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. 

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.

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

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

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:

https://www.facebook.com/divofparksandrecplainfield/

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

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.

Octavia E. Butler - Journey Through Blackness

Author Octavia E. Butler, 1947 - 2006.
#journeythroughblackness

W.E.B. Du Bois - Journey Through Blackness

#journeythroughblackness

Black Reconstruction/
Begins with radical thought/
Followed by action. 

W.E.B. DuBois, (1868-1963), by Van Vechten, 1946.

Frances E. W. Harper - Journey Through Blackness

“We want more soul, a higher cultivation of all spiritual faculties. We need more unselfishness, earnestness, and integrity. We need men and women whose hearts are the homes of high and lofty enthusiasm and a noble devotion to the cause of emancipation, who are ready and willing to lay time, talent, and money on the altar of universal freedom.” --Frances E.W. Harper, The Anglo-African Magazine, 1859 

#journeythroughblackness

Echoing the truth

Across centuries that we

Are "bound together."

Frances E.W. Harper

(b. September 25, 1825 - d. February 22, 1911)

Abolitionist, feminist, poet, essayist, and novelist Frances Ellen Watkins Harper was the author of the first short story published by an African American. “The Two Offers” was published in 1859 in the Anglo-African. Just click on the links below to read the short story, as well as important poems and essays by Harper.

“The Two Offers” (1859)

Poems by Frances E.W. Harper

“The Slave Mother” (1854)

“The Slave Auction” (1854)

“Bury Me in a Free Land” (1864)

Speeches by Frances E.W. Harper

“We Are All Bound Up Together” (1866)

“The Great Problem to be Solved” (1875)

“A Heritage of Scorn” (1891)

“Then and Now” (1900)

Malcolm X - Journey Through Blackness

Malcolm X was assassinated on February 21, 1965. I would urge folks to watch the new documentary, Who Killed Malcolm X?, now showing on Netflix. It is an absorbing, 6-part series that has raised enough questions to prompt a new look at the case by the Manhattan district attorney. Click here for an article on the series.
#journeythroughblackness

Malcolm X proved that
Intellect is a potent
And lasting resource.

Malcolm X

(b. May 19, 1925 - d. February 21, 1965)

Frederick Douglass - Journey Through Blackness

Frederick Douglass, born ca. 1818, d. February 20, 1895.

#journeythroughblackness

If we must speak of heroes

Let us remember Douglass

Abolition’s soul.

Performing "Race" - Juanita Hall - Journey Through Blackness

Several years ago, I started posting images of prominent African American artists (writers, performers, dancers, painters, sculptors, etc.) from the Van Vechten archive at Yale University. Many of the portraits were newly digitized back then, so they had not been seen in volume prior to that time. For Black History Month, I thought I would revisit some of these images. This first one is of Juanita Hall, a New Jersey native and musical performer perhaps best known for her portrayal of "Bloody Mary" in Rodgers and Hammerstein's South Pacific. I would suggest readers check out more on Hall and some of the other African American figures that I will be posting images of over the next few weeks.
#journeythroughblackness

“South Pacific” and/

The racial implications/

Of “Bloody Mary.” 

Juanita Hall (1901-1968), by Van Vechten, 1953.

Toni Morrison - Journey Through Blackness

Author Toni Morrison, born February 18, 1931 - d. August 5, 2019.

#journeythroughblackness

Frances Harper & Camden Slave Auction - Journey Through Blackness

Last month, my Journey Through Blackness took me to Frances Harper's house in Philadelphia, and then to Eden Cemetery where she is buried. The cemetery was closed, so I will have to go back on another day. 
#journeythroughblackness

Today's Journey through Blackness culminated at Cooper’s Point Ferry (pictured below) on Camden's waterfront, which has now been marked as one of three slave auction sites. New Jersey was the last northern state to end slavery. It's right in front of the aquarium, at the intersection of Delaware and Federal. 

National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day - We're In This, Together!

Today is National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, held annually on February 7. This year's theme is “We're In This, Together.” Here in the United States, even as we have seen some decreases, the statistics remain alarming for African Americans. Black people continue to be disproportionately affected by HIV/AIDS, and today is a day that we can use to talk about HIV/AIDS. Click here for the black awareness day home page: NBHAAD

As noted by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), “The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that in 2018, blacks/African Americans accounted for 13% of the U.S. population but 42% of the 37,832 new HIV diagnoses in the United States and dependent areas.” Click here for the Centers for Disease Control's most recent statistics on the HIV rates in the black community: HIV and African Americans

So please use this awareness day (but not only this day!) to encourage folks to get tested. There are testing sites in Union County and throughout the state--here are just a few--click on the organization name to be taken to its website: 

Hyacinth AIDS Foundation 107 Park Avenue, 3rd Floor in Plainfield: 908-755-0021

Iris House 630 E. Front Street, Ste. 100 in Plainfield: 908-561-5057

Planned Parenthood/HIV Testing Elizabeth 1171 Elizabeth Avenue in Elizabeth: 908-351-5384

Proceed, Inc. 1126 Dickinson Street in Elizabeth: 908-351-7727

Click on the link below for a comprehensive list of sites in the area and in other communities:

HIV Testing Sites & Care Services Locator

Note: Cross-posted on both blogs.

