Mayor's Message:
The Making of a Star - George Clinton and Parliament Funkadelic
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Dear Jazz,
The 1960s was a time of rhythm, passion, grit and probably, one of the most revolutionary periods for music. It was during this time that famous artists like James Brown and Frankie Lymon & the Teenagers created a new genre of music mixing traditional sounds like soul, jazz, and R&B. Groundbreaking songs such as "Please, Please, Please" by James Brown and "Why Do Fools Fall In Love" by the Teenagers swept the nation, inspiring many artists to enter this exciting new world of music. In a small Barbershop on the West End of Plainfield, a young man named George Clinton was one of those who felt the inspiration.
George Clinton, born in Kannapolis, NC (July 22, 1941), and raised in Plainfield, NJ, became interested in music during the early 1950s. Clinton earned a living working at a local Barber Salon as a teen, straightening hair. At this same salon, called the "Silk Palace," - Plainfield witnessed the birth of George Clinton's first group, The Parliaments, in 1955. George Clinton and the Parliaments spent endless hours of inspiration, composing, and rehearsing in the back room of that Plainfield Barber Salon (source).
It takes a lot of courage and dedication to work at and follow your dreams, especially when black people still dealt with harsh realities such as segregation and faced open racism. I can only imagine the scornful words and barriers Clinton had to endure while trying to make his dreams a reality. I am thankful that he found a haven in that little barbershop right here in Plainfield and used it to catapult himself onto the path he wanted to follow. He is a brave example to everyone, especially our young Plainfielders, that you must always follow your passion and not let your circumstances or anyone deter you. With inspiration and determination, dreams are never out of reach.
In 1967 The Parliaments hit it big with their single "I Wanna Testify" for the Detroit-based Revilot Records. Unfortunately, the label ran into trouble which threatened to hinder George Clinton and his dream. Instead of waiting for a settlement, Clinton took matters into his own hands and decided to record the same band under a new name, thus giving rise to the Funkadelic.
Founded in 1968, the group had to work undercover, hiding the presence of George Clinton and other Parliament lineup members.
George was heavily influenced by late-1960s artists such as Jimi Hendrix, Sly Stone, and Frank Zappa, he later relocated to Detroit and began the sister groups Parliament and Funkadelic, with the former playing an eclectic and more commercial form of Funk, and the latter incorporating more influence from psychedelic rock.
By 1970, Clinton had finally regained the rights to The Parliaments name and had signed the entire Funkadelic lineup to Invictus Records as Parliament (source).
Many great hits followed, such as "One Nation Under a Groove" and "Flashlight."
Today, George Clinton's name is known worldwide as one of the pioneers making Funk a musical form. Following his passion for music, Clinton received many awards such as a Grammy, a Dove (gospel), and an MTV music video award. In addition, he was recognized by BMI, the NAACP Image Awards, and Motown Alumni Association for lifetime achievement. In 1997, Clinton's Parliament/Funkadelic group was also inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
The City of Plainfield is proud of Clinton's musical journey. He has become an inspiration to young artists of Plainfield who wish to follow in his footsteps and reach the world with their artistry.
Yesterday, at Plainfield's Second Street Youth Center (SSYC), which stands on the Silk Palace Barber Shop site, I had the pleasure of meeting George and presenting him with a proclamation from the City of Plainfield. I declared March 17, 2022, to be George Clinton Day in the City of Plainfield and announced the designation of a portion of Plainfield Avenue from Front Street to West 5th Street to be ceremonially named "Parliament Funkadelic Way." It was a joy to see his face light up as the Second Street Youth Center children performed two of his greatest hits. As he pulled the string to unveil the new sign with the legend "Parliament Funkadelic Way," the crowd burst into spontaneous singing of several of his songs. It was a proud moment to see this son of Plainfield return here to be honored at home.
Plainfield, it is evident that we are a community that breeds greatness, whether in music, art, science, sports, or education. Many individuals from our community have pursued their dreams and achieved worldwide fame and recognition in their field. Nurturing success seems to come naturally. We are a relatively small city that thinks big and refuses to be defined by others' perceptions or expectations of us. We have larger-than-life dreams and aspirations. Our community's collective ambitions and support are enough to propel us forward into that destiny. We must always be ready to embrace greatness and fight for it.
