New book by Abby Phillip about Jesse Jackson: A Dream Deferred: Jesse Jackson and the Fight for Black Political Power

A Dream Deferred: Jesse Jackson and the Fight for Black Political Power

Jesse Jackson, the civil rights leader, activist, raconteur, and political candidate, finally gets a book worthy of his stature courtesy of CNN anchor Abby Phillip.

Focusing on his presidential runs in 1984 and, especially, 1988, Phillip highlights how Jackson built an unlikely coalition that showed how Black political power could be consolidated. His experience working under Martin Luther King; his organizing the SLCC’s Operation Breadbasket in Chicago and beyond; and his roots in the deep South combined into two astonishingly impactful presidential campaigns. Appealing to the working people of urban enclaves like that of Chicago, young people on college campuses, and Black people across the South, he created the modern Democratic coalition―one that has been used by all major Democrats seeking national success from Obama to Biden to Harris. With her expert reporting, natural storytelling skills, and a story so full of humanity, politics, and hope, Abby Phillip has written a rousing popular history that sheds new light on an American icon.

Check out the book here: A Dream Deferred: Jesse Jackson and the Fight for Black Political Power: Phillip, Abby: 9781250806314: Amazon.com: Books

HAMM URGES NEW YORKERS TO VOTE FOR MAMDANI IN MAYORAL RACE

A well known New Jersey based political and civil rights activist urged voters today to cast their ballots for Zohran Mamdani in the New York mayoral race on Election Day, Tuesday, November 4th.

“I urge all New Yorkers who have not cast their ballots during early voting to vote for Mamdani on Election Day,” Lawrence Hamm, who is chairman of the Newark based People’s Organization For Progress (POP), stated.

POP is an all volunteer grassroots organization that works for racial, social, economic justice and peace. It was founded in 1982 and has been active around a variety of local, state, regional, national and international issues affecting black people and urban communities.

“Although I am not a New York City resident I believe that the outcome of the election will have an impact on people in New Jersey and the rest of the nation,” Hamm said.

“Mamdani’s election will be yet another powerful positive political signal that people are tired of the status quo. It will demonstrate that they want new leadership, and new policies that will bring about real improvement in the quality of their lives,” he said.

“And a victory for Mamdani will also be a defeat for President Trump and his racist and fascist MAGA movement. Trump
has not only opposed Mamdani but has threatened to withhold federal funds from the city if he is elected which would be illegal,” he said.

Trump has endorsed Mamdani’s opponent former Governor Andrew Cuomo, a Democrat who Mamdani defeated in the Democratic primary, rather than Curtis Sliwa the winner of the Republican primary. 

“A victory for Andrew Cuomo will be a victory for Donald Trump. And you can be sure that Trump will claim that victory as his own, and that Andrew Cuomo will be beholden to him,” he said.

“I make this endorsement freely. My statement is unsolicited. Neither the candidate nor any of his staff have asked for this endorsement,” he said. 

Hamm has also made endorsements in the gubernatorial race in his home state of  New Jersey. Last week he issued a statement on behalf of the People’s Organization For Progress which had voted to endorse Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill for governor and Dr Dale Caldwell for Lieutenant Governor.

A former U.S. Senate candidate, Hamm also issued a personal endorsement of Sherrill and Caldwell urging those who had voted for him in last year’s Democratic primary to cast their ballots for them on Election Day.

“Don’t let the scare tactics of Cuomo and others keep you from voting for Mamdani who is the candidate in this race that will fight the hardest for working people, poor folks and the middle class,” Hamm said.

“They try to use the fact that he is a democratic socialist to make you afraid to vote for him.

“Remember, some of our greatest freedom fighters including Eugene V. Deb’s, Dr Martin Luther King Jr, Malcolm X, Paul Robeson, W.E.B. Dubois, A. Philip Randolph, Amiri Baraka, Huey P. Newton and others were democratic socialists or held anti-capitalist or pro-socialist views.

“Mamdani would not be the first socialist or radical to hold elected office in New York City. Mayor David Dinkins was a democratic socialist and a member of Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), and there have been others,” he said.

“They have tried to accuse Mamdani of antisemitism. Just because you are critical of unjust or racist policies of the Israeli government that does not make you antisemitic. Mamdani has many Jewish supporters,” he said.

