00-NJ BIC Journal 2018 P5

Rooted in our Past:
Building a Landscape

for the Future

ANNUAL
BLACK LEADERSHIP
CONFERENCE

October 4-5, 2018

The Official Conference Program

New Jersey Institute of Technology
University Heights, Newark, NJ 07102

INSIDE FRONT COVER

It’s time to show our power.

photo: Timothy Greenfield-Sanders Don’t be a no-show at the
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As African Americans over 50,
we must use our voices.

Take the AARP Pledge to Vote
and then vote on November 6.

CEO
AARP

Be the difference. VOTE.

Pledge to Vote on November 6
aarp.org/pledge2vote

Real Possibilities is a trademark of AARP

PAGE 01 - NJEA AD

The 200,000 members of the New Jersey Education Association
are proud to support the

New Jersey Black Issues Conference
36th Annual Leadership Conference

Still We Rise:
Moving NJ’s Black Agenda Forward

Public Education: when families and schools work together, our children are the winners!

Marie Blistan Sean M. Spiller Steve Beatty
President Vice President Secretary-Treasurer

Edward J. Richardson Steve Swetsky
Executive Director Assistant Executive Director

PAGE 02 - UNITED AIRLINES AD

PAGE 03

RWJBarnabas Health
proudly supports the
New Jersey Black Issues Convention.

Clara Maass Medical Center Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Hamilton
Community Medical Center Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Rahway
Jersey City Medical Center Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset
Monmouth Medical Center and The Unterberg Children’s Hospital Saint Barnabas Medical Center
Monmouth Medical Center, Southern Campus Barnabas Health Ambulatory Care Center
Newark Beth Israel Medical Center and Children’s Hospital of New Jersey Barnabas Health Behavioral Health Center
Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital and Children’s Specialized Hospital
The Bristol-Myers Squibb Children’s Hospital

PAGE 04

Healthier Together.

CARING | CONNECTING | CREATING

At Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey, caring is more than a job, it’s our
responsibility as a business leader and citizens of this state. Through the Horizon
Foundation for New Jersey, we’re committed to working alongside those who can help
us improve our neighbors’ health, inform their health decisions and inspire them to lead
healthier more fulfilling lives. By sharing our time and resources, we aim to be not only a
better company, but a better member of the communities where we work and live.

Community.HorizonBlue.com

Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey is the sole member of the Horizon Foundation for New Jersey. Both are
independent licensees of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. The Blue Cross® and Blue Shield® names and
symbols are registered marks of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. The Horizon® name and symbols are
registered marks of Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey. © 2016 Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New
Jersey. Three Penn Plaza East, Newark, New Jersey 07105.

PAGE 05 5

ROOTED IN OUR PAST:
Building a Landscape for the Future

Message from Chair

Greetings to All,
We are pleased to convene the 36th New Jersey Black Issues Leadership Conference
(NJBIC) in the vibrant city of Newark, NJ. The conference platform gathers New Jersey
thought leaders to discuss critical issues affecting the Black community and generating
mobilization tactics for resolution. Our 2018 theme is “Rooted in Our Past: Building a
Landscape for the Future.” As a supporter of this conference, your participation is
sincerely welcomed.

This 36th NJBIC Annual Conference features many informative forums and seminars
in the specific areas of Education, Economic/Anti-Poverty initiatives, Health & the
Environment, Criminal Justice Reform, and Hot Topics

Following our 2017 conference, NJBIC has participated in many statewide actionable
projects that include planning our 2018 Legislative Conference,2018 NJBIC Leadership
Conference in partnership with the New Jersey Institute of Technology. This year the
theme for the Chair’s Reception is a“Salute to New Jersey Black Elected & Top
Appointed Black Officials in NJ.

Based on NJBIC joining with other groups concerned with criminal justice reform,
progress has occurred in our State this year regarding these issues. Dynamic keynote
speakers shall address the annual Youth & Senior Symposiums, prompting information
exchange and inspiring conference participants. Awards of recognition are planned to
commend those deemed community change agents at the Community Change
Awards & Reception.

Thank you for helping us to continue to build the essential dialogue and resources to
foster hope and lead action in our beloved New Jersey. Let’s all remember our 2018
theme during the year – ”Rooted in Our Past: Building a Landscape for the Future.”

In the Spirit of Unity, Survival, and Progress,

Reva Foster
ReSva Foster
State Chair
New Jersey Black Issues Convention

36th Annual Leadership Conference | Oct. 4-5, 2018

PAGE 06

#1 Nationally for Student Upward Economic Mobility

- Forbes

New Jersey Institute of Technology
is proud to support the

New Jersey Black Issues
Leadership Conference

and to host its annual
leadership conference

on our campus.

UNIVERSITY HEIGHTS • NEWARK, NJ • NJIT.EDU

PAGE 07

New Jersey Institute of Technology
University Heights
Newark, NJ 07102-1982
973.596.3102
973.624.2541 fax

Joel S. Bloom
President

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PAGE 08

PAGE 9

ROOTED IN OUR PAST:
Building a Landscape for the Future

Board/Member Organizations

Reva Foster Board Chairman
Senator Ronald L. Rice 1st Vice Chairman

Rev. Ronald Tuff 2nd Vice Chairman
Mayarani Smith Recording Secretary

Brenda Lee Corresponding Secretary
John L Smith Treasurer
Jerome C. Harris Chairman Emeritus
The Late Hon. Donald K. Tucker Founding Chair

Association of Black Women Lawyers New Jersey Institute for Social Justice
Beyond the Eyes (Associate) New Jersey Legislative Black Caucus
Black Engineering & Technology Alumni Association New Jersey Professionals (Associate)
Camden - Trenton District AME Church New Jersey Public Policy Research Institute
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. New Jersey State Council of Urban League Executives
Drug Policy Alliance (Associate) North Jersey Unit of National Association of Negro
Greater Newark Alliance of Black School Educators, Inc. Business and Professional Women’s Clubs
IBO Elks of the World (Associate) People’s Organization for Progress
New Jersey Association of Minority Real Estate Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Free & Accepted Masons of
Professionals New Jersey
New Jersey Community Action Directors’ Association Red Hatters of South Jersey
New Jersey Council of Chartered Members Statewide Parent Advocacy Network, Inc.
of National Black Police

36th Annual Leadership Conference | Oct. 4-5, 2018

PAGE 10

STILL WE RISE:
Moving NJ’s Black Agenda Forward

Rules for Black Unity, Survival & Progress

The rules for Black Unity, Survival, and Progress are the means by which we can take full control of our destiny. Following
these rules does not prohibit or limit our allies from continuing to participate in our quest for freedom and justice. The rules
are effective against current or future attacks. By following these rules, nothing the adversary can do will stop us.

1. Support the Black Church
The term church is used to embrace all Black religious institutions. Church attendance is one good form of support; there
are also other ways, such as supporting national religious foundations, actively participating in community service activities
of many churches and contributing to the church organization of your choice, even when you do not regularly attend.

2. Protect the Elderly and Support the Youth
Provide protection, opportunity, comfort, and fellowship for our young people and seniors.

3. Excel in Education
Strive for excellence in your academic and vocational preparation. Promote Black cultural awareness and set positive
role models.

4. Oppose Crime
Stop Black crime and support fair law enforcement. Condemn the illegal use and sale of drugs.

5. Contribute to the Black Development Fund
Increase financial support to Black institutions.

6. Buy and Bank Black
Buy and bank where Blacks benefit as owners or employees; support selective patronage efforts that contribute to the
wealth and development of Black people.