As One Plainfield, working towards One Future, Plainfield will always stand with its own and support you as you pursue your dreams.
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Creating One Plainfield. One Future | | |
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Mayor Adrian O. Mapp
City of Plainfield
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La Creación De Una Estrella – George Clinton Y Parliament Funkadelic | |
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Querido Plainfield,
La década de 1960 fue una época de ritmo, pasión, garra y, probablemente, uno de los períodos más revolucionarios para la música. Fue durante este tiempo que artistas famosos como James Brown y Frankie Lymon y los Teenagers crearon un nuevo género de música mezclando sonidos tradicionales como soul, jazz y R&B. Canciones innovadoras como "Please, Please, Please" de James Brown y "Why Do Fools Fall In Love" de Los Teenagers barrieron la nación, inspirando a muchos artistas a ingresar a este nuevo y emocionante mundo de la música. En una pequeña barbería en el West End de Plainfield, un joven llamado George Clinton fue uno de los que sintió la inspiración.
George Clinton, nacido en Kannapolis, Carolina del Norte (22 de julio de 1941), y criado en Plainfield, Nueva Jersey, se interesó en la música a principios de la década de 1950. Clinton se ganaba la vida trabajando en una barberia local cuando era adolescente, alisando cabello. En este mismo salón, llamado " Silk Palace ", Plainfield fue testigo del nacimiento del primer grupo de George Clinton, Los Parliaments, en 1955. George Clinton y los Parlamentos pasaron interminables horas de inspiración, componiendo y ensayando en esta barbería de Plainfield (fuente).
Se necesita mucho coraje y dedicación para trabajar y seguir sus sueños, especialmente cuando las personas negras todavía lidiaban con realidades duras como la segregación y enfrentaban un racismo abierto. Solo puedo imaginar las palabras desdeñosas y las barreras que Clinton tuvo que soportar mientras intentaba hacer realidad sus sueños. Estoy agradecido de que encontró un refugio en esa pequeña barbería aquí en Plainfield y lo usó para catapultarse al camino que quería seguir. Es un ejemplo valiente para todos, especialmente para nuestros jóvenes Plainfielders, de que siempre debes seguir tu pasión y no dejar que tus circunstancias o nadie te disuadan. Con inspiración y determinación, los sueños nunca están fuera de su alcance.
En 1967 Los Parliaments lo hicieron a lo grande con su sencillo "I Wanna Testify" para Revilot Records, basado en Detroit. Desafortunadamente, la compañía tuvo problemas que amenazaron con obstaculizar a George Clinton y su sueño. En lugar de esperar un acuerdo, Clinton tomó el asunto en sus propias manos y decidió grabar la misma banda bajo un nuevo nombre, dando vida al Funkadelic.
Fundado en 1968, el grupo tuvo que trabajar encubierto, ocultando la presencia de George Clinton y otros miembros de la alineación del Parlamento.
George fue fuertemente influenciado por artistas de finales de la década de 1960 como Jimi Hendrix, Sly Stone y Frank Zappa, más tarde se mudó a Detroit y comenzó los grupos hermanos Parliament y Funkadelic, con el primero tocando una forma ecléctica y más comercial de Funk, y el segundo incorporando más influencia del rock psicodélico.
En 1970, Clinton finalmente había recuperado los derechos del nombre de The Parliaments y había firmado toda la alineación de Funkadelic a Invictus Records como Parlamento (fuente).
Muchos grandes éxitos siguieron, como "One Nation Under a Groove" y "Flashlight".
Hoy en día, el nombre de George Clinton es conocido en todo el mundo como uno de los pioneros que hacen del Funk una forma musical. Después de su pasión por la música, Clinton recibió muchos premios, como un Grammy, un Dove (gospel) y un premio de video musical mtv. Además, fue reconocido por BMI, los NAACP Image Awards y La Asociación de Ex Alumnos de Motown por su trayectoria profesional. En 1997, el grupo Parliament/Funkadelic de Clinton también fue incluido en el Salón de la Fama del Rock and Roll.
