Leadership of Color

Saturday, September 4th, 2021
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Hudson Hall, West Room
327 Warren Street
Featuring: Mayor Kamal Johnson, Calvin Lewis, Reverend Kim Singletary

Mayor Kamal Johnson

Kamal Johnson was elected to serve as the Mayor of Hudson, NY in 2019. He made history as the first black Mayor of Hudson, NY and at 34 years old, the youngest. Partnering to create the Shared Streets program, Hudson Safe, WiFi hotspots, and more, Mayor Kamal has helped the city get on top of one of the hardest years on record.

Previously, as the chair of the Police Committee and the Youth, Education, Seniors & Recreation Committee, he successfully facilitated difficult community conversations and pushed for better and more effective services for Hudson residents. Johnson also worked as the Co-Director of the Greater Hudson Promise Neighborhood, a non-profit organization that supports children growing up in the Hudson City School District. Additionally he served as the Coordinator of POPS, a community fatherhood initiative.

Johnson grew up in Hudson and graduated from Columbia Greene Community College in 2005, and from SUNY New Paltz in 2007, with degrees in History and Early Childhood Education.

Calvin Lewis

“On 5/22/1990, I was born at Columbia Memorial Hospital, right here in Hudson NY. I was raised in the low rises for 18 years. The place I called home, was a decent place for some, and a nightmare for others, regardless, it was still my home.

During the summers as a youth, my family and I would sell 8 oz cup of frozen Kool-aid as a hustle in the neighborhood.  My friends and I, would play tackle football and basketball near the high-rise. While doing these things, at any given time, we might turn our heads and witness drug raids or become innocent bystanders during shootouts. However, as a young black man growing up in Hudson, amidst poverty and crime, I was able to find the silver lining in every dark cloud in my life, which I believe contributed to me being who I am today. Keeping an open mind, being resourceful and making good decisions, has become a part of my everyday life.

Aside from the crime, poverty, alcohol and drug abuse in the city of Hudson, my parents did the best job they could raising me as a decent human being, and a job well done! My parents instilled principles in me that I value to this day. Respect, honesty, and effort is some of the principles I’ve learned to appreciate and use everyday . These are also some of the things responsible for my family rising out of the mud and making nothing out of something.

My father began working at a young age in Jamaica and eventually became a migrant worker.  My mother Gloria Lewis, was a nurse for close to thirty years. Together, my parents raised a proud and dignified family.

Provided the opportunity and my own work ethic, I was able to create situations for myself, like being a first generation college student in my family. From the moment I was accepted to Siena College, I made a promise to myself to never allow anything or anyone come between my goal of graduating. Not only was I proud to receive my diploma, I was also very proud to not only overcome the stereotype/stigma of the black male, but the black community as a whole.

This is why I decided to run for city council. Not only to be active in my local government but, to be a prism of hope for all youth in Hudson, and to be a person of resource. I believe the reason I was elected to office by the people of the third ward is because, when I say that I am humble, dedicated and empathetic to the conditions of not only my city, but our city, it shows through my actions. I am forever grateful for whomever has, and still does, put their faith in me. As a return, I pledge to devote my time and effort to the best of my ability.”

Reverend Kim Singletary

Kim L. Singletary is a woman of many firsts. The first woman to Pastor Payne A.M.E. Church in Chatham, NY, the St. Paul A.M.E. Church in Rockville Center, NY, and the Burnham Chapel at Berkshire Farm Center and Services for Youth in Canaan, NY. She was also the first woman and Black-African American Mayoral appointee to serve as the Sole Assessor in the City of Hudson, NY.

Before accepting the call into Pastoral Ministry, Kim worked for several Fortune 500 Companies while serving as an Associate Minister at Allen A.M.E. Church in Queens, NY from 1982-1991. She attributes much of her Ministry perspective to her experiences and opportunities under the Leadership of Rev. Dr., Floyd H. Flake, U.S. Congressman retired.

In 1991 she was appointed to the Pastorate at Payne A.M.E. Church, Chatham, NY. Under her leadership the congregation grew. They began the S.H.A.R.E program in Columbia County, Project Angel Tree, and a Prison Ministry at the Hudson Correctional Facility, where Pastor Kim served as a Chaplain intern under the Leadership of Church builder Pastor Orville Lawrence. She also served on the Habitat for Humanity Steering Committee, the Chatham Area Pastors Association, and started the Chatham, Hudson, Catskill Fellowship among African American Churches.

After successfully Pastoring St. Paul AME Church in Long Island from 1995-1999, she felt called to return to Columbia County and in 2000, established Overcomers Ministries International. From 2000 to present day, Rev. Kim and Overcomers Ministries remain focused on the original Mission and Vision Statement to (1) encourage and increase the participation of the faith community in the efforts to confront spiritual, economic and social problems in a holistic manner, (2) promote individual and family stability, (3j assist and support the holistic growth and development of young people, and (4) build partnerships that will help improve our communities. Our vision: To see people who have overcome insurmountable odds and circumstances helping others overcome. The ministry includes six Days a week prayer and praise, overseeing GOD Belongs in Our County community Gospel events, Bible studies, Book groups, MANNA Ministry and Christmas gift-giving give aways in partnership with the County Clerks & Marines.

Over the past twenty years, Rev. Kim, has served on many County and Regional Boards such as theColumbia County Human Services, Board, the Alcohol and Substance Abuse Subcommittee, United Way of Columbia and Greene Counties, the Prison Families of New York Steering Committee, the Hudson City School District Superintendent Search Committee, and the Austin L. Carr Charter School.

Rev. Kim is a long time member of the Columbia County Housing Advisory Board, the Hudson Interfaith Council, and Chair for the annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther. King, Jr. Observance. She is a founding Board Member of the Columbia County Women’s Alliance, and Africa’s Daughters of the Diaspora. She is a member of Concerned Clergy for Choice, traveling locally, to Albany and Washington D.C. to speak with legislators concerning women’s reproductive health rights. And is a Black Ivy Alumni League Mentor.

In 2021 Rev. Kim served on the Columbia County Police Reform panel, the Police Reform Plan Review Committee, and was asked to serve on the Civilian Complaint Review Board. Rev. Kim is the radio host and producer of a weekly Gospel Music radio program “There’s A Bright Side Somewhere”, and a co-host and executive producer twice monthly of the Tuesday Afternoon Show on Community Radio station, WGXC 90.7FM, Acra, Hudson and Catskill, NY, and at WGXC.ORG.

Facing the challenges of being a teenage single parent in the 1970’s, her strong faith in GOD and supportive nuclear and extended family ties provided the foundation that helped her defy odds and overcome obstacles to pursuing her purpose which she realizes is to celebrate, elevate and unite people.

Her strong belief that human beings are created in the image of GOD and should be treated with dignity and respect are the underpinnings of her holistic; mind-body-soul approach to Ministry.

Overcomers Ministries lifts up the good, news of JESUS Christ, “In this world you will have tribulation, but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” John 16:33.

One of Rev. Kim’s favorite songs that helps her to stay focused through the vicissitudes of life is, “I give myself away.”