7. Register and Vote
Once you register to vote, you must vote to keep your registration active. Also make your vote count for Black and other
candidates who best represent the interests of Black people.

8. Hold Your Elected Officials Accountable
Know the names and records of political representatives at local, state, and Federal levels. Know these people as well as
you know key sports heroes and entertainers. Vote for or against them on the basis of their records.

9. Support Black Family and Community Life
Encourage and support a sense of community and mutual support for each other.

10. Challenge and Boycott Negative Media and Support Positive Media
Do not finance or patronize those forms of media or their sponsors that fail to show positive aspects of Black life.
Support those that do.

11. Secure and Defend the Black Community
Demand, seek, and work for adequate protection from physical intimidation and by force the duly constituted law
enforcement agencies of our government. If that protection is not forthcoming, we must prepare to defend and
protect the Black community.

12. Support Mother Africa and Carribean Nations
Oppose colonization, exploitation, apartheid, and repressive government; keep current with and actively support, through
technological, financial, and other means, the struggles for liberation and equality being waged by the peoples of
African and Caribbean nations.

36th Annual Leadership Conference | Oct. 4-5, 2018

PAGE 11

ROOTED IN OUR PAST:
Building a Landscape for the Future

NJBIC Conference Planning Committee

36th Annual Leadership Conference Planning Committee
Lanisha Makle-Ridley, Program Chair
Clyde Allen, Conference Consultant
Diane Colson
Jerome Harris
George Gore
Reva Foster
Deborah Jennings
Brenda Lee
Patricia Williamson

36th Annual Senior Symposium on Black Aging Committee
Clyde Allen, (Coordinator)
Sharron Brown
Brenda Berkley
Shirley Force
Reva Foster
Brenda Pettiford
Alma Johnson
Myrtha Nicolas
Edna Long

36th Annual Leadership Conference | Oct. 4-5, 2018

PAGE 12

ROOTED IN OUR PAST:
Building a Landscape for the Future

2018 NJBIC Conference Local
Host Planning Committee

Angela Garretson
NJ Institute of Technology (NJIT)

Lori Brown
NJIT Conference Services

Clyde Allen
NJBIC Conference Director

Lanisha Makle-Ridley
NJBIC Executive Director

Rick Thigpen
PSEG

Sarah Jones
Horizon BCBS NJ

Karin Aaron
Greater Newark CVB

Monica Hall
Victoria Foundation

Kimberly Mclain
Newark Alliance

Walter Bryant
Newark Municipal Council

Patricia Perkins-Auguste
Elizabeth City Council

Diane Colson
Black Engineering & Technology Alumni Association NJIT

Tony Howell
NJIT – EOP

John Smith
Essex County College

Brenda Lee
Greater Newark Alliance of Black School Educators

36th Annual Leadership Conference | Oct. 4-5, 2018

PAGE 13 - TOP POWER SPEAKERS

Rooted in our Past:
Building a Landscape

for the Future

ANNUAL
BLACK LEADERSHIP
CONFERENCE

THE 2018 NJBIC LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE
FEATURES POWER SPEAKERS, FORUMS ON
ISSUES AFFECTING THE BLACK COMMUNITY

October 4-5, 2018

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New Jersey Black Elected Officials

& Top Appointed Officials in NJ

NJ Legislative Black Caucus
NJ BlaNcJkUErlbeacnteMd aOyfofircsiaAlsssPoocliicaytioAnllianceTara Dowdell
NJBSICouBPGtlhhaoivclJeMkernruMsorpear hyyyoLresgAisllliaatnivcee BfolarcSkoCciaaul cJuusstiFPScorpeeuesnaiddkeeenrrstaaonnfddTDTaGra

FStratiedofaNyew, JOersceytober 5, 2018 Dowdell Group
7:00 – 9:00 pm

New Jersey Institute of Technology
Campus Center

University Heights, Newark, NJ 07102

For Event Ticket $50 • REGISTER NOW!
FLoierutCenoanntfGeorveenrncoer Information

PleaSsheeilcaaOllli:vNerJBIC Conference Office Joel S. Bloom
Tel. 9S0ta8te-o5f6N1e-w4J0ers6e2y • Fax 908-561-6827President, NJIT

PAGE 14 14

ROOTED IN OUR PAST:
Building a Landscape for the Future

Speaker

Mayor Ras J. Baraka

Newark, New Jersey

A native of Newark, whose family has lived in the City for more than 70 years, Mayor Baraka’s progressive
approach to governing has won him accolades from grassroots organizations to the White House. With a
forward thinking agenda that reduced crime to its lowest levels in five decades, addressed affordability while
maintaining steady growth, lowered unemployment, and returned local control of schools after more than two
decades, Mr. Baraka exceeded expectations during his first term in office.

As a part of his commitment to strengthen Newark’s position in the expanding technology space, Mayor Baraka
has partnered with corporate stakeholders and institutions, such as NJIT (New Jersey Institute of Technology)
on efforts that will capitalize on the 26 miles of fiber which lie beneath the City’s main corridors. Consequently,
Newark was the host city for VOICE, a three-day summit hosted by Amazon Alexa, which is at the forefront of
natural language processing. Additionally, in 4Q of 2018, the City will also launch LinkNWK (pronounced Link
Newark), a new communications network of mobile device charging, phone calls to anywhere in the U.S.,
access to municipal services, maps and directions, and real-time local information on city streets at no cost
to taxpayers or users.

Mayor Baraka’s futurist agenda includes the implementation of a groundbreaking partnership called Hire. Buy.
Live. Newark, a program that marks the first time that any U.S. city has sought to transform its economy by
combining employment, procurement, and residential strategies. These types of initiatives caught the attention
of Amazon, which named Newark as a finalist city in its search to establish its second global headquarters.
Mayor Baraka is considered nationally as a thought leader in the space of urban revitalization. His defiance of a
hostile Presidential directive targeting the immigrant community through an executive order designating Newark
as a sanctuary city solidfied the mayor’s status as one of the country’s most progressive elected officials.

Educated in Newark Public Schools, Mayor Baraka received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and
History from Howard University in Washington, D.C. and a Master’s Degree in Education Supervision from
St. Peter’s University in Jersey City. His father, the late Amiri Baraka, was a legendary poet and playwright. His
mother, Amina Baraka, is herself a renowned poet. The father of three daughters, Mayor Baraka is a published
author and well-regarded in the entertainment industry for his appearance on the Grammy-award winning
album, “The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill” in his authentic role as an educator.

36th Annual Leadership Conference | Oct. 4-5, 2018

make this PAGE 15

15 ROOTED IN OUR PAST:
Building a Landscape for the Future

Speaker

Sheila Oliver

Lieutenant Governor, State of New Jersey

Sheila Oliver, a native of Newark, NJ, attended the Newark Public School System, graduating from Weequahic High
School. She entered Lincoln University in Pennsylvania, and earned her undergraduate degree cum laude in Sociology,
then obtained a Master of Science degree from Columbia University in New York in Community Organization,
Planning and Administration.

Her career began with work in municipal government where she was Director of the Office of Youth Services and
Special Projects for the City of Newark, within the Mayor’s Office of Employment and Training. Responsibilities
included: developing strategic plans to prepare youth 14 – 21 for entry into post-secondary education and entry
into the workforce; development of Requests for Proposals for funding employment and training organizations to
deliver program services.

A decade later, Ms. Oliver became the Development Director for The Newark Literacy Campaign, while working
at Caldwell College as the Coordinator of Career Guidance within the Educational Opportunity Fund Program. For
several years, she worked on several college campuses, teaching classes in Achievement Motivation, Non-Profit
Management, and Pre-College Preparation. During this time, she was a consultant to a variety of non-profit
organizations providing training in board and program development, grantsmanship and financial management,
and she spent several years as the Director of the Essex County Division of Community Action, an anti-poverty
initiative established by the federal government.