La ciudad de Plainfield está orgullosa del viaje musical de Clinton. Se ha convertido en una inspiración para los jóvenes artistas de Plainfield que desean seguir sus pasos y llegar al mundo con su arte.
Ayer, en el Second Street Youth Center (SSYC) de Plainfield, que se encuentra en el sitio de Silk Palace Barber Shop, tuve el placer de conocer a George y presentarle una proclamación de la ciudad de Plainfield. Declaré que el 17 de marzo de 2022 era el Día de George Clinton en la ciudad de Plainfield y anuncié la designación de una parte de Plainfield Avenue desde Front Street hasta West 5th Street para ser ceremonialmente llamada "Parliament Funkadelic Way". Fue una alegría ver su rostro iluminado mientras los niños del Centro Juvenil de Second Street interpretaban dos de sus mayores éxitos. Mientras tiraba de la cuerda para revelar el nuevo letrero con la leyenda "Parliament Funkadelic Way", la multitud estalló en el canto espontáneo de varias de sus canciones. Fue un momento de orgullo ver a este hijo de Plainfield regresar aquí para ser honrado en casa.
Plainfield, es evidente que somos una comunidad que engendra grandeza, ya sea en la música, el arte, la ciencia, los deportes o la educación. Muchas personas de nuestra comunidad han perseguido sus sueños y han alcanzado fama y reconocimiento mundial en su campo. Nutrir el éxito parece venir naturalmente. Somos una ciudad relativamente pequeña que piensa en grande y se niega a ser definida por las percepciones o expectativas de los demás sobre nosotros. Tenemos sueños y aspiraciones más grandes que la vida. Las ambiciones y el apoyo colectivos de nuestra comunidad son suficientes para impulsarnos hacia ese destino. Siempre debemos estar listos para abrazar la grandeza y luchar por ella.
Como One Plainfield, trabajando hacia One Future, Plainfield siempre estará con los suyos y lo apoyará mientras persigue sus sueños.
Creando Un Plainfield. Un Futuro
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Alcalde Adrian O. Mapp
Ciudad de Plainfield
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LOCAL NEWS: City of Plainfield Honors George Clinton | |
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Through the collaborative efforts of the City of Plainfield, Union County Board of Commissioners, Plainfield Arts Council, Second Street Youth Center and NJPAC the legendary and incomparable George Clinton was honored and recognized yesterday for his contribution to music.
Part of the recognition including musical performances by students of SSYC and the renaming of a portion of Plainfield Ave that was home to the barber shop that was the catalyst to the P-Funk sound.
Mayor Adrian O. Mapp, Council President Barry Goode, Council Vice President Charles McRae, Councilwoman Joylette Mills-Ransome, Councilwoman Terri Briggs-Jones, Councilman Steve Hockaday, Union County Chair Rebecca Williams, and County Commissioner Al Mirabella were in attendance.
George celebrated his 80th birthday last year. After six decades he continues to tour and influence generations of musicians with his unique vision and sound.
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From the Heart |George Clinton | |
SPRING OFFICIALLY BEGINS ON SUNDAY, MARCH 20 | Spring is a time of renewal and new beginnings. The cold and damp days are behind us and we look forward to sunshine, flowers and spending time with family and friends outdoors. We can take long walks and breathe fresh air into our lungs. Spring offers possibilities. | |
COMING SOON | TODD WEST REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT | The City of Plainfield has approved one of the largest developments in Union County with the Todd West Redevelopment Project. This 367 unit complex will feature a mix of apartments, retail spaces and amenities that include two (2) rooftop restaurants, fitness center, media room and much more. | |
NOTABLE WOMEN OF PLAINFIELD | |
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Linda Carter, affectionately known as “New Jersey’s Wonder Woman” has spent her entire career fighting for the underprivileged and middle-class communities. She has served locally for nearly two decades, as a member of the Plainfield City Council and as a member of the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders – earning a reputation as a bold progressive, and pragmatic trailblazer willing to take on a wide array of challenges that affect her communities.
