Monday, July 19, 2021

The Colored Conventions Project - 19th Century Black Organizing

The Colored Conventions Project is an exciting online archive that brings to life the formal gatherings of black folks committed to equal rights and uplift from the antebellum era through post-Reconstruction America. In addition, a number of digital exhibits provide context and content regarding these conventions, which were designed to mobilize the African American community and its white allies to end slavery and pursue full civil rights. 

I cannot say enough about this exceptional archive, except to note that it is sorely needed and critically necessary now, as a full understanding of American history, popularly known as "critical race theory," is under currently under attack by white supremacists and their enablers.

Henry Highland Garnet's "An Address to the Slaves of the United States of America," delivered at the National Negro Convention of 1843, is one of the most important texts that I teach, so I am gratified to see that it comprises one of the online exhibits--it is well worth reading, and illustrates a clear line of radical black politics that stretches from the antebellum era to the current day. Pay attention to Garnet's brilliant use of impassioned rhetoric--the language soars. A brand new book, The Colored Conventions Movement: Black Organizing in the Nineteenth Century (The John Hope Franklin Series in African American History and Culture) is now available as well from UNC Press.

Click here for the site: https://coloredconventions.org/  

The outstanding online exhibits can be accessed here: https://coloredconventions.org/exhibits/

Below is an overview of the project from the site: 

About the Colored Conventions Project

The Colored Conventions Project (CCP) is an interdisciplinary research hub that uses digital tools to bring the buried history of nineteenth-century Black organizing to life. Mirroring the collective nature of the nineteenth-century Colored Conventions, CCP uses inclusive partnerships to locate, transcribe, and archive the documentary record related to this nearly forgotten history and to curate engaging digital exhibits that highlight its significant events and themes. 

Wednesday, June 2, 2021

FREE FAMILY FISHING DERBY Saturday, June 5 at Cedar Brook Park!


This Saturday, June 5 from 9:00 - 11:30 AM, the Plainfield Division of Parks and Recreation will once again host the Family Fishing Derby at Cedar Brook Park. I have attended the derbies in the past--the kids always have lots of fun, and they enjoy the prizes. No license is necessary on this free day of fishing, but children must be accompanied by an adult to participate. 

For your convenience, you can register online with Community Pass
(It takes about 30 seconds!) 
Click on this link: Community Pass. 

If you prefer, you may also register on site--registration begins at 8:30 AM. Contact Parks and Recreation at (908) 753-3097 for more information! I look forward to seeing you at the Derby!

Best,

Rebecca

Note: COVID-19 guidelines require social distancing. Masks are strongly recommended.

Saturday, May 29, 2021

One Year Later...Missing Dan Damon

 Today marks the one year anniversary of Dan Damon's death. Along with a host of other friends, family, colleagues, and comrades, I miss Dan. If I had a chance to tell him once more, I would say it very simply: 

"You were a good friend." 


Dan was the person who encouraged me to blog...I haven't had the time to do so in several months, but today seemed fitting. I hope he continues to rest in peace.

All best,

Rebecca


Tuesday, October 6, 2020

Upcoming Plainfield Food Distribution Events

This past Saturday, Union County held another food distribution event at Cedar Brook Park in Plainfield, co-sponsored by Community FoodBank of New Jersey. I joined a small army of volunteers, along with my Freeholder colleagues Chairman Alexander Mirabella and Freeholder Andrea Staten, to distribute food boxes to residents (drive-up and walk-up) who are experiencing food insecurity due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The next food distribution events are listed below. Visit https://ucnj.org/covid19/food-distribution-events for more specific info on the upcoming events (excluding Kean University, some are walk-up). Questions? Call the UCDHS Director's Action Line at 888-845-3434 or 908-558-2288.

October Dates

Sat, Oct. 10 - Kean University, Union Township

Sat, Oct. 17 - Cedar Brook Park, Plainfield 

Sat, Oct. 24 - Kean University, Union Township

Sat, Oct. 31 - Warinanco Park, Roselle (by the Skating Rink)


November Dates

Sat, Nov. 7 - Kean University, Union Township

Sat, Nov. 14 - (Thanksgiving Box) Cedar Brook Park, Plainfield

Sat, Nov. 21 - (Thanksgiving Box) Kean University, Union


December Dates

Sat, Dec. 12 - (Holiday Box/Turkey) Cedar Brook Park, Plainfield 

Sat, Dec. 19 - (Holiday Box/Turkey) Kean University, Union Township

Wednesday, April 1, 2020

Plainfield Recreation's "Take Home" Easter Egg Hunt - Social Distancing Saves Lives!