In 1996, Ms. Oliver became an Essex County Freeholder and served on the Board of Chosen Freeholders until 1999.

Ms. Oliver has spent a significant number of years serving on the boards of voluntary non-profit organizations,
including but not limited to East Orange General Hospital Board of Trustees; the United Way; the Newark Coalition
for Neighborhoods; the East Orange Board of Education; the Newark Collaboration Group; the Rutgers-Newark
Educational Opportunity Fund Advisory Council; the Global Women’s Leadership Collaborative of NJ; the Essex
County and East Orange Committees on the Status of Women; Programs for Parents; and a number of other
community-based entities. She has held membership in the Women’s Political Caucus of NJ, the NAACP and
the Urban League.

Elected to the NJ General Assembly in 2003, Assemblywoman Oliver began her first term in 2004, representing
District 34, which currently includes East Orange, Orange, Montclair and Clifton. The district previously contained
Glen Ridge and Woodland Park. During her tenure in the General Assembly, she chaired the Human Services
Committee, and served on the Labor, Higher Education, Women and Children; Commerce and Economic Development;
and Transportation and Independent Authorities committees. Her service also included the Joint Committee on
the Public Schools and the Economic Justice and Equal Employment Opportunity.

From 2010 to 2014, the Assemblywoman was the Speaker of the New Jersey General Assembly. In that capacity,
she was only the second woman in New Jersey’s 300-year history to serve as Speaker, and only the second
African-American woman in the United States to lead a legislative house, following California’s Congresswoman
Karen Bass. During her tenure as Speaker, she was active in the National Speakers Association, the State
Legislative Leaders Conference, the National Conference of State Legislatures, and Women In Government.

Elected Lieutenant Governor of the State of New Jersey effective January 2018, Sheila Oliver is the first African
American woman in New Jersey’s history to hold this prestigious position. Governor Phil Murphy appointed her
to also serve as the Commissioner of the Department of Community Affairs, a cabinet appointment.

36th Annual Leadership Conference | Oct. 4-5, 2018

make this PAGE 16
ROOTED IN OUR PAST:
16 Building a Landscape for the Future

Keynote Speaker - Opening Session

Rev. Timothy Levi Adkins-Jones

Pastor, Bethany Baptist Church, Newark

Rev. Timothy Levi Adkins-Jones is pastor of the historic Bethany Baptist Church in Newark, New Jersey.
A son of the church, Rev. Adkins-Jones was led to faith in Christ at the early age of seven by his grandfather,
the Rev. Leroy Jones at Pilgrim Journey Baptist Church in his hometown of Richmond, Virginia. Before being
called to Bethany, Rev. Adkins-Jones faithfully led congregations in Massachusetts and Connecticut, building
a young legacy of community activism and Christian service. He gladly serves as part of the Clergy Caucus
for Faith in New Jersey, a non-partisan, multi-faith organization seeking social and economic change through
policy and relationships.

Embodying the best of the Black preacher-scholar tradition, Rev. Adkins-Jones is a Ph.D. candidate in Practical
Theology, with a Homiletics concentration, at Boston University. He also holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
from Amherst College and a Master of Divinity from the Boston University School of Theology. A sought-out
lecturer and speaker across the nation, Rev. Adkins-Jones has taught courses in homiletics and polity as an
adjunct professor at Yale University Divinity School, was featured on the “For Your Soul Sunday” broadcast
on SiriusXM Urban View, and continues to serve his alma mater Amherst College as the Graduate Fellow
for the Hermenia T. Gardner Christian Worship Series, a bi-semester worship celebration of the Black
Church tradition.

Rev. Adkins-Jones is a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. He is also the proud husband of
Dr. Amey Victoria Adkins-Jones and the dedicated father of three loving and amusing souls -
Sofia, Ezekiel, and Isabella – who keep him young and busy.

36th Annual Leadership Conference | October 4-5, 2018

make this PAGE 17
ROOTED IN OUR PAST:
17 Building a Landscape for the Future

Keynote Speaker - Opening Session

Tara Dowdell

Founder and President of TDG Speakers and Tara Dowdell Group

Tara Dowdell is a highly accomplished marketing and communications strategist. She is the founder and President
of TDG Speakers and Tara Dowdell Group, a marketing and strategic communications firm. In addition to her
consulting practice, Tara is a respected television commentator and speaker. She appears regularly on MSNBC
and Fox 5 News New York where she provides progressive insight and analysis on a range of political,
government, and business topics.

Ms. Dowdell’s proven expertise, unique insight, and engaging style have also made her a sought-after speaker.
She has addressed several major conferences such as the NYU Stern School of Business Women in Business
Conference, Big Ideas in Higher Education Conference at Rutgers University, NYU MLK Week Commemoration,
Google Solve for X, the Center for American Women and Politics “Ready to Run” conference, the National Urban
League conference, and many more.

Ms. Dowdell has an extensive background in government having previously served as the Senior Manager of
Government and Community Relations for the international shipping arm of the Port Authority of New York and
New Jersey. In this capacity, she was responsible for directing the government and public relations strategy for
the multi-billion-dollar redevelopment of the Port of New York and New Jersey. Prior to joining the Port Authority,
Ms. Dowdell served as Director of Appointments in the Office of the New Jersey Governor, she was the youngest
person and the first African American to serve in this high level role. As Director of Appointments, she led the
office responsible for the selection, nomination, and appointment of individuals to over 550 statewide boards
and commissions. She began her career in government serving as a District Representative to Congressman
Frank Pallone, Jr. Ms. Dowdell has served in senior positions on several high profile federal, state, and local
campaigns. Additionally, she managed an issue-advocacy campaign for Emily’s List, one of the largest
Political Action Committees in the nation.

In 2010, Ms. Dowdell was selected by the American Swiss Foundation to attend their prestigious Young Leaders
Conference in Basel, Switzerland and was only one of twenty-five Americans chosen to participate in the conference.
Notably, in 2005, after being selected out of over a million applicants, she had the distinction of competing for a
job on the third season NBC’s hit show, “The Apprentice.” She has also been honored by Rutgers Business
School, Colorado Black Women for Political Action, the NAACP, and the child advocacy nonprofit organization,
Project Re-Direct.

Very active in her community, Ms. Dowdell serves on the Steering Committee for the Center for American
Women and Politics “Ready to Run” Conference and is a Trustee on Board of the Partnership for a Drug Free
New Jersey. She is also a member of Bethany Baptist Church in Newark, New Jersey. Ms. Dowdell is a graduate
of the University of Virginia where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Government.

36th Annual Leadership Conference | October 4-5, 2018

PAGE 18

PAGE 19

FlyerR#3oCohatier RdecienptioonuSraluPteatosEt:lected
Building a Landscape
for the Future

ANNUAL
BLACK LEADERSHIP
CONFERENCE

October 4-5, 2018

New Jersey Institute of Technology
University Heights, Newark, NJ 07102

NJBIC Invites you to attend the
Chair Reception Saluting:

New Jersey Black Elected Officials
& Top Appointed Officials in NJ

NJ Legislative Black Caucus
NJ Urban Mayors Association
NJ Black Elected Officials Policy Alliance
South Jersey Legislative Black Caucus
NJBIC Black Mayors Alliance for Social Justice

Friday, October 5, 2018
7:00 – 9:00 pm

New Jersey Institute of Technology
Campus Center

University Heights, Newark, NJ 07102

For Event Ticket $50 • REGISTER NOW!
For Conference Information

Please call: NJBIC Conference Office
Tel. 908-561-4062 • Fax 908-561-6827

Email: [email protected]
or visit us at www.njboic.org

PAGE 20 - Donald Payne ad

Congressman Donald M. Payne, Jr.