On May 24, 2018, Linda Carter, a lifelong resident of the City of Plainfield, was appointed to serve as a member of the New Jersey General Assembly representing the 22ndLegislative District, comprised of Union, Middlesex & Somerset Counties to fill the vacancy left by the late Assemblyman Gerald B. Green.
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New York Times Feature:
Plainfield NJ Diverse City With Historic Housing
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The city’s ornate Victorian homes are more affordable than those in surrounding areas. But that’s only one of the reasons that people move here.
Like many older cities, Plainfield, N.J., went through difficult times in the second half of the 20th century, including a deadly riot in 1967, known as the Plainfield Rebellion. But the Union County city weathered those storms and is now better known for the handsome Victorian and Tudor-style homes built during its heyday in the late 1800s and early 1900s, when Wall Street bankers and other affluent New Yorkers followed the train line out to exurbia. Those vintage homes have long been more affordable than similar properties in nearby suburbs.
That’s how Krisja Lorenson and Keith Salvata were able to buy an 1890s Victorian that has been featured twice in national publications (first in Scientific American, soon after it was built, and then in the Old House Journal in 2015, after previous owners restored it). In late 2020, the couple, who had been living in New York City, paid $830,000 for the 6,400-square-foot home, which has three turrets, soaring stained-glass windows and a wraparound porch.
“For the cost we paid for this insane house, there was nothing comparable you could get in any other town in commutable distance of New York,” said Mr. Salvata, 42, a chief financial officer at a wealth management firm.
“Having an old house feels very special — to be stewards of this house and keep it going for another generation,” said Ms. Lorenson, 38, a technical designer in the garment industry.
Plainfield residents say they like the multicultural atmosphere in this city of about 50,000, which is 46 percent Latino, 42 percent Black and 9 percent white, according to census data, and includes a large gay community.
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AVAILABLE TUITION PROGRAMS | |
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Scarlet Guarantee:
Rutgers University-New Brunswick
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The Scarlet Guarantee
is a signature Rutgers–New Brunswick program. Launching for Fall 2022, the program will provide financial support for first- and second-year undergraduate students. Full-time New Jersey residents who have completed their FAFSA or NJAFAA will now have all four years of their tuition and mandatory fees covered depending on Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) for as long as these programs last.
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Scarlet Guarantee es un programa exclusivo de Rutgers-New Brunswick. Lanzado para el otoño de 2022, el programa proporcionará apoyo financiero para estudiantes universitarios de primer y segundo año. Residentes de Nueva Jersey que iran de tiempo completo que hayan completado su FAFSA o NJAFAA ahora tendrán los cuatro años de su matrícula y tarifas obligatorias cubiertas dependiendo del Ingreso Bruto Ajustado (AGI) durante el tiempo que duren estos programas.
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Deadline:
Accept Rutgers Admission Offer
by May 1, 2022
Requirements:
Work Towards FIRST Bachelors Degree
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Love Plainfield Initiative | |
¿ How Do You Show Love For Plainfield? | |
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A MESSAGE FROM UNION COUNTY:
Union County to Host Donation Drive for People of Ukraine
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Union County, NJ – The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has uprooted families, injured citizens, and left thousands of Ukrainian refugees without access to basic necessities. To date, nearly 1.5 million Ukrainians have fled their homes, many leaving behind necessary supplies.
To support individuals in need, the Union County Board of County Commissioners and the Union County Prosecutor’s Office have partnered to organize a county-wide donation drive for the people of Ukraine.
Beginning today, a donation box will be available in the lobby of Union County law enforcement agencies, twenty-four locations in all. Members of the public are invited to bring donations of first aid supplies, toiletries, flashlights, blankets, batteries, clothing, shoes, diapers, formula, and more. The program will run for the foreseeable future, as long as continued aid is needed. This donation drive is made possible through a partnership with law enforcement and local Polish and Ukrainian organizations.