The Plainfield Division of Parks and Recreation has teamed up with the Plainfield Public School District's Food Services Director Dre James of Maschio's Food Services' Inc. to ensure that children have an opportunity to participate in a "take home" Easter Egg Hunt. Recreation has prepared special kits for families to have their own egg hunt at home. Each bag includes 10 candy-filled Easter eggs and a chocolate bunny. Also included are additional "social distancing" guidelines for families to follow. 

The team has taken the necessary safety measure and precautions when preparing these bags. Plastic eggs have been sanitized before being filled, and proper hand washing and glove usage has been implemented when handling. The limited supply bags are being distributed by Maschio's frontline workers with the meals. 


Photo Courtesy of Dre James, Maschio's Food Services

At left, the food service workers take care to make sure that everyone observes social distancing guidelines when picking up the food. Stay safe and be well!

Visit Plainfield Recreation on Facebook:






Kudos to the Division of Parks and Recreation for always keeping our residents in mind!

Friday, March 20, 2020

Union County Support Services: COVID-19

Cross-posted on https://freeholderrebecca.blogspot.com
As we move to contain COVID-19, Union County is providing additional support services to our constituents during this stressful time. Please read the press release below about these services. As noted below: "Comprehensive information and guidance about COVID-19 is available online at nj.gov/health. For updates on Union County cancellations and services that have been modified due to the outbreak, visit the County website at ucnj.org/coronavirus-update."


Support Available During COVID-19 Outbreak

Union County, NJ – Additional support services are available in Union County for residents who are experiencing anxiety or stress related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“If you need help, please do not hesitate to reach out to these community resources,” said Union County Freeholder Alexander Mirabella. “There are people ready to assist you with experienced, reliable guidance.”
“Union County has taken extraordinary measures to protect our residents and employees, and our first responders and other essential staff are working around-the-clock to fight against the spread of the virus,” added Mirabella. “Everyone in Union County can join the battle and help ‘flatten the curve’ by working together to shield each other from exposure.”
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control has advised that effective protective measures include maintaining social distance, washing hands frequently, covering coughs with a tissue or elbow, keeping hands away from face, staying away from sick people, and staying home when sick.
The following local, state, and national support services are available by telephone: 
24/7 Emergency Psychiatric Crisis Intervention Services
  • Mobile Community Outreach for Adults: 908-994-7131
  • Union County Mobile Response and Stabilization for Children: 1-877-652-7624
  • RWJ University Hospital: 732-381-4200
  • Overlook Hospital: 908-522-2000
Other 24/7 Crisis Services
  • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline:  1-800-273-8255
  • NJ HOPELINE (for emotional distress):1-855-654-6735
  • Vet 2 Vet (for any New Jersey veteran): 1-866-838-7654
  • Vets 4 Warriors (national — for any veteran who has served in war): 1-855-838-8255
  • Substance Abuse (ReachNJ): 1-844-732-2465
  • Cop 2 Cop (law enforcement officers) 1-866-267-2267
Assistance with Emotional Distress
  • NJ Mental Health Cares: 1-866-202-4357 (8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.)
  • The Peer Recovery WarmLine 1-877-292-5588 (8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.)
  • Mom2Mom, for mothers with special needs children: 1-877-914-6662 (8:30 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.; or leave a message after hours for a call-back)
  • Care2Caregiver, for family members caring for family member with memory loss, Alzheimer’s, dementia or a related disorder: 1-800-424-2494 (8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.)
  • Worker2Worker, for New Jersey Division of Child Protection and Permanency employees: 1-855-327-7482 (8:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.)
  • NJ Peer Recovery: 1-833-422-2765 or TTY 711 (currently 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.; will expand to 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. as of March 26)
Support for School Staff and Their Families
  • Aid NJEA: 1-866-243-6532 (Monday-Thursday 12:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.; Friday 12:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.)
General Information about COVID-19
  • New Jersey Department of Health: 1-800-222-1222 or 1-800-962-1253.
  • New Jersey Poison Control Center in partnership with 211: 2-1-1 or 1-800-962-1253.
  • Members of the public can also text questions to NJCOVID to 898-211, or receive live text assistance by texting their zip code to NJCOVID to 898-211.
Comprehensive information and guidance about COVID-19 is available online at nj.gov/health.
For updates on Union County cancellations and services that have been modified due to the outbreak, visit the County website at ucnj.org/coronavirus-update.