Happy New Year - 2020 Roars In!

I wanted to take a moment to wish everyone a very Happy New Year! I have been so busy over the past couple of months that I have not posted to my blogs. I am excited about what this new year will bring, and I hope you are as well. 

This year, I want to focus more on writing about cultural events, literature, and film, but I will continue to post information about (mostly) local events in Plainfield, as well as continuing to highlight other aspects of our city. I am happy to have been re-elected to a full term on the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders, and I will continue to do my best to serve the residents of our county. 

Best,

Rebecca

Why I am Running for Freeholder

Why I am Running for Freeholder 

By Rebecca Williams 

About Me:

            I am a full-time faculty member of the English Department in the Division of Humanities at Essex County College. As a Freeholder, I serve on the following committees: Chair, Policy and Administrative Code Committee; Member, Open Space, Recreation, and Historic Preservation Trust Fund; Member, Parks, Public Works, and Facilities Committee; Liaison, Commission on the Status of Women; Liaison, LGBTQ Ad Hoc Committee. In addition to my legislative work and my occupation as a college professor, I currently serve as Eastern Division President of the Community College Humanities Association (CCHA), a national organization dedicated to preserving and strengthening the humanities in two-year colleges.

Why I am Running:

   I am running for re-election for a full term as a member of the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders because I am committed to public service and I see how important it is have a strong body to represent and serve all 21 municipalities within our county. I am proud to be a part of a Freeholder Board that closely examines the county budget to ensure that we are maintaining the high quality of services Union County residents have come to expect while we stabilize and, in some areas, lower taxes. The result is a good, responsible county budget that has stayed below the 2% cap. 

            As Chair of the Policy and Administrative Code Committee for the Freeholder board, I work to review, modify, and update ordinances, policies, and codes to be adopted by the full board. As a member of the Open Space Trust Fund, I work with my colleagues to augment the Union County Parks system by adding more acres for public recreation and conservation. I am in the forefront of LGBTQ advocacy, working with the Union County Office of LGBTQ Affairs on outreach and advocacy events to address housing, senior services, education, health, public safety, community engagement, and other areas of concern. In addition, I continue to advocate for shared services as part of the “Best Practices” continuum to help save tax dollars while maintaining quality services.

  I believe that you should vote for the team that will continue to provide support and resources, as well as the highest quality services available, to all Union County residents. I attend as many events in our municipalities as I am able to and, as a result, have gotten to know many outstanding residents, who share a variety of concerns and ideas with me. I have been on the board about a year and a half, and I am open and accessible to all constituents across the county, and you can (and do!) always reach me. I follow up on your concerns, and I reach back to you to ensure that you are satisfied with the result. I have always been a “grassroots” public servant, and being on the Freeholder board doesn’t change that—I remain mindful of the needs of all our residents as we advance our progressive agenda on your behalf.

            We have focused on improving our infrastructure (especially our roads, parks, and drainage), enhancing our open spaces and activities for the increased enjoyment of our residents during their leisure time, building on Workforce Development opportunities to bring more jobs to the county, and finding additional ways to increase efficiencies. Working with the Raritan Valley Rail Coalition and other elected officials, we advocated successfully for the return of the off-peak one seat ride for our RVL commuters, even as we continue to push for peak service.

            It is my distinct pleasure to be on the ballot with individuals such as Freeholder Chair Bette Jane Kowalski, Freeholder Sergio Granados, and Surrogate James LaCorte—all ethical, effective, dependable, and dedicated public servants with exemplary public service records. I am proud to be a part of this Democratic team and I hope that on Tuesday, November 5th, voters will re-elect all the Democrats in COLUMN A to keep moving Union County forward.

This Weekend: Haunted Halloween at the Plainfield Rescue Squad!

This Friday and Saturday (October 25 and 26), the Plainfield Rescue Squad (located at 700 West 7th Street in Plainfield--corner of Spooner Avenue) will host the PRS Cadet and Explorer 2nd Annual Haunted Rescue Squad and Harvest Festival! Last year, on a rainy and eerie night, the squad played host to hundreds of Plainfielders who came out in support of this fundraiser. I was one of those Plainfielders--it was awesomely scary, and I will be back this year for more! 

However, due to popular demand, the squad has extended the event to two days this year--as they note: "double the fright and double the fun, with different scares and themes for each night!" 

You are in for some fantastic chills and thrills as you enter the spooky atmosphere and try to make your way through the building as zombies, ghosts, vampires, and other creepy entities greet you in the haunted hallways. Don't forget to peer inside the haunted ambulance! If you are the non-scary type, you can still attend and enjoy the Harvest Festival portion, with free movies and popcorn! 

Below are the times:

Fri, Oct. 25: 6:00 pm - 10:00 pm I Sat, Oct. 26: 5:00 pm - 10:00 pm

The cost of admission is $5.00 per person at the door--if you bring a donation of a can/box/package of non-perishable food with you, the cost of admission is only $3.00.* Bring a few extra dollars if you want to purchase some of the Halloween-based refreshments. Come out and support our rescue squad--I look forward to seeing you there!

