What Would MLK do?

Sincerely,

Mayor Adrian O. Mapp

City of Plainfield

¿Qué haría MLK?

Querido(a) Jazz,

Como alcalde de una ciudad diversa y dinámica, me encuentro reflexionando sobre el profundo legado del Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., especialmente a la luz de los recientes acontecimientos y discursos en torno a la intolerancia racial, la equidad y el polémico panorama político moldeado significativamente por figuras como Donald Trump. En este editorial, mi objetivo es explorar la pregunta hipotética pero profundamente relevante: "¿Qué haría Martin Luther King Jr. en el contexto actual?"

La filosofía del Dr. King estaba profundamente arraigada en los principios de la no violencia, la justicia y la creencia en el poder del amor para superar el odio. Su visión no era sólo la ausencia de conflicto, sino la presencia de justicia e igualdad. En el mundo actual, donde la intolerancia racial todavía aflora de manera abierta y sutil, King probablemente enfatizaría la necesidad de un diálogo y una comprensión continuos. Nos recordaría que la lucha por la equidad no es una carrera corta sino un maratón que requiere esfuerzo y educación persistentes. King probablemente enfatizaría la importancia no sólo de desafiar los sistemas discriminatorios sino también de nutrir comunidades donde se celebre y acepte la diversidad. Comunidades como Plainfield.

En cuanto al clima político, especialmente las acciones y la retórica de figuras como Donald Trump, King probablemente abogaría por una respuesta que no refleje la división y el vitriolo que se ven a menudo. King entendió el poder de las palabras y la responsabilidad que conlleva el discurso público. Podría instar tanto a los líderes como a los ciudadanos de hoy a entablar conversaciones que sean respetuosas y constructivas, incluso cuando enfrenten ideologías que parecen antitéticas a los principios de igualdad y justicia. El enfoque de King no consistía en derrotar a un oponente sino en ganarse corazones y mentes para fomentar una sociedad más justa.

En materia de equidad, el sueño del Dr. King iba más allá de la abolición de la segregación. Imaginó un mundo donde todos tuvieran las mismas oportunidades para prosperar. En nuestra ciudad, esto significa no sólo garantizar la igualdad de derechos ante la ley, sino también abordar cuestiones sistémicas como las disparidades en educación, atención médica y oportunidades económicas. King probablemente nos desafiaría a considerar la equidad no como un juego de suma cero sino como un camino hacia una comunidad más fuerte y próspera para todos.

Al abordar la intolerancia racial, King probablemente nos recordaría que ésta no es una cuestión exclusiva de quienes se ven directamente afectados. Es un problema social que disminuye nuestra humanidad colectiva. Nos pediría a cada uno de nosotros que desempeñáramos un papel activo para enfrentar el racismo, no sólo con grandes gestos sino en acciones y decisiones cotidianas. Esto incluye ser conscientes de nuestros prejuicios, escuchar y amplificar las voces marginadas y trabajar activamente para lograr la inclusión en nuestras esferas personal y profesional.

Finalmente, siguiendo el espíritu de Martin Luther King Jr., debemos recordar que el cambio no ocurre de forma aislada. Requiere el esfuerzo colectivo de individuos, comunidades e instituciones. Como alcalde, estoy comprometido a fomentar un entorno donde estos ideales puedan prosperar, pero es una responsabilidad que recae en cada uno de nosotros como miembros de esta comunidad. Inspirémonos en el legado del Dr. King y trabajemos juntos hacia un futuro donde la igualdad, la equidad, el respeto y la comprensión no sean sólo ideales sino los cimientos de nuestra sociedad.

#LovePlainfield #AmoPlainfield

Creando Un Plainfield. Un Futuro.

Alcalde Adrian O. Mapp

Ciudad de Plainfield

PLAINFIELD, NJ – January 7, 2024 – The City of Plainfield convened its annual Reorganization meeting on Sunday at the Plainfield Municipal Court, beginning a new chapter with the swearing-in of two distinguished council members.