1 10th District – New Jersey

Congratulates

New Jersey Black Issues Convention

on its

36th Annual Leadership Conference
Rooted in our Past

Building a Landscape for the Future

PAGE 21

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PAGE 22 Newark Council Ad

THE NEWARK MUNICIPAL COUNCIL

Congratulations and Best Wishes to

NEW JERSEY BLACK ISSUES CONVENTION

on your

36TH ANNUAL CONVENTION

Mildred C. Crump

President and Council Member-At- Large

Augusto Amador Carlos M. Gonzalez John Sharpe James Joseph A. McCallum, Jr.

Council Member East Ward Council Member-At-Large Council Member South Ward Council Member West Ward

LaMonica R. McIver Eddie Osborne Luis A. Quintana Anibal Ramos, Jr.

Central Ward Council Member-At-Large Council Member-At-Large Council Member North Ward

PAGE 23

Your elected officials of the 29th District congratulate the

New Jersey Black
Issues Convention

on its annual

Legislative Conference

Senator Assemblywoman Assemblywoman

M. Teresa Eliana Pintor Shanique
Ruiz Marin Speight

/mteresaruiznj /elianapintormarin /shaniques

PAID FOR BY THE COMMITTEE TO ELECT M. TERESA RUIZ, ELIANA PINTOR MARIN
FOR STATE ASSEMBLY,AND SHANIQUE SPEIGHT FOR STATE ASSEMBLY

PAGE 24

Democrat for New Jersey

We need Bob Menendez fighting back against
Donald Trump and protecting our rights. When you
stand with Bob this November, you are standing for:

Excellent public education, and a bill to make 2 years of
community or technical college tuition-free
Affordable and high-quality health care by protecting and
expanding Pres. Obama's Affordable Care Act
Equality under the law for every person, regardless of race,
gender, religion or identity
Safe communities and common-sense gun safety laws
that protect our children and families
Criminal justice reform that ends racial profiling and
discrimination

Learn more and get involved!
MenendezforNJ.com

@BobMenendezNJ          @MenendezforNJ

PAID FOR BY MENENDEZ FOR SENATE

PAGE 25 •

STILL WE RISE:
Moving NJ’s Black Agenda Forward

NJBIC Community Change Awards

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36th Annual NJBIC Leadership Conference
Community Change Award
VIVIAN COX FRASER
Urban League of Essex County
October 4, 2018
zzzzzzzzzz

36th Annual NJBIC Leadership Conference
Community Change Award
TONY HOWELL

New Jersey Institute of Technology
October 4, 2018

zzzzzzzzzz

36th Annual NJBIC Leadership Conference
Community Change Award

dfree® FINANCIAL FREEDOM MOVEMENT
October 4, 2018

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36th Annual NJBIC Leadership Conference
Community Change Award

REV. DR. FORREST PRITCHETT
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Leadership Program

Seton Hall University
October 4, 2018

36th Annual Leadership Conference | Oct. 4-5, 2018

PAGE 26

PAGE 27

PAGE 28

!!! !

!

Dr. Gary Kirkwood Sr.

Join us on
WKMB 1070AM
or login at www.tapon1070.com

Black Media is the heartbeat of our community
Start your day off with worship, prayer and inspiration

We are the only African American own radio station
in the state of New Jersey
email [email protected]

PAGE 28

UNIVERSITY | NEWARK

In Newark, of Newark

Rutgers University – Newark
proudly joins NJBIC in building
a more just and equitable landscape

for the future!

PAGE 29 - Flyer Education

PAGE 31

31 STILL WE RISE:
Moving NJ’s Black Agenda Forward

EDUCATION TRACK: Where are We Now: 64 Years After Brown vs. Board of Education

Mila M. Jasey is a Democratic member of the Ms. Jasey serves on the following committees:
New Jersey General Assembly, representing Chair of Higher Education, Vice-Chair of Housing
District 27 that includes several Essex County and Community Development, Joint Committee
towns. Ms. Jasey was first elected in 2007 on Housing Affordability, and the Joint Committee
and she currently serves as deputy speaker on the Public Schools. Her major concerns are:
of the Assembly. property tax relief, protecting seniors, putting
families first, equal pay for women, and
Ms. Jasey earned her B.A. degree from Barnard 0education.
College at Columbia University and her Master
Panelist of Science in nursing from the Lienhard School
of Nursing at Pace University. Her professional
Assemblywoman experience includes working as a consultant
Mila Jasey at Beth Israel Hospital and as a public health
nurse for the East Orange Health Department.
New Jersey General She served as a member of the South
Assembly District 27 Orange-Maplewood Board of Education
from 1999 to 2007.

Panelist Elise Boddie, is a nationally-recognized expert in civil rights, and state and local government law.
civil rights, formerly directing litigation for the
Elise Boddie NAACP Legal Defense & Educational Fund. She At Rutgers Law School, Ms. Boddie founded and
supervised its nationwide litigation program, is executive director of The Inclusion Project (TIP),
! in major appellate cases involving voting rights, which seeks to advance racial inclusion and
affirmative action, fair housing, and school deseg- equity, and is also a founding trustee of the
New Jersey Coalition regation. A frequent public speaker and author New Jersey Coalition for Diverse and Inclusive
for Inclusive Schools of many impactful articles, Ms. Boddie has Schools. She has been a major force behind
appeared on numerous TV and radio shows. the case (Latino Action Network, et al. v. State
She earned her master’s degree in public policy of New Jersey) that challenges school
and her law degree (cum laude), at Harvard segregation statewide.
University. Yale University conferred her
undergraduate degree with honors.

Ms. Boddie is now a Professor of Law, Henry
Rutgers University Professor, and a Judge Robert
L. Carter Scholar. She teaches constitutional law,

Rosie Grant is the Executive Director of the Paterson and strategies for Paterson Public School children
Education Fund (PEF), where she has given 25 and their families. She has trained over 1,000
years of educational leadership. PEF’s programs students and adults to be workshop and
engage a broad cross-section of stakeholders in conversation facilitators, and hundreds of Paterson
the improvement of Paterson Public Schools. teachers to be facilitators in personalization
With her background in accounting, grant writing, advisory for students. She is skilled at convening
program management and nonprofit management, cross-sector partnerships for education and leading
Ms. Grant’s work at PEF includes designing and difficult public dialog, particularly in the areas of
implementing community engagement programs multicultural communications and anti-racism.

Panelist

Rosie Grant

NJ Journey for Justice Alliance/
Paterson Education Fund

36th Annual Leadership Conference | Oct. 4-5, 2018

PAGE 32

STILL WE RISE:
Moving NJ’s Black Agenda Forward

EDUCATION TRACK: A Community School Model Unique to the Students & Neighborhood

Moderator Charles M. Payne is the Henry Rutgers Distin- Dr. Payne has been a member of research,
guished Professor of African American Studies teaching, and advisory boards nationwide.
Dr. Charles Payne at Rutgers University - Newark where he also He is co-founder of the John Hope Franklin
directs the Joseph Cornwall Center for Metro- Scholars, which tries to better prepare high
Joseph Comwall Center for politan Research. His interests include urban school youngsters for college, was also founding
Metropolitan Research at education and school reform, social inequality, director of the Urban Education Project in
Rutgers, Newark social change and modern African American Orange, New Jersey, and he served briefly
history. His books include So Much Reform, as Interim Chief Education Officer for
So Little Change, (Harvard Education Publishing Chicago Public Schools.
Group, 2008) which examines the persistence
of failure in urban schools. A current book project Dr. Payne has taught at Southern University,
is entitled Schooling the Ghetto: Fifty Years of Williams College, Haverford College, North-
“Reforming” Urban Schools. He has been the western University, Duke University, and the
recipient of several fellowships in recognition University of Chicago. He holds a bachelor’s
of work that contributes to improving race degree in Afro-American studies from
relations in American society. He spent the Syracuse University and a doctorate in
2014-15 school year as a fellow at the Institute sociology from Northwestern.
for Advanced Study in Princeton.

