for 12 years now. Im a
prisoner in New York State prison. So
far Ive served 15 years for a crime
Ive done. Yes it was stupid. We all
make mistakes in our everyday life.
Only God our Father can forgive us
and give us a new life, a new path to
walk down.

Just ask and you will receive. Hes

waiting on your call. He knows your
every thought and sees your every
move. Hes waiting on you.
To young men and women that are
part of a gang or thinking about
joining one, I have one question for
the ones that are in: What have you
accomplished by being a part of that
mess? Its full of violence, crime,
pain and stress on our mothers,
sisters, wives, and children. All
we are doing is hurting each other,
killing each other and having the
judges load us up with hard time.

Sherrell Moore
Hi Readers: My name is Sherrell and I am Derrell Austins sister. Some may
remember him from the first issue that Pastor Black blessed us with. Yes, I am
a product of a fatherless home and a mother who chose drugs over the love of
her child. So, I really never knew how to love nor what love was.
Upon seeking for love, I thought I found it in a Gang. Being the first lady
made me not only feel loved but wanted and empowered. Little did I know
at the time that joining a gang was going to be my biggest downfall in life.
Something that Im not proud of. What I am proud of is that God blessed me
with a beautiful son that motivates me to be a better person.
I am currently incarcerated for something that I didnt do, and I know you
hear that a lot. But my loyalty and love for a Gang has me sitting in prison.
The question I ask myself all the time is where is the loyalty to me from this
so-called family they call a Gang?
Truth is there is none and there never was. Now I sio t alone in my cell
wondering what my son is doing and it hurts not only me but my son as well.
My son is the main one that suffers in this situation and I know hes not the
only child thats suffering due to his or her parent being incarcerated. We have
to understand that when we are in prison our families are too. So with that
being said we need to brake the cycle beginning with ourselves because our
babys need us.
Now its hard for me to live with myself some days knowing that I let my son
down, so when it gets too hard for me to deal with it; I pick up my Bible and
read Psalm 23 and it always puts me where I need to
be mentally. Just remember God will not put more on us than we can handle.
Nor does he make mistakes. Love God, yourself and our children, because they
are our future.

UNITED CHRISTIANS FOR JUSTICE

Calling All Ministers Deacons and Christians of All Denominations

A New Conference has Formed

To Deal With Issues that Are Affecting Our Communities

Its time for the leaders of the Churches to stand up and be counted.

Real Christians Stand Up and Let Our Voices Be Heard!

For Time and Place of Meetings Call 718-299-4763
Rev. Jamal Pastor of New Brown Memorial Baptist Church

We as Black men are better thinkers

than we are showing. Look at how
many kids are left without their
fathers or Black Queens left without
their King. Its way too many. We
need our Black brothers to become
Black men. Its not too late to join a
Church.
The Way Church of Christ is always
open to everyone. Dont be afraid to
come out and hear Gods word. Until
next time my brothers and sisters, be
safe. Pray for one another and Stop
the Violence.
-Love, Your Brother Travis Weston
Donnell Brunson
DIN # 96-A-1810
Sullivan Correctional Facility, 325
Riverside Drive, Box 116, Fallsburg,
N.Y 12733
Date of Birth 7/8/1965, Height 57,
Weight 185 lbs, Religion Spiritual
Seeking friendship. My heart, mind
and soul will be laid bare to a woman
mature enough to understand how a
confined and isolated man could be
the most loving companion if only
for the fact that life has humbled him
to a level of appreciation. I am that
lonely soul searching for uplifting
correspondence to shine a ray of
love into the corners of my dark
existence.
Anthony Wright
DIN # 84-B-2057
Groveland Correctional Facility,
7000 Sonyea Road, Box 50, Sonyea,
N.Y. 14556
But be ye doers of the word, and
not hears only, deceiving your own
selves. For if any be a hearer of the
word, and not a doer, he is like unto
a man beholding his natural face in
a glass: For he beholdeth himself,
and goeth his way, and straightway
forgetteth what manner of man he
was. James 1:22-24

Its
Good
To
Be Saved.

Brownsville
Matters TM

January - February - March 2015 -

brownsvillematters@gmail.com

Vol.: 2 No. 1

Page 15

To The Heart
of God

House In Pre - Foreclosure?

Give Us a Call
We Can Help
Ark Of Safety LLC

(347) 447-2244

Page 16

January - February - March 2015 -

brownsvillematters@gmail.com

Vol.: 2 No. 1

Brownsville
Matters TM
To The Heart
of God

SADLY, TOO MANY OF OUR YOUNG MEN ARE:

Butt Out Black Men Sagging the Pants.
Wearing Un-tied Sneakers because they plan on going no place special in life.
Gun Toting cause they dont value life.
Weed Smoking cause theyd rather be zoned out than to stand up and be men and deal with the issues
of life head on.
Alcohol Drinking cause they lack vision.
Candle Burning at the Self-Imposed death of his brother cause they have no culture and have adopted
the ways of others when face to face with death.
Committed to the Red and the Blue because they have been rejected by the Red White and Blue and
have refused to dedicate themselves to a God that is Holy.
Baby Denying because they lack the ability to cultivate Seed Spread so far and wide that they have made
it impossible to lead Baby Mamas and forgotten Seed.
Not all are Gang Members. Some are just Angry at life and have Bad Attitudes being Unable to Resolve
Problems Without a gun
-By Pastor Sherri Black