Statement From the NJ Legislative Black Caucus Regarding NJ State Police biased practices

Statement From the NJ Legislative Black Caucus Regarding NJ State Police:

The New Jersey Legislative Black Caucus (NJ LBC) commends Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin for his courageous transparency in exposing the deeply disturbing and biased practices entrenched within the New Jersey State Police. While we appreciate the release of the Attorney General’s Report, this is not news to us. It is a harsh confirmation of what we have long known and denounced. The discrimination and egregious acts within the New Jersey State Police are an affront to the oath sworn by their officers and a violation of the public trust they are meant to uphold.

More troubling is the retaliatory actions taken against their own officers who dared to report these injustices. The deliberate targeting of those who sought to bring fairness and integrity to the force is both unacceptable and a stark betrayal of duty. These are not isolated incidents; they represent a systemic failure that has been allowed to fester for far too long, perpetuated by leadership that is unwilling to confront its own wrongdoing.

It is time for accountability. The individuals who orchestrated and perpetuated this culture of bias, retaliation, and dereliction of duties must face formal charges. The leadership that allowed these egregious acts to continue cannot remain in power. New leadership, committed to reform, must be enforced immediately.

The NJ LBC demands continuous oversight, with civilians appointed, properly trained, and given a seat at the table to ensure transparency. Public meetings must also be held regularly to restore the trust that has been so gravely breached both internally within the force and externally with the communities they are sworn to protect.

This is a breach not just of internal trust among officers but of the sacred bond between law enforcement and the public. Our communities deserve better, and our officers who are committed to their oath, deserve a system that does not punish them for doing what is right.

We need robust, enforceable measures to restore the integrity of the New Jersey State Police and rebuild the broken trust with our communities.

We echo the sentiments of Attorney General Platkin in shining a light on these injustices. We must now act decisively to ensure that no future leader can continue the pattern of avoidance and disregard for New Jersey law. The era of discrimination, retaliation, and injustice must come to an end.

Kamala Harris and Tim Walz launch HBCU Homecoming Tour

With about a month until election day, the Harris-Walz campaign is stepping up its grassroots efforts by launching a Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Homecoming Tour. Homecoming season is one of the most important times for HBCUs, celebrating their rich culture, history and the sense of community they’ve built over generations. The campaign's decision to hit the road during this pivotal time aims to connect with Black voters in key battleground states like North Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Virginia and Pennsylvania.Check out the HBCU Homecoming Tour's tentative schedule below.

● Winston-Salem State University, Weekend of September 28th

● Lincoln University, Weekend of October 12th

● Virginia State University, Weekend of Oct 12

● Howard University, Weekend of October 19th

● North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, Weekend of October 19th

● Clark Atlanta University, Weekend of October 19th

● Morehouse and Spelman College, Weekend of October 26th.

20 years later Tavis Smiley reignites the call for equity and justice with The Covenant with Black America: 20 Years Later

Twenty years after sparking a national dialogue on systemic inequality, Tavis Smiley has updated and released The Covenant with Black America. The recently released book, The Covenant with Black America: 20 Years Later, maintains the book's original sense of urgency while weaving in a powerful blend of historical insights and contemporary voices. Initially published in 2004, The Covenant with Black America quickly became a #1 New York Times bestseller by critically addressing the issues facing America's Black community and pushing the nation to confront deep-rooted disparities with extraordinary determination.

The Covenant with Black America: 20 Years Later revisits and updates the hard-hitting social commentary of its original version. The new edition intertwines the original essays with powerful new contributions from today's leading voices. Despite notable progress, disparities in health, housing, justice, and economic opportunities continue to impact Black communities disproportionately.

"At this critical time in our history, we must confront the forces of extremism and extend the rich tradition of deep democracy in America as we expand justice, equity, and freedom for all," stated Tavis Smiley. "The new edition provocatively covers today's most pressing issues and offers tangible solutions to some of this country's most persistent problems."

The book's ten covenants serve as a call to action and a reminder that the path to equality is far from over. Each of the original covenants has been updated with the latest data and analysis, revealing both the progress and the troubling persistence of inequality.

"Most importantly, the new edition includes a poignant essay on the alarming rise of homelessness within our community, where Black men have become the predominant face of this epidemic in America," added Smiley.

With a fresh foreword by Rev. William J. Barber, II and a special afterword by the esteemed poet Nikki Giovanni, The Covenant with Black America: 20 Years Later is a testament to the enduring spirit of advocacy and a beacon of light and hope for future generations. The book invites us all to partake in the crucial work of reshaping America into a more equitable society, echoing the timeless truth that our collective liberation uplifts our nation.

The Covenant with Black America: 20 Years Later is now available at local bookstores and online. For more information about this anniversary edition, please visit Hay House Publishing or contact Matt Klink, matt@klinkcampaigns.com.

Dr. Jonathan Holloway to Step Down as President of Rutgers University

Jonathan Holloway, the first Black president of Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey, has announced his intent to step down at the conclusion of this academic year and return to a full-time faculty position. He plans to take a sabbatical for the 2025-2026 year, and will return the following year to focus on research projects prior to beginning his faculty position.

Dr. Holloway assumed the presidency of Rutgers University at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in July 2020, becoming the first Black president in the university’s over 250-year history. During his five year tenure, the university has experienced record undergraduate enrollment, exceeded its fundraising goals, and expanded its medical academic programming and infrastructure. However, over the same time period, the university has experienced national controversy because of its response to the pro-Palestine protests on campus and a subsequent faculty strike.

“There is plenty to do before I complete my term and I remain focused on that work, especially that which is committed to the connections between Rutgers and civic preparedness and civil discourse,” stated Dr. Holloway. “But whatever the topic, I remain steadfast in my belief that Rutgers is on the rise and is earning the respect it has long deserved. I look forward to seeing it flourish in the years ahead.”

Before he assumed the Rutgers University presidency, Dr. Holloway spent three years as provost of Northwestern University in Illinois. Earlier in his career, he was a member of the Yale faculty for nearly two decades, ultimately serving as dean of Yale College and the Edmund S. Morgan Professor of African American Studies, History, and American Studies. He has authored several books throughout his career, most recently African American History: A Very Short Introduction (Oxford University Press, 2023).

Dr. Holloway holds a bachelor’s degree in American studies from Stanford University in California and a Ph.D. in history from Yale University.

[SOURCE: JBHE]

If Mayor Eric Adams leaves office Public Advocate Jumaane Williams becomes acting mayor

New York City Mayor Eric Adams is accussed of taking bribes from foreign nationals in exchange for favors, according to a federal indictment unsealed by Manhattan prosecutors Thursday.

He of course is presumed innocent until found guilty, but what happens if he resigns from his position?

According to the New York City Charter, if the mayor leaves office, the next in the line of succession is the public advocate. The public advocate would immediately become acting mayor until a special election is held to choose a successor

The current public advocate is Jumaane Williams. The public advocate office was established in 1993 and is considered a watchdog arm of the government that helps citizens with municipal complaints and inquiries.

Jumaane Williams is 48-years-old and from Brooklyn, NY. He has served as the New York City Public Advocate since 2019. He is a former member of the New York City Council from the 45th district (2010–2019), which includes East Flatbush, Flatbush, Flatlands, Marine Park, and Midwood in Brooklyn.