Lt. Gov. Oliver and State Legislators to Join Institute for Making Black Lives Really Matter in New Jersey

Event Will Feature Institute’s Action Agenda for 2021-2022

NEWARK – On January 21 at 7 pm, the New Jersey Institute for Social Justice will host Making Black Lives Really Matter in New Jersey: An Action Agenda for 2021-2022.

The event, which will be streamed on Zoom and Facebook Live @NJISJ, will feature Institute staff as well as Lt. Gov. Sheila Oliver and several state legislators for a discussion on the deep racial disparities in New Jersey, exacerbated by the current public health and economic crisis.

At the event, the Institute will present its recently released Action Agenda laying out its recommended legislative and policy reforms to close the racial wealth gap, transform the youth justice system, keep communities safe, provide democracy for all and repair the harm of enduring racism.

From the ravaging of the coronavirus pandemic, to persistent violence by police against Black people, to disparities in wealth, health and criminal justice, we are seeing deeply embedded cracks of structural racism in our foundation erupt into earthquakes in Black communities.

With all seats in the New Jersey Legislature and the Governor’s seat up for election this year, it is essential to seize this urgent moment to repair these cracks of structural racism and build a new foundation.

WHAT: Making Black Lives Really Matter in New Jersey: An Action Agenda for 2021-2022

WHEN: Thursday, Jan. 21, 7 pm ET

WHERE: Register on Zoom or watch on Facebook Live @NJISJ

WHO:

Lt. Gov. Sheila Oliver

State Legislators:

• ​​​​​​Sen. Sandra Cunningham (LD 31)
• Asw. Verlina Reynolds-Jackson (LD 15)
• Asw. Shavonda Sumter (LD 35)
• Asm. Benjie Wimberly (LD 35)

Institute staff:

• Andrea McChristian, Law & Policy Director (Moderator)
• Ashanti Jones, Community Engagement Manager
• Brooke Lewis, Associate Counsel
• Tiara Moultrie, Policy Associate
• Henal Patel, Democracy & Justice Program Director
• Laura Sullivan, Economic Justice Program Director