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A MESSAGE FROM THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY
GOVERNOR PHIL MURPHY:
Highlights FY 2023 Budget Plan to Increase K-12 School Aid by
$650 Million, Expand Pre-K, and Fund School Construction
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EDISON, NJ – Governor Phil Murphy and Acting Education Commissioner Angelica Allen-McMillan visited James Monroe Elementary School in Edison to highlight the nearly $19.2 billion to support New Jersey schools reflected in the Governor’s Fiscal Year 2023 budget plan. The budget proposal will support learning acceleration, climate-change education, and expanded pre-K through an infusion of an additional $650 million in K-12 school aid and nearly $68 million in additional preschool funding. District allocations of state aid are available on DOE’s School Finance webpage.
“The budget proposal unveiled on Tuesday is a reflection of my Administration’s ongoing commitment to maintaining the strength of New Jersey’s school system,” said Governor Phil Murphy. “We place great value on providing all students with access to a world-class education, and this budget continues to support students and school districts. We also know that schools account for more than half of the average property tax bill in New Jersey. By adequately funding our public schools, we are allowing towns to maintain high-quality educational programs without passing the additional cost on to property taxpayers.”
“I applaud Governor Murphy as he continues to support the learning of our students and provide schools with resources to ensure their success,” said Dr. Angelica Allen-McMillan, Acting Commissioner of Education. “This funding is critical to help increase opportunities for all students, especially as we emerge from the global pandemic.”
“The commitment to making New Jersey more affordable and the unwavering belief in building on our commitments to provide districts with the resources they need speaks to the state we are and the state we strive to be,” said Assembly Speaker Craig J. Coughlin. “With another record increase in aid to fund our best-in-the-nation education, the Governor’s proposed budget would sustain New Jersey’s legacy of public schooling excellence while affirming our commitment to meaningful property tax relief for our working and middle-class families.”
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A MESSAGE FROM THE WHITE HOUSE:
Biden Administration Launches Effort to Improve Ventilation and Reduce the Spread of COVID-19 in Buildings
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MARCH 17, 2022 • STATEMENTS AND RELEASES
Earlier this month, the Biden-Harris Administration released the National COVID-19 Preparedness Plan, a roadmap to move the country forward safely and continue to fight COVID-19 as Americans get back to their more normal routines. Today the Administration is launching the Clean Air in Buildings Challenge, a key component of the President’s Plan, that calls on all building owners and operators, schools, colleges and universities, and organizations of all kinds to adopt key strategies to improve indoor air quality in their buildings and reduce the spread of COVID-19.
The Clean Air in Buildings Challenge is a call to action for leaders and building owners and operators of all types to assess their indoor air quality and make ventilation and air filtration improvements to help keep occupants safe. As part of the Challenge, today, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) published a best practices guide for improving indoor air quality and reducing the risk of spreading dangerous airborne particles. This guide – developed in collaboration with the Department of Energy, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and other federal agencies – contains a set of clear recommendations organized into four groups:
- Create a clean indoor air action plan that assesses indoor air quality, plans for upgrades and improvements, and includes HVAC inspections and maintenance.
- Optimize fresh air ventilation by bringing in and circulating clean outdoor air indoors.
- Enhance air filtration and cleaning using the central HVAC system and in-room air cleaning devices.
- Engage the building community by communicating with building occupants to increase awareness, commitment, and participation.
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HELP US TAKE CARE OF OUR CITY!
DOWNLOAD THE REPORT- IT APP
Available in IOS and Android Mobile Phones
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Exercise your civic duty-- be the eyes and ears of our City! Your reports can greatly increase the quality of life in our Plainfield community. Let's work together to keep our city safe- If you see it, say it with ReportIt. | |
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Use the app, or text
reportit to 63975
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Mayor Adrian O. Mapp and the City of Plainfield are committed to making it as easy as possible to report concerns in our city. To that end, we've partnered with REPORT IT, which is now live in Plainfield and ready to be used as an important supplemental reporting tool.
Report it makes community reporting easier than ever! Residents and visitors can download the app by scanning the barcode above or by going to your phone's app store. Your reports will be submitted to the appropriate City department to be resolved.
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|THE CITY OF PLAINFIELD NJ|
515 WATCHUNG AVENUE | 908-753-3310| MONDAY-FRIDAY | 9 A.M.- 5 P.M.|
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Creating One Plainfield. One Future | | | | |