Panelist Lauren Wells, Ph.D. is an educator, researcher, Education at New York University (NYU), where
and community organizer whose work centers she led the design and implementation of a major
Dr. Lauren Wells on comprehensive, systemic, culturally responsive, school reform initiative in Newark called the
and collaborative approaches to change in schools “Newark Global Village School Zone.” As the
Creed Strategies and communities. Her work in education began Chief Education Officer for Mayor Ras Baraka in
over twenty years ago while she was a college Newark, NJ, she led education policy and developed
student. After graduation, she taught high school in initiatives for the city. She has also been a professor
the Bronx, NY. Her experiences led her on a quest of education at three universities. In 2016, Dr. Wells
to create schools that are designed to work for and founded Creed Strategies to create a community
elevate Black and Brown students and their commu- of consultants whose core mission is to use their
nities. Dr. Wells is trained in qualitative research and knowledge, experience, and resources to work
uses an interdisciplinary approach to understanding alongside educators and communities to ignite
and working alongside communities and schools. learning conditions where the genius of every
Her goal is to increase inclusiveness in decision- child and educator can blaze. She is co-chair of
making, to foster integrated strategies that reconnect the Newark Youth Policy Board, is a Trustee of
schools with communities and link education to other the Newark Public Library, and holds membership
systems, and to establish cultural responsiveness on the Advisory Board for the American University
as vital to how schools educate children. School of Education.

For over 10 years, Dr. Wells has been at the Dr. Wells earned her undergraduate education
forefront of education policy and transformation at Temple University, her M.A. in Educational
in New Jersey. In 2009, Dr. Wells became the Leadership from Teachers College, Columbia
Director of the Broader Bolder Approach to University, and her Ph.D. in Educational Policy
Education at the Metropolitan Center for Urban from the University of California Los Angeles.

36th Annual Leadership Conference | Oct. 4-5, 2018

PAGE 34
ROOTED IN OUR PAST:
40 Building a Landscape for the Future

EDUCATION TRACK: Organizing Against the Dismantling of Public Schools

Moderator Ms. Jennings leads SPAN’s national efforts On several state and national advisory committees,
promoting the capacities of the approximately Ms. Jennings is committed to ensuring that the
Debra Jennings 100 Parent Training & Information Centers and voices of parents/families and communities are
Community Parent Resource Centers that assist not left out of discussions of policies and practices
SPAN Advocacy Network families with children with disabilities in each impacting children and families. She is a graduate
state, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam and of Northwestern University, and has completed
Palau. These projects provide Parent Centers coursework at the Kellogg School of Management
with the information and materials that support and Seton Hall University Center for Public Service.
their individual parent advocacy efforts and She has eclectic professional experience prior to
systemic improvement activities across disabilities joining SPAN in 1997 that includes construction,
and across age spans from birth to 26. Her vast economic development, finance and constituent
experience includes organizing and supporting affairs.
grassroots parent advocacy organizations and
efforts around general and special education
issues. She joined SPAN in 1997 to lead its
“Parents Engaged in Public Policy Project.”

Panelists A proud Newark resident, Mr. Lattner is co-founder hired. PULSE did a historic boycott against Newark
of PULSE (Parents Unified for Local School Educa- Public Schools in 2014 and filed a civil rights
Johnnie Lattner tion) where he serves as Director of Community complaint regarding a student with disabilities.
Relations. He is a former Newark Lead Organizer The Office of Civil Rights (OCR) investigated the
P.U.L.S.E. with Statewide Education Organizing Committee, claims around the harm to academics, transporta-
and a Team Leader Youth Development Specialist tion, school facilities and services for students
with the Boys and Girls Club of Newark. with disabilities. The OCR concluded that
African-American students and students with
With over 30 years dedicated to creating change disabilities were disproportionately affected
locally, statewide and nationally, Mr. Lattner says by school closings in 2012. He has traveled
“Don’t allow anyone to make decisions for you. nationwide doing research on community
Become a part of the solution and not the problem, schools, restorative justice, local school councils,
because the final result can last a lifetime.” effects of charter schools expansion, moratorium
He lives by this statement. on privatization, local control, student organizing,
progressive revenue and equity assessments.
Mr. Lattner organized petitions for lack of crossing
guards that resulted in over 150 guards. Being

EDUCATION TRACK: Racial Disparities in Access to STEM Education

Where is the info for Racial Disparities in Access to STEM Education

36th Annual Leadership Conference | October 4-5, 2018

33 STILL WE RISE:
Moving NJ’s Black Agenda Forward

EDUCATION TRACK: College Readiness Workshop

Shirley Kersey Turner is an Democratic Senator Turner received a B.A. from Trenton
Party politician, who has been serving in the State College (now The College of New Jersey)
New Jersey State Senate since 1998, representing in Education and an M.A. from Rider College
the 15th Legislative District that includes the NJ in Guidance and Counseling, and has done
capitol of Trenton, and parts of Mercer and postgraduate work in education at Rutgers
Hunterdon counties. University. She is the Associate Director of
Career Services at Rider University.
Before entering state politics, Senator Turner
Panelist served on the Mercer County Board of Chosen
Freeholders. She also served in New Jersey’s
Shirley K. Turner General Assembly, from 1994 to 1998. She was
! Senate President Pro Tempore, from 2004 to 2010.
Title for Shirley????? The Senator is currently chair of the Education
Committee and a member of the Budget and
Appropriations Committee.[1]

Panelist

36th Annual Leadership Conference | Oct. 4-5, 2018

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PAGE 36

ROOTED IN OUR PAST:
Building a Landscape for the Future

ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY: Building Sustainable Communities

Panelist Anthony Smith was unanimously chosen as the audience development, fundraising, marketing,
Executive Director of the Lincoln Park Coastal and cultural heritage awareness.
Anthony Smith Cultural District in 2014. He had valued LPCCD’s
mission and commitment to revitalize the Mr. Smith directs “Music Speaks,” LPCCD’s
Executive Director, Lincoln neighborhood without leaving its current arts-based outreach program, and is Executive
Park Coast Cultural District residents behind. Mr. Smith fosters relationships, Producer of LPCCD’s Lincoln Park Music Festival
strengthens funding partnerships, and uses which recently celebrated its 12th year. LPCCD
various arts and cultural programs to advocate launched the Lincoln Park Community Farm in
for and drive strategic development of the area. 2008 and provides locally grown, fresh produce,
His experience and commitment to the organiza- serves as a training ground on sustainable
tion’s mission have resulted in the significant food production for high school students,
strides that LPCCD has made to change Lincoln and provides work experience for individuals
Park into a lively, thriving, livable community. in the prison re-entry population.