Click on the link for a preview: Haunted Rescue Squad and Harvest Festival!

*All donations will go to a Plainfield-based food pantry. 

Best,

Rebecca

Thursday, Oct. 24: First-time Home Buyer Workshop in Plainfield

Tomorrow, Thursday, October 24, beginning at 6:30 pm, the City of Plainfield will be co-hosting, with Address Yourself, a first-time home buyers workshop. The workshop will be held in the City Hall Library at Plainfield City Hall, 515 Watchung Avenue.

Learn the ins and outs of purchasing and maintaining a home. Among the topics covered will be budgeting, credit repair, down payment assistance, and home ownership counseling.  

Please RSVP to Annette Brent in Community Development at (908) 226-2557 or at annette.brent@plainfieldnj.gov.

Voting Machine Demonstration at Plainfield's National Night Out!

Many of you are probably aware that Plainfield will be using the new Express VoteXL voting machines beginning with the fall election on November 5, 2019. As your freeholder, I made a special request that Union County have a machine (along with staff) available at this year's National Night Out event on Tuesday, August 6 at Plainfield City Hall. The hands-on demonstrations of the new machines will take place from 5:30 - 8:30 pm, with trained Union County staff on hand to answer questions. 

Weekly demonstrations of the new machines are hosted at the Colleen Fraser Building (300 North Avenue East in Westfield) every Saturday from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm. In addition, we want to ensure that everyone is comfortable with the machines, so community groups are encouraged to contact the Union County Board of Elections to schedule demonstrations for their members. Email Administrator Nicole DiRado at ndirado@ucnj.org or call (908) 527-4123. 

I have added below video demonstrations of the new machines (in English and Spanish). See the press release below for full details on all the demonstrations across Union County. 

Union County - How to use EXPRESS XL VOTING MACHINE (English)

Union County - Máquinas de votación ExpressVote XL (Spanish Language)

Press Release

For Immediate Release: July 30, 2019

Union County Board of Elections to Hold Multiple ExpressVote XL Voter Machine Demonstrations at “National Night Out” Events Across the County

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Elections has added additional dates to the schedule of hands-on public demonstrations for Union County’s new ExpressVote XL voting machines this summer. Demonstrations will be held at several National Night Out Events across the County in the month of August.

“Union County was among the first three counties in New Jersey to introduce the new voting machines last year, and we are looking forward to having this new technology available in all 21 of our municipalities,” said Freeholder Chair Bette Jane Kowalski. “We encourage all residents to attend one of the upcoming demonstration sessions while enjoying these National Night Out events in their hometowns.”

All demonstrations are open to all Union County residents, voters and non-voters alike. Attendees are advised that photographing and/or video recording of voting machines used by Union County is prohibited. Demonstrations are scheduled at the following events:

August 6 – ExpressVote XL Voting Machine Public Demonstration

Meisel Park, Springfield – National Night Out

Time: 6:00 – 9:00pm

August 6 – ExpressVote XL Voting Machine Public Demonstration

Summit National Night Out – 356 Broad Street, Summit

Time: 6:00 – 9:00pm

August 6 – ExpressVote XL Voting Machine Public Demonstration

Plainfield National Night Out- 515 Watchung Avenue

5:30 – 8:30pm

August 6 – ExpressVote XL Voting Machine Public Demonstration

Roselle Park National Night Out, Chestnut Street (Gazebo)

5:00 – 9:00pm

August 6 – ExpressVote XL Voting Machine Public Demonstration

Linden National Night Out, in front of city hall, Wood Avenue

Time: 5:00 – 7:00pm

August 6 – ExpressVote XL Voting Machine Public Demonstration

Clark National Night Out – Parking lot next to the Recreation Center

430 Westfield Avenue

Time: 6:00 – 9:00pm

August 6 – ExpressVote XL Voting Machine Public Demonstration

Roselle National Night Out –210 Chestnut Street (Between 1ST and 3rd Ave)

5:00 – 8:00pm

August 6 – ExpressVote XL Voting Machine Public Demonstration

Cranford National Night Out – In front of Municipal Building – 8 Springfield Ave

Time: 6:00 – 9:00pm

August 6 – ExpressVote XL Voting Machine Public Demonstration

Scotch Plains National Night Out –430 Park Ave – grass area on Stage House side

6:00 – 9:00pm

Voters in Westfield piloted the new machines in the 2018 General Elections.  Eight additional municipalities started using the new machines starting with the Primary Election on June 4, and the remaining 12 county municipalities will use them starting with the General Election in November.

For those interested, weekly demonstrations are being held every Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Colleen Fraser Building in the Union County Complex at 300 North Avenue East in Westfield.  For additional outreach events, visit the Board of Elections’ website at www.ucnj.org/ucboe.

The schedule will be updated on the Elections Board website at ucnj.org/ucboe as events are added. A video demonstration of the new machines is also available in English and Spanish, online at ucnj.org/ucboe.

Please contact the Union County Election Board to schedule a demonstration for your community group by calling 908-527-4123 or emailing ndirado@ucnj.org.