“It is sad to say that some of Mamdani’s critics have tried to turn voters against him because of his religion. They say that people shouldn’t vote for him because he is a Muslim. 

“That is disgusting and disgraceful. No one’s religion should prevent them from holding office. Islamophobia should have no place in our elections or our society.” he said.  

“The elections in New Jersey, New York City, and Virginia are bellwethers for the upcoming midterm elections in 2026. Massive voter turnout and Democratic victories in all three would be major blows to Trump and his racist and fascist MAGA movement,” he said. 

For more information contact the People’s Organization For Progress at (973) 801-0001. 

LAWRENCE HAMM, FORMER SENATE CANDIDATE, ENDORSES SHERRILL FOR GOVERNOR AND CALDWELL FOR LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR

Lawrence Hamm, a former U.S. Senate candidate and long-time political activist, announced his endorsement today of Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill for Governor and Dr Dale Caldwell for Lieutenant Governor, the Democratic candidates in New Jersey’s general election.

“I have already cast my ballot for Representative Sherrill and Dr Caldwell. I urge every voter to cast your ballot for them now during early voting or on Election Day, Tuesday, November 4th,” Lawrence Hamm stated.

“I especially urge those people who voted for me when I ran for the U.S. Senate to vote Sherrill and Caldwell. Your votes are important. In a tight race like this they could very well be the votes that help them win this race,” Hamm said.

Hamm was a candidate for U.S. Senator for New Jersey twice. He ran in the 2020 Democratic primary and again in 2024.

In the 2021 gubernatorial election Gov Phil Murphy received 1,329,471 votes. He won with 51.2% of the vote. Jack Ciattarelli got 48% with 1,255,185 votes.

“I went to my early voting polling place on Sunday. I voted for Sherrill and Caldwell because we need political leadership in this state that will work for us, not against us,” he said.

Hamm said that he believes that both are imminently qualified and possess the leadership skills needed for the offices they are seeking. Sherrill’s military and congressional experience, and Caldwell’s background as an educator, administrator, and leader in academia complement each other.

If Sherrill is elected she will be the first Democratic woman governor, and Caldwell would be the first African American man to serve as lieutenant governor in New Jersey.

“During these perilous times we have an administration in Washington whose policies are antithetical to the interests of the majority of the people of our state. I believe that Sherrill and Caldwell will stand up to Trump and fight for New Jersey,” he said.

Hamm urged every person that is registered to vote in this election. He said people should not be complacent and presume that Sherrill and Caldwell are going to win because they are leading in the polls.

“Don’t stay home because you think they are going to win. One of the reasons Trump got elected was because too many of us stayed home and did not vote,” he said

“And don’t stay away from the polls because you think it won’t make a difference. Some people did that last year and I think we can all see that the election of Trump has made a terrible difference,” he said.

“Come out and vote in record numbers. This election is very close. Every vote is going to count. Your vote could be the difference between victory and defeat,” he said.

During the Democratic primary for governor earlier this year Hamm endorsed and supported Newark Mayor Ras Baraka in that race.  Sherrill won the primary and Baraka came in second place.

“There were six candidates in the primary. Baraka surprised many with his strong second place finish. However, Sherrill won. Democrats must now unite behind the Sherrill and Caldwell ticket to ensure victory,” Hamm said.

The People’s Organization For Progress, a grassroots social justice organization led by Hamm has also endorsed the Democratic ticket. Speaking on behalf of the group Hamm said a victory for Sherrill would be a defeat for Trump.

“I am making this endorsement because I want it to be clear to those that voted for me and to the general public that I was also personally supporting the Sherrill and Caldwell team,” he said.

For more information contact Lawrence Hamm at (973)801-0001.

Hampton University statement on BLEXIT situation

Hampton University is aware of an incident involving representatives of an organization known as BLEXITwho attempted to access campus during Homecoming weekend without proper authorization. While the organization has suggested that their filming activity was “shut down,” that narrative is inaccurate. This was not a matter of suppression; it was a matter of safety, procedure, and fairness.

Hampton University is a private institution with clearly established processes for campus access, vendor participation, and media activity. The organization did not complete the required Homecoming vendor application or pay the associated fees. This procedural failure meant they were not approved to participate, consistent with University policy and communicated in advance to all applicants. Of the 36 applications submitted, 18 were approved; BLEXIT was among those that did not meet the stated requirements.