A Stockton State College graduate, Mr. Smith A licensed property and casualty producer in
earned a MBA at Farleigh Dickinson University New Jersey and New York, Mr. Smith is a
and also studied at Wroxton College in the national accredited risk manager. He is the
United Kingdom. He is a Fellow of Leadership Founder and CEO of Jambalaya Productions,
Newark’s Charter Class of 2000. His wide ranging a full service events management company.
experience includes public and private projects Additionally, he is an adjunct business
involving economic development, health disparities, professor at Essex County College.

Panelist Amarilys Olivo provides nutrition, health and With a Bachelor of Science in Business Manage-
garden education for students and residents ment and a minor in Public and Non Profit
Amarily Olivo throughout the Greater Newark community. Administration from Rutgers University, Ms.Oliva
She founded the Garden of Worker Bees, an has also obtained certification as a food literacy
Food Literacy Educator & organic community garden in Newark’s Central educator with The Cook Book Project. As of
Urban Gardener Ward. Now in its fifth year, the garden was a June 2017, she is a certified instructor for
Whole Cities Foundation 2017 grant recipient. Oldways: A Taste of African Heritage & Health
Ms. Olivo is also co-founder of Newark Community Cooking series. Currently, she is the Green
Food Systems, a resource hub for community Energy/Urban Agricultural Educator at Essex
gardeners, and is market manager for the East County’s new Donald M. Payne, Sr. School of
Orange Farmers Market. Technology in Newark, NJ.

Ms. Olivo was a volunteer project coordinator at
Jersey Cares and was celebrated as their Volunteer
Star of the Month in August 2015. She is a board
member of Slow Foods USA northern NJ chapter,
and served as a second-year delegate representing
the U.S.A. at Terra Madre Salone de Gusto, an
international gathering of food system leaders
held in Turin, Italy.

36th Annual Leadership Conference | October 4-5, 2018

PAGE 37

ROOTED IN OUR PAST:
Building a Landscape for the Future

ECO!NOMIC OPPORTUNITY:: Hear how NJ can Collaborate to Empower the Innovation Economy
!

Panelist Union County Freeholder Angela Garretson is the Prior to joining NJIT, Ms. Garretson began her
Chief External Affairs Officer to the president at career in public affairs and higher education at
! NJIT, where she serves as a member of the senior Eagleton Institute of Politics at Rutgers University-
staff responsible for a broad range of special New Brunswick and UPENN, Annenberg School
! ! A! ngel! a R. projects ensuring effective implementation on for Communication, working on city, state and
Garretson behalf of the president and NJIT. She handles national initiatives.
multiple complex projects working with the
Chief External Affairs district, municipalities, local business economic Freeholder Garretson has been a dedicated
Officer, New Jersey Institute development activity, and other partners throughout public servant from Hillside, New Jersey. Since
!the state. She proactively reinforces the president’s 2003, she served as school board member,
of Technology initiatives and the university’s academic, research, councilwoman at large, mayor and now is a
technological and public service goals by relation- Union County Freeholder. As an elected official,
ships with federal, state and local authorities, her work prioritizes education, public safety, and
regulatory agencies and key policymakers. quality of life initiatives, while an avid leader
in efforts against discrimination.

Panelist Aisha Glover has over 15 years of experience as Ms. Glover’s impact at the Brooklyn Navy Yard
a convener, champion and agent for economic was informed by her tenure at the Center for
Aisha Glover empowerment and social responsibility. Currently, the Urban Environment, New York City’s largest
Ms. Glover serves as the President & CEO for the provider of environmental education programs.
Pres!ident & CEO, Newark Newark Community Economic Development While there, she led a team that furthered the
Commu!n!!!i!!t!!y!!!!E!!!!c!!o!!!n! om!ic De!vel- Corporation. In this role, she oversees a range Center’s environmental justice and education
of innovative and community-focused economic initiatives, helped create a local chapter of the
! opment Corporation development initiatives of the state’s largest city, Small Business Alliance, and was instrumental
Newark. Key priorities include positioning Newark in launching Green Brooklyn, the borough’s first
! as a major destination city, strengthening the and largest green event. Ms. Glover is a strong
! small businesses ecosystem, supporting a thriving advocate for social responsibility and localism.
! entrepreneurial base and leading the attraction She holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Hunter
! of cor!porations, investors and developers. Prior College of the City University of New York in
! to joining the Newark team, she served as the Sociology and Political Science, a Master of
! vice-president of External Affairs at the Brooklyn Public Administration from Baruch College of
Navy Yard Development Corporation, the the City University of New York, and a leadership
Panelist nonprofit organization that manages the certificate from the Columbia Business School,
Brooklyn Navy Yard, dubbed the nations model School of Social Enterprise.
Karin M. Aaron for job creation and industrial development.
with promoting Newark as a year-round destination
President & CEO of Greater Originally from Newark, NJ, Ms. Aaron is a 35- to the traveling public. Ms. Aaron manages a
Newark Convention & year veteran of the travel and tourism industry. staff of 12, including an onsite Visitor Information
Visitors Bureau She has worked for major partners including Center, located in downtown Newark. She
Continental and United Airlines, Hilton Hotels, attended Bloomfield College and is a Certified
and Resorts, and The Ritz Carlton Hotel brand. Tourism Ambassador and Sports Tourism
In addition, Ms. Aaron spent ten years in the Executive.
Washington DC market leading tourism initiatives
for the Loudoun County CVB and the Montgomery Ms. Aaron is a current board member of the
County (Bethesda) CVB before returning to Newark New Jersey Tourism Industry Association (NJTIA),
in 2016 as President & CEO of the Greater the NJ Destination Management Organization
Newark Convention & Visitors bureau (GNCVB). (NJDMO), and is an active member of Destinations
International and the US Travel Association.
The GNCVB is the official destination marketing
organization for the city of Newark and is charged

! 36th Annual Leadership Confere!nce | October 4-5, 2018

!! !

PAGE 38

38 STILL WE RISE:
Moving NJ’s Black Agenda Forward

ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY: Black Wealth 2020

He specializes in creating Entrepreneurship Technology and minored in Management and
workshops, games, and curricula for organizations Literature. Mr. Uzoka is a member of the Essex
and institutions such as The United Way, The County Workforce Investment Board. He has
NAACP, Columbia University, NJIT, Black authored The Young Man’s Guide to Enterepre-
Enterprise, Rutgers University, and Temple neurship: 16 Things You Need to Know as well
University’s Fox School of Business. as Boys to Men: The Guide for African American
Boys. He has trained over five hundred potential
Mr. Uzoka is a Certified Small Business Coach, and existing entrepreneurs in starting and
public speaker, and author. His interactive game growing their business idea.
& workshops series, Handling Your Business™,
Moderator turns classrooms into boardrooms, and his Plan &
Pitch Bootcamp Series gives entrepreneurs tools
Chike Uzoka on how to put their best business foot forward.
A graduate of the New Jersey Institute of
Founder/CEO Valentine Technology, he majored in Information
Global, LLC

