Second meeting convened by New Jersey's black leaders to brainstorm policy proposals aimed at assisting local residents
Black Agenda Meeting in New Jersey Aims to Advance Policy Goals for State's Black Residents
A significant gathering took place recently at the Second Baptist Church in Long Branch, New Jersey, where leaders discussed a unified agenda to benefit the over 1 million Black residents of the state. The meeting, organised by Newark Mayor Ras Baraka and other Black state leaders, aimed to build momentum and create a comprehensive agenda reflecting the diverse needs of these communities.
The collective agenda focuses on a range of critical areas, including economic empowerment, healthcare, housing, education, civil rights, criminal justice, environmental justice, and LGBTQIA+ issues.
In terms of economic growth, strategies were proposed to promote Black business growth and economic justice, with a focus on supporting Black entrepreneurs and creating job opportunities driven by community empowerment.
Healthcare access and equity were also key themes, with a commitment to improving services in Black communities and addressing health disparities. Specific policies were not fully detailed in the provided sources, but healthcare equity is a common priority in such agendas.
Addressing housing discrimination and ensuring affordable, safe, and accessible housing was another important aspect of the discussions. The goal is to prevent displacement in Black neighbourhoods and tackle housing issues that disproportionately affect these communities.
Educational opportunities, funding, and resources for Black students were also highlighted, with the aim of closing achievement gaps and supporting historically underserved schools.
Civil rights were a significant focus, with a continued fight against systemic racism, voter suppression, and discriminatory practices. Protections and expanding political power for Black residents were also emphasised.
Criminal justice reform, including police reform, reduction in mass incarceration, and protections against abuses targeting Black individuals, was another key demand.
Environmental justice was addressed by combating disproportionate pollution and hazard exposure in Black communities and promoting sustainable development. Specific strategies were not outlined, but environmental concerns are typically part of the broader agenda.
The rights and needs of Black LGBTQIA+ individuals were also integrated into the movement's priorities, with a focus on inclusive policies and protections.
The meeting served as a platform for collaborative community organising and policy development. The leadership emphasised the movement's faith-and-justice roots and the goal of birthing strategies to transform the future of these communities.
The summit was attended by hundreds, including Asbury Park resident Daryl Newman, who expressed a desire to hear about the Democrats' plans to combat a certain bill. U.S. Rep. LaMonica McIver, Terence T. Dunlap Sr., pastor of Second Baptist Church, and Rev. Charles Boyer were featured speakers at the event.
Organisers stated their intention to hold elected officials and candidates accountable to a unified Black Agenda, not with endorsements, but with a commitment to the needs of Black communities. The summit aimed to ensure that the next governor and other elected officials of New Jersey are clear on the state's Black residents' policy needs before they are voted into office in November.
The summit's organisers are partnering with independent journalists across New Jersey to spotlight various aspects of the state. The work of the summit is supported by the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation. Texas Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett, civil rights activist Rev. Al Sharpton, and Richard T. Smith, president of the NAACP New Jersey State Conference, addressed the gathering via a prerecorded video.
The first summit took place in Trenton, New Jersey, in June at the Greater Mount Zion AME Church. Baraka, a gubernatorial hopeful, lost to Rep. Mikie Sherrill in June's Democratic primary. Tinu Joseph, a youth community activist from Essex County, New Jersey, expressed a wish for more young people to be present at the event and suggested organisers consider tapping into sororities and fraternities and being amongst "the masses" to help reach a younger demographic. Notably, there was a heavy police presence outside the event.
Jane Collins-Coding, chair and co-founder of the Black Empowerment Coalition, said a statewide Black Agenda is essential to ensure that the specific needs, priorities, and voices of Black communities are recognised and addressed at every level of government. The website is a nonprofit organisation that relies on financial support from readers.
- This gathering, organised by Newark Mayor Ras Baraka and other Black state leaders, is part of the policy-and-legislation sphere as it aims to create a comprehensive agenda that reflects the diverse needs of Black communities in New Jersey, including economic growth, healthcare, housing, education, civil rights, criminal justice, environmental justice, and LGBTQIA+ issues.
- The Black Agenda Meeting in New Jersey, focusing on policy-and-legislation, also engages with politics as it aims to hold elected officials and candidates accountable to the needs of Black communities, ensuring they are aware of these policy needs before being voted into office.
