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The Institute seeks to ensure