Panelist Gordon M. Johnson (D-Bergen) was elected to the asked to continue with the Bergen County
New Jersey State General Assembly in 2001, by Sheriff’s Department as Undersheriff, 2002-2005,
Assemblyman the people of the 37th Legislative District. As part responsible for the Bergen County Jail.
Gordon Johnson of the General Assembly Leadership, Assemblyman
Johnson serves in the position of Speaker Pro Assemblyman Johnson retired with the rank of
New Jersey Tempore. He serves as Chairman of the Assembly Major from the United States Army Reserve in
General Assembly Commerce and Economic Development Committee. 2000. He is highly decorated and holds the National
He is a member of the Assembly Judiciary Defense Service Medal, Bronze Star, Meritorious
Committee and a member of the Assembly Budget Service Medal, Southwest Asia Service Medal,
Committee. Previously, he served as Deputy NATO Service Medal, Kuwait Liberation Medal
Speaker from 2014 to 2018, and the Majority and many more. In 1990, Assemblyman Johnson
Conference Leader, a leadership post in the New served in Operation Desert Storm, where he
Jersey State Assembly during the 2012-2013 was responsible for two Convoy Support Centers
legislative session. From 2006-2011 Assemblyman in the Saudi Arabian Desert. In 1996, he was
Johnson served as Chair of the Assembly Law deployed to Germany in support of Operation
and Public Safety Committee. Joint Endeavor where he was part of a team that
coordinated the activities and missions of the
In 1999, he was appointed Undersheriff of Bergen Civil Affairs units stationed in Bosnia.
County. He subsequently became Sheriff from
January 18, 2001 through January 1, 2002. In the Assemblyman Johnson has a robust legislative
days following September 11th, 2001, Sheriff track record that includes increasing access to
Johnson served as commander of the force assisting education for New Jersey students, veterans, and
the Port Authority Police securing the George DREAMer’s. In 2015, Johnson was prime sponsor of
Washington Bridge as part Bergen County's legislation to enhance oversight of surplus military
response to the terrorist attacks. When the newly equipment being used by local law enforcement.
elected Sheriff took office, Gordon Johnson was Other legislative efforts include increased access to
DNA testing to exonerate the wrongfully convicted.

36th Annual Leadership Conference | Oct. 4-5, 2018

PAGE 39 39

ROOTED IN OUR PAST:
Building a Landscape for the Future

ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY: Cannabis Dispensaries & Economic Development Opportunities

Moderator Linda McDonald Carter, Esq., is Director of Essex Bloomfield College through Upward Bound ,
County College’s Paralegal Studies (PLS) program. studied Political Science at Rutgers University
Linda McDonald She was honored by the Essex County Bar and completed her law studies at Rutgers-Newark
Carter, Esq. Association (ECBA) with the Walter Lucas Special School of Law. Dr. Carter has always been involved
Merit Award in 2017. She was recognized for both with various grassroots and political initiatives;
Essex County College her commitment to the law and her leadership registering voters, negotiating political struggles
in the College’s PLS program. Dr. Carter was between opposing parties, and media management.
instrumental in the program receiving a seven The experiences helped in better understanding
year approval from the American Bar Association, the principles of politics worldwide.
which was announced last year.
She formed one of the first African American
It was during the tumultuous 1950’s and the Civil women law firms in New Jersey - Richardson,
Rights era that she decided to become an attorney Powell and Carter, LLC - in 1996 and also served as
to help make a difference in her community by an Assistant Public Defender for the City of Orange.
assisting with interpreting the language of law Dr. Carter has served as Vice President for the
and providing direction on how to navigate the Association of Black Women Lawyers of New Jersey
justice system. A Newark native, she began and is a member of several law organizations.

Panelists: Jamel Curtis Holley, a Democratic Party politician, chairman and CEO of the Jamel C. Holley Civic
is a member of the New Jersey General Assembly Association, a 501c3 non-profit organization that
Assemblyman representing the 20th Legislative District . He was provides resources and programs to residents of
Jamel Holley appointed to the seat on January 21, 2015, by the Roselle and surrounding communities.
elected members of the Union County Democratic
New Jersey General Committee from the 20th district municipalities of A graduate of Abraham Clark High School in
Assembly, District 20 Elizabeth , Hillside , Roselle , and Union Township Roselle, Mr. Holley attended New Jersey City
making him the first African American to represent University receiving a Bachelor of Science in
the district. He is serving out the unexpired term Criminal Justice and earned his Master of Public
of former Assemblyman and current Union Administration from Kean University in 2006. In
County Sheriff Joseph Cryan . 2001, he was appointed as Chief of Staff of New
Jersey’s 20th Legislative District , the youngest Chief
Mr. Holley formerly served as mayor of the of Staff for any of New Jersey’s 120 legislators.
Borough of Roselle. He was councilman-at-large At age 32, Mr. Holley began his term as mayor in
for the borough from 2005 through 2011 and was January 2012 and served until his appointment
elected mayor in November 2011, taking office in to the General Assembly in 2015. He is a member
January 2012. He is the president and CEO of Front of the Higher Education Committee and the
Porch Strategies, a consulting firm for government Housing and Community Development Committee.
affairs based in Caldwell, NJ. He also serves as

Panelists:

Bishop
Jethro James

36th Annual Leadership Conference | October 4-5, 2018

CANNABIS PAGE 40

40 STILL WE RISE:
Moving NJ’s Black Agenda Forward

ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY: Cannabis Dispensaries & Economic Development Opportunities

Panelist Demelza Baer, Esq. is Senior Counsel and Director Counsel for the U.S. House Judiciary Committee,
of the Economic Mobility Initiative for the New an appellate law clerk for the Honorable Maria M.
Demelza Jersey Institute for Social Justice. She is the author Cabret of the Supreme Court of the Virgin Islands,
Baer, Esq. of the groundbreaking report, Bridging the Two and before attending law school, was a researcher
Americas: Employment & Economic Opportunity at the Justice Policy Center of the Urban Institute.
New Jersey Institute in Newark & Beyond, which has been cited in the
for Social Justice New York Times and The Guardian. Her writing on She received an LL.M. from Columbia Law School,
racial and economic justice has been published in graduating as a James Kent Scholar. Receiving a
the Star Ledger, Asbury Park Press, and Next City. Dean’s Scholarship to attend Tulane Law School,
she completed her degree magna cum laude.
Ms. Baer previously worked as a Policy Counsel During law school, Ms. Baer served as the Chief
for the Washington Legislative Office of the Justice of the Moot Court Board and as a member
American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), where she of the Tulane Journal of Technology & Intellectual
worked on racial justice, women’s rights, disability Property. She completed her undergraduate
rights, human rights, and criminal justice reform degree at Northwestern University,
through advocacy before the U.S. Congress and double-majoring with honors in both
Administrative Agencies. She was an Assistant Political Science and Sociology.

LaQuay L. Juel is a founding partner and the Empowerment Society. He has served as President
President of Obsidian Elite Investment Association. Emeritus of the NJ chapter of the National Forum
He is a professional business and political consultant of Black Public Administrators.
with 20 years of experience. Mr. Juel has a degree
in international economics from Stockton University Mr. Juel is married to Marni Juel and they are
and also studied international business law at proud parents of six children. A native of Atlantic
Seton Hall University. City, Mr. Juel is a founding partner and president
of the Obsidian Elite Investment Association.
A former Captain (select) in the United States
Panelist Marine Corps, he commanded a division of
combat engineers, and is a combat veteran of
LaQuay L. Juel three foreign conflicts. Mr. Juel is an entrepreneur
and owns the Home First Foods, LLC brand and
Obsidian Elite Dansby Business Consulting. He is a trustee
Investment Association Chairman of the NGO and the All Afrikan

36th Annual Leadership Conference | Oct. 4-5, 2018

PAGE 41

The New Jersey Institute
for Social Justice is
proud to partner with
NJBIC to advance racial
justice in New Jersey.