Dr. Darcella Sessomes, renowned for breaking barriers, assumed the role of Second Ward council member. Julienne Cherry, a well-known and loved community activist, now serves as Councilwoman-at-Large for the First and Fourth Wards.

The Council elected Steve G. Hockaday as President for the year 2024, a seasoned leader, Councilman Hockaday outlined his vision for the upcoming year by emphasizing five key priorities that will help shape the future of city government: (1) Civility in government (2) Transparency, (3) Affordability, (4) A Healthy Plainfield, and (5) Grace in Government. For the complete speech, please click here.

Additionally, the council elected Robert Graham, representing the First Ward, as the Council Vice President.

The Reorganization meeting was well attended by family, friends, and other community members, as well as special guests, including Mayor Adrian O. Mapp, First Lady Amelia Mapp, Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman, Assemblywoman Linda Carter, and City cabinet members.



The City of Plainfield extends heartfelt congratulations to the newly appointed council members, our new Council President and Vice President, and we look forward to a productive and collaborative year serving the residents of Plainfield.

For more information about the Financial Opportunity Center, please call 908-558-8000 or visit www.ucnj.org/ajc.

01/4/2024

Union County Commissioner Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded has been selected as Chairwoman of the Union County Board of County Commissioners and announced a series of initiatives for 2024, titled “Growing Together in Union County,” with a few key focuses on enhancing connectivity, inclusivity, supporting seniors, mental health, women’s initiatives, and fostering family connections.

UNION COUNTY, NJ — “Union County has always been made up of diverse lives, stories, and aspirations; and the strength of our community comes from the connections between its county government and its residents,” said Commissioner Chairwoman Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded. “As Chairwoman, while we start the journey of “Growing Together in Union County,” I will be dedicated to breaking down barriers, opening doors, and building a stronger community that promises a brighter future for all residents. Let us continue to work together for an even better Union County, where the bonds of community grow stronger and the seeds of progress are sown for generations to come.”

A lifelong resident of Union County, Palmieri-Mouded was born and raised in Elizabeth, NJ, and now lives in Westfield with her husband George and their five children: Matthew, Christopher, Nicholas, Ryan and Adeline. The Chairwoman announced her initiatives at the 167th annual reorganization meeting held in the Union County Courthouse in Elizabeth on Thursday.

Chairwoman Palmieri-Mouded’s vision includes launching a new app and updating the county’s website for residents’ easy access and senior enrichment programs that focus on social activities, swim lessons, and a Seniors Against Scams program. Addressing mental health, the Chairwoman introduced the Train the Trainer Mental Health Program and she emphasized her support for women, relaunching the Union County Commission on the Status of Women. Her family connections involve a reading and tutoring program, expanded youth programs, a mobile sensory unit, and the purchase of aquatic wheelchairs. Lastly, a motivating literacy initiative, inspired by a young resident, Ben Steinberg, who was present at the reorganization meeting, that will introduce inclusive books in 116 Union County public elementary school libraries.

Union County Sheriff Peter Corvelli was sworn in for his second term, alongside Union County Commissioners Lourdes Leon, Joseph Bodek, and newly elected Michèle Delisfort, who were sworn in for their terms. Commissioner Bodek, appointed in December 2022, transitions into his first elected term, while Commissioner Leon assumes the role of Commissioner Vice-Chairwoman. The Commissioners also voted on various County advisory board positions and approved the Board’s 2024 schedule and procedural rules.

Residents can find a transcript of this speech on the Union County website at www.ucnj.org.

01/9/2024

Outlines Plans to Work with Legislature for Providing Medical Debt Relief, Promoting Affordable Housing, Improving Literacy Rates Among Students, and Protecting Reproductive Rights, Voting Rights, and Other Fundamental Freedoms

Announces “AI Moonshot” to Establish New Jersey as Home Base for AI-Powered Discoveries to Create New Economic Opportunities and Jobs in the Industries of Tomorrow 

TRENTON, NJ – Governor Phil Murphy today delivered his 2024 State of the State Address at the State House in Trenton, his sixth since taking office. In his speech, Governor Murphy vowed to make New Jersey more affordable for more families, continue to establish New Jersey as the best place to raise a family, and build upon the historic economic growth of the last six years by securing New Jersey’s future in leading emerging industries.

