This nomination couldn’t come at a more pressing and important moment.

A moment when we are fighting for the soul of this country.

When the cracks of structural racism are erupting in earthquakes across America, and across New Jersey.

When racial disparities in wealth, education, health outcomes and democracy assault our very notions of justice.

And yes, when the undeniable truth that Black lives matter is being tested by the repeated police killings of Black people.

As our courts will be a key place for justice to emerge from the current turmoil, it is essential that New Jersey’s people of color are represented there.

We look forward to Ms. Pierre-Louis’s confirmation and participation on a court that at critical moments has stood for justice, equality, and fairness.

Ryan P. Haygood, CEO & President, New Jersey Institute for Social Justice;

Elise Boddie, Founder, The Inclusion Project, Rutgers Law School;

Rev. Dr. Charles F. Boyer, Executive Director, Salvation and Social Justice;

Carolyn Chang, Past President and Current Social Justice Committee Chair, Association of Black Women Lawyers of New Jersey;

Rev. Eric Dobson, Vice President, Fair Share Housing Center & Co-Convener, Black Multifaith Alliance; Reva Foster, Chair, NJ Black Issues Convention;

Jerry Harris, Vice Chair, New Jersey Institute for Social Justice Board of Trustees;

Richard T. Smith, President, NAACP New Jersey State Conference