As a matter of public safety, Hampton must know who is on campus, why they are here, and how to contact them in case of an emergency. Vendors and guests following established procedures allow us to coordinate access and ensure that all participants are properly credentialed and protected. Without this step, we cannot extend the privileges of official guest status or guarantee safety protocols.

In the week leading up to Homecoming, vendors who did not meet deadlines were notified that walk-on participation would not be accommodated and that unauthorized individuals would be escorted off private property. These measures are designed to protect students, staff, and guests.

Hampton University operates with three priorities: to know every group on campus, to facilitate their participation in activities, and to protect the well-being of all involved. In today’s environment, that level of coordination is essential to maintaining safety and a frictionless experience for the nearly 15,000 people who attended Homecoming.

Hampton University welcomes organizations and speakers representing a variety of perspectives, provided they follow established protocols. BLEXIT failed to meet those standards.

Our foremost responsibility is the safety and well-being of our students, faculty, staff, and guests. Upholding University procedures ensures a secure, respectful, and welcoming environment for all who visit our Home by the Sea.

PEOPLE’S ORGANIZATION FOR PROGRESS ENDORSES CONGRESSWOMAN SHERRILL FOR GOVERNOR

A VICTORY FOR SHERRILL IS A DEFEAT FOR TRUMP

The People’s Organization For Progress (POP) has publicly announced its endorsement of Democratic candidate Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill,  for governor in the November 4th general election.

“A victory for Sherrill is a defeat for Trump.  A victory for Ciattarelli is a victory Trump,” Lawrence Hamm, Chairman, People’s Organization For Progress stated. 

“President Trump endorsed and supported Ciattarelli during the primary and general election campaigns. Ciattarelli has stated repeatedly that he supports Trump,” Hamm said. 

“Ciattarelli is not just the Republican candidate. He is Trump’s candidate, and the MAGA movement’s candidate in this race,” he said. 

“Ciattarelli is Trump’s man in this contest. A vote for Jack Ciattarelli is a vote for Donald Trump. If Ciattarelli wins President Trump will be on television claiming the victory,” Hamm said. 

“The racist, fascist, anti-democratic and imperialist policies of the Trump administration are hurting working people, the poor, middle class, black people, and other people of color who make up the majority of Americans.

“Trump is not only hurting the people. He is undermining democracy at every turn and trying to make himself a dictator. Asked how Trump was doing Ciattarelli said he would give him an ‘A.’ 

“Trump’s grip on our government must be broken. Trump must go. He must be removed from office either by way of the ballot box or whatever constitutional means are available. 

“However, Trump does not want to go. He and his Republican based MAGA movement want to remain in power for as long as possible. They speak openly of giving Trump a third term as president when the constitution clearly states that a president can only serve two terms,” he said 

Hamm said Trump and the MAGA Republicans have a strategy for staying in power, and winning New Jersey’s gubernatorial election is part of that strategy. 

He said that there were only two gubernatorial races for governor this year, those in New Jersey and Virginia, and both races are a bellwether for the upcoming midterm elections. 

If Republicans win either one or both of these elections it will give them needed momentum to hold on to their majorities in the 2026 House and Senate elections, and give them an advantage in the 2028 presidential election. 

“A Ciattarelli victory for governor will make Trump and his MAGA Republicans stronger. A defeat will make them weaker,” he said. 

“The People’s Organization For Progress has endorsed Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill for governor because we believe that among the candidates who have a chance of winning the race for governor that she is best choice,” Hamm stated. 

“Our endorsement does not mean that we have agreed with Sherrill on every issue. However, between Mikie Sherrill and Jack Ciattarelli we believe Sherrill is the better choice and we urge people to vote for her. And we will work to hold her accountable if she is elected,” he said. 

Polls show that the race for governor is very close. Democrats outnumber Republicans in the state. A Republican victory is possible if enough Democrats decide not to vote. New Jersey has had Republican governors before. 

“We need a big voter turnout to win this election. Please do not sit this election out or take it for granted that Sherrill is going to win. Every vote counts. And a single vote could be the difference between victory and defeat. Cast your ballot and make your vote count. 

“The People’s Organization For Progress urges every registered voter to cast their ballot in this election. Early voting began Saturday October 25 and will continue through Sunday, November 2. If you don’t vote early then make sure you vote on Election Day, November 4th,” he said. 

For more information contact the People’s Organization For Progress at (973)801-0001.