“Together, we are building a New Jersey that is better today and brighter tomorrow,” said Governor Murphy. “Over the past six years, we have committed to building a state that is stronger and fairer for all – and that lives up to the promise of opportunity and hope for every New Jerseyan. Today, we reaffirm that commitment by dedicating ourselves to making New Jersey the best place anywhere to raise a family. We know these are hard times, so we are working even harder to strengthen and grow New Jersey’s middle class.”

Making New Jersey More Affordable for More Families

Doubling down on his efforts to make New Jersey a more affordable place to live, work, and retire, Governor Murphy today called on the Legislature to advance initiatives that will make working families more financially secure, including: 

• Introducing a medical debt relief legislative package that will help families avoid falling into medical debt and protect New Jerseyans from predatory medical debt collectors. Starting with the Louisa Carman Medical Debt Relief Act, named in honor of a member of the Governor’s Office who helped craft the proposal and tragically passed away this year, this package will build upon the $10 million investment in the Fiscal Year 2024 budget to make health care more affordable and accessible for every New Jerseyan;
• Passing affordable housing legislation introduced by legislative leadership to help New Jersey on course to eliminate our state’s shortage of hundreds of thousands of affordable housing units in an efficient and equitable manner. 
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The Governor also highlighted the ongoing progress the Murphy Administration has made in growing the economy, raising wages, and lowering costs for working families, including:

• 20 new tax cuts to provide historic tax relief for New Jersey’s middle-class families and seniors, including the ANCHOR program, which has delivered nearly $4 billion in property tax relief to more than 1.5 million seniors and middle-class families over the last two years, along with the newly created Stay NJ program, which will cut property taxes in half for many seniors across the state beginning in 2026;
• Raising the minimum wage to over $15 an hour as of the start of 2024;
• Strengthening organized labor by meaningfully growing New Jersey’s unionized workforce and doubling the number of apprenticeship programs in emerging fields such as life sciences, adult-use cannabis, home health care, and clean energy;
• Investing billions in critical upgrades to New Jersey’s transportation infrastructure, including the Gateway Program, which will create 70,000 good-paying, union jobs and make it easier for New Jerseyans to safely and affordably commute;
• Expanding workforce development initiatives that create opportunities for veterans and address critical labor shortages, particularly in the fields of nursing and education;
• Spurring the creation of nearly 60,000 new small business sites over the last six years, with the support of nearly $1 billion in small business relief through the EDA;
• Positioning New Jersey for long-term economic prosperity with seven credit rating upgrades that could save New Jersey taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars over time; and
• Driving job growth in the industries of tomorrow through strategically targeted incentives in fields like clean energy, film and television, fintech, life sciences, adult-use cannabis, and gaming.

“As we begin a new legislative session, let us unite together to continue addressing the biggest challenge facing our families - the fact that, for too many, the cost of living is too high,” added Governor Murphy. “Since the last administration, we have more than doubled the growth rate of our economy. At the same time, we have created nearly 200,000 jobs to give people the confidence that they can make their future in the Garden State.”

Making New Jersey the Best Place to Raise a Family 

Throughout his address, Governor Murphy outlined his administration’s continued progress in making New Jersey “the best place to grow up, settle down, and raise a family,” unveiling several additional new proposals to advance this vision such as:

• Defending reproductive freedom by calling on the Legislature to eliminate out-of-pocket costs for abortion procedures and establish protections for patients, furthering the Murphy Administration’s commitment to securing New Jersey as a safe haven for reproductive rights;
• Protecting the fundamental right to vote by instituting same-day voter registration and expanding the right to vote to 16 and 17 year-olds in local school board elections, building on previous investments to strengthen New Jersey’s democracy including the New Voter Empowerment Act, automatic voter registration, in-person early voting, online voter registration, and the restoration of voting rights for individuals on probation or parole, among other reforms;
• Introducing new initiatives to increase literacy rates among schoolchildren and further cement New Jersey’s status as the best public education system in America;
• Building on progress in expanding pre-K to more than 14,000 children to make universal pre-K a reality, so more kids can participate and more parents get the child care assistance they need no matter their economic status;
• Reforming New Jersey’s criminal justice system through a new clemency initiative to ensure we live up to our promise as a state for second chances; and
• Upholding gun safety laws, expanding community violence prevention programs, and supporting members of law enforcement to build on the Murphy Administration’s success in lowering shootings in New Jersey to a nearly 15-year low.

Securing New Jersey’s Future as an Innovation Leader 

Building on New Jersey’s momentum as the best place in the nation to live, work, and raise a family, Governor Murphy also outlined his vision for the future of economic growth in the state. Invoking President John F. Kennedy’s historic 1963 declaration to land an American on the moon, Governor Murphy announced an “AI Moonshot” to galvanize New Jersey’s innovators and industry leaders to unleash a new generation of AI-powered discoveries and create economic opportunities for New Jersey’s workers and families.

This endeavor will capitalize on New Jersey’s existing, world-leading investments and initiatives in the realm of AI, including: the creation of an AI Innovation Hub in partnership with Princeton University and the New Jersey Economic Development Authority, which will leverage State and private funding to catalyze innovations in AI; the formation of New Jersey’s first-ever Task Force on AI, charged with studying the societal impact – and encouraging the ethical use of – AI; the establishment of a statewide initiative that has already begun to train thousands of public sector workers to use generative AI to help New Jerseyans access benefits; the issuance of the State’s first policy on AI use to guide State employees to responsibly use generative AI to improve how government delivers services to New Jerseyans; the promotion of international partnerships to advance collaborative research & development in AI and create jobs in the industries of the future; and the appointment of New Jersey’s first-ever Chief AI Strategist, Beth Noveck, who will play a leading role in shaping the trajectory of New Jersey’s AI Moonshot.

“With New Jersey’s AI Moonshot, our mission is for our state’s top minds to pioneer a series of AI-powered breakthroughs over the next decade that will change the lives of billions for the better,” said Governor Murphy. “Our state government will be a catalyst for bringing together innovators and leaders to invest in research and development, and ultimately, establish New Jersey as the home base for AI-powered game-changers. From revolutionizing the discovery of new drugs and medical treatments to creating new, personalized educational tools that can dramatically improve literacy rates and math skills among our kids, whatever the challenge, we are going to harness generative AI to unlock a new generation of possibilities for our families.”  

For the Governor’s full address, click here.

For the biographies of the special guests at this year's State of the State address, click here.

01/11/2024

Washington, D.C - Every time someone starts a new small business, it’s an act of hope and confidence in our economy. Today, we learned that Americans filed 16 million new business applications during the first three years of my Administration—16 million acts of hope, the strongest stretch on record. That’s three years in a row with more applications filed than in any other year on record, including any year of the prior Administration. And we know that small business growth has been particularly strong among Black and Hispanic entrepreneurs, with Black business ownership doubling and Hispanic business ownership up 40% since 2019. This small business boom hasn’t been an accident—it’s a result of my Administration’s strategy to support entrepreneurs, help small businesses access the resources they need to thrive, and promote competition to level the playing field.

This is all part of a broader story of progress growing our economy from the middle out and the bottom up, not the top down. Our economy has added more than 14 million new jobs since I took office—including many from small businesses—while the unemployment rate has been below 4% for the longest stretch in more than 50 years, American workers’ wages and wealth are higher now than before the pandemic, and inflation is down by nearly two-thirds from its peak. I’m going to continue doing everything in my power to build on this progress and grow our economy—with a strong middle class, lower costs, and more opportunity for all Americans—while standing up to extreme Republican attempts to provide more giveaways to big corporations and undermine competition at the expense of small businesses.

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Volume 11 - Issue 2