Can We Make New Jersey an Equitable Place to Live, Vote and Thrive?

Conversation on Equity Hosted by Lawrence LWV

Assemblywoman Verlina Reynolds-Jackson and leaders of the Black Solidarity Group of Lawrence are the panelists addressing “Can We Make New Jersey an Equitable Place to Live, Vote and Thrive?” in a roundtable discussion on Wednesday, April 7, 2021 at 7 PM via Zoom. Program members will include Kyla Allen, Jayda-Milan Parker and Kayla Phillips in a conversation about equity and inclusion in Mercer County facilitated by Dr. Simona L. Brickers of the Lawrence League of Women Voters. The public is invited

Over the past year, our country has endured a global pandemic, the murder of George Floyd, global protests in support of Black Lives Matter, a presidential election, and an insurrection at our nation’s Capitol. All this, while adhering to statewide guidelines for social distancing, mask-wearing, hand-washing, hybrid schools, limitations on public gatherings, virtual business, and online meetings of all kinds.

“A lot has transpired and there is more to come,” says Dr. Simona L. Brickers, who serves as DEI Chair of the Lawrence League. “This is why it is time to have this important conversation. Our panelists will focus on what changes have been made, what is emerging, and what else needs to be accomplished to make New Jersey a more equitable place to live, vote, and thrive. By engaging local elected leaders and local grassroots organizers, we will have a candid discussion, which for some may include difficult topics but necessary to connect with our members and the community at large.”

The League of Women Voters has a long history of voter advocacy, but is known to have excluded the voices of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC), a fact that the League owns and acknowledges as part of its history. However, 2020 forced a heightened recognition of the implications of institutional racism; this was a moment when the LWV formally committed to focus on diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI).

Local Leagues have taken this effort seriously and have championed this commitment in practice and included the vision in their mission. The LWV of Lawrence will be hosting this event to honor its pledge to antiracism. We welcome feedback and the opportunity to assist our members and community grow as antiracist.

This program is free and all are welcome. Your pre-registration is required. To pre-register go to the Lawrence League of Women Voters website at www.LWVLT.org. For more information email our League at LWVofLawrence@gmail.com or  phone 609-301-0401.