PAGE 42 -Criminal justice reform

PAGE 43

STILL WE RISE:
Moving NJ’s Black Agenda Forward

CRIMINAL JUSTICE REFORM: Lessons Learned on Community Policing

Panelist

Ingrid Jordan

36th Annual Leadership Conference | Oct. 4-5, 2018

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STILL WE RISE:
Moving NJ’s Black Agenda Forward

CRIMINAL JUSTICE REFORM: Re-entry: Bringing Individuals Home

Moderator Perry L. Shaw III is Co-Founder and Executive DOP, State and local Police. These committees
Director of A Better Way Inc., a non-profit reentry and collaborations assisted in reducing gang
Perry Shaw III and community based company. A Better Way is violence inside and outside of the prison systems
an organization which specializes in helping along the East Coast.
A Better Way - Trenton, community members find a better way to live.
New Jersey A Better Way was created by Law Enforcement Before he joined the Department of Corrections
officers and mental health professionals who Mr. Shaw was employed by Greater Trenton
noticed that youth at risk for incarceration and Community Mental Health, of Trenton, NJ, Capitol
previously incarcerated individuals and their Academy, of Camden, NJ and Princeton Hospital,
families have the least job training and the lowest of Princeton, NJ as a mental health counselor
rate of employment. Individuals and families can working with youths as well as adults.
find resources and support from A Better Way.
He has attended Fairleigh Dickinson University and
Prior to becoming A Better Way’s Executive Director, is currently enrolled at Thomas Edison State College.
Mr. Shaw was a New Jersey State Corrections He has received two certifications in counseling
Officer for nearly a decade. During his tenure as from Rutgers University School of Social Work.
a corrections officer Mr. Shaw received several
awards and accolades such as the Commissioners Mr. Shaw is currently the Chairmen of the Mercer
award and a letter of Accommodation for Valor. County Reentry Taskforce, a Commissioner of
While with DOC Mr. Shaw served on several the Trenton Parking Authority and a former Board
committees such as the Gang Intelligence Member of Habitat for Humanity of Trenton.
Committee and the East Coast Gang Investigators He has been married to his lovely wife Jennifer
Association, which is a collaboration of agencies for over a decade and is the proud father of two
such as Homeland Security, DEA, FBI, DOJ, DOC, children Zoey & Perry IV.

Marcus O. Hicks, Esq., is Acting Commissioner of process of reentry services to approximately
the New Jersey Department of Corrections 2,800 inmates at 18 Residential Community
(NJDOC), the State’s second-largest department Release Programs; and Director of the Office
where Mr. Hicks is responsible for a budget of of County Services, which is responsible for
nearly $1 billion and 8,000 employees. He oversees conducting annual inspections of the 22 county
approximately 20,000 state-sentenced offenders correctional facilities and 376 municipal detention
housed across 13 correctional facilities, county facilities located throughout the state, among
jails and community halfway houses. other duties.

Panelist Prior to this appointment, Mr. Hicks served in many Before joining the NJDOC, Mr. Hicks served as
roles throughout the Department of Corrections Policy Advisor to former New Jersey Governor
Marcus K. (DOC) including: Chief of Staff managing human Jon S. Corzine as well as Policy Counsel to former
Hicks, Esq. resources, policy analysis, research and evaluation, New Jersey Governor Richard J. Codey. He is a
grants management, custody, civilian staff training, graduate of the College of William and Mary in
Commissioner, and the fleet of vehicles; Director of Programs Williamsburg, Virginia and received his Juris
New Jersey Department and Community Services, with oversight of Doctor degree from Seton Hall University
$64.5 million in the procurement and contracting School of Law.
of Corrections

36th Annual Leadership Conference | Oct. 4-5, 2018

PAGE 45

STILL WE RISE:
Moving NJ’s Black Agenda Forward

CRIMINAL JUSTICE REFORM: African American Youth & Their Access to Stationhouse Adjustments

Panelist Major Brian Polite is the Commanding Officer such as Hurricane Irene and Super Storm Sandy.
of Community Outreach and Public Affairs of the He led over 100 Public Information Officers
Bri&an P&olite New Jersey State Polite. He is a 17 year veteran throughout the country as the lead law enforcement
who started his career as a general road trooper, media representative for Super Bowl 48. Major
Commanding Officer NJ patrolling rural towns and highways throughout Polite has taught media relations to hundreds of
State Police-Office of northern New Jersey. He was later assigned to the local, state, and federal, law enforcement officers.
Community Outreach Essex County Anti-Crime Partnership, a task force He has taught Crisis Communications as a guest
and Public Affairs comprised of local, county and state investigators, lecturer at New York University and Business
tasked with investigating violent crime in the cities Communications as an adjunct professor at
of Newark and Irvington, New Jersey. Bergen Community College.

Promoted to detective. Major Polite worked as As the lead community outreach representative,
a member of the New Jersey State Police’s Major Polite works with community organizations
Strategic Investigations Unit also known as the to initiate proactive dialogue between law
Cease-Fire Initiative. Shootings in the Newark enforcement and the community. He also works
and Irvington area were targeted, and during closely with the Attorney General’s office and
his tenure the shootings there were reduced community leaders statewide to develop
by an average of 50 percent. recruitment strategies that will increase
diversity within the New Jersey State Police.
Major Polite now serves the New Jersey State
Police as the Commanding Officer on the Office Major Polite is a graduate of Kean University
of Community Outreach and Public Affairs. As a and earned an advanced degree from Seton
spokesperson and media relations representative, Hall University.
he has worked with the media on major events

Panelist

Melvin Warren

NJ State Conference
of NAACP

36th Annual Leadership Conference | Oct. 4-5, 2018

PAGE 46

STILL WE RISE:
Moving NJ’s Black Agenda Forward

CRIMINAL JUSTICE REFORM: Alternatives to Jamesburg & Youth Prisons

Moderator Retha Onitiri is the Juvenile Justice Campaign across New Jersey, host community forums, and
Manager at the New Jersey Institute for Social identify issues and community-based solutions.
Retha Onitiri Justice. The campaign, called 150 Years is Enough,
seeks to transform New Jersey’s youth incarceration Prior to joining NJISJ, Ms. Onitiri worked in the
New Jersey Institute system into a community-based system of care private sector and was responsible for Readiness
of Social Justice by closing two youth prisons — the New Jersey Project Management of complex telecommunica-
Training School for Boys (“Jamesburg”) and the tions High Leverage Networks and Services, Training
Female Secure Care and Intake Facility. and Skills Development projects for a Software
Integration organization, and Supply Chain North
Ms. Onitiri also leads New Jersey Communities American Operations for Internet Protocol (IP)
Forward (NJCF), an Initiative focused on building Platform products at Alcatel-Lucent. She is a
a coalition for change on issues of criminal justice, certified Project Management Professional (PMP)
economic mobility, and civic engagement. NJCF is and has a Master of Science Degree in Management
the community outreach arm of NJISJ established from Stevens Institute of Technology.
to develop local leadership teams in major cities

Shenette Gray is a native of Chicago Illinois. vision and direction to the school’s entire
She received her B.A. in Accounting from Hampton instructional staff.
University and shortly after graduating joined
Teach For America, teaching first and second Ms. Gray has served in many community
grades in Washington D.C. She received her organizations and on boards throughout the
MBA from the University of Maryland. northeast and is currently a member of the
Board of Directors of I Am Trenton Community
Ms. Gray spent several years in city government Foundation. Additionally, she is a Commissioner
helping to resolve quality of life issues and ensured of The Trenton Housing Authority.
that the citizen’s voice was heard. After leaving
Panelist city government, she returned to education.
She has held leadership positions within several
Shenette Gray charter and public schools; was responsible for
managing the daily operations of the school, and
Isles Youth Institute ensured that all students received an outstanding
education. Ms. Gray provided conceptual guidance,

36th Annual Leadership Conference | Oct. 4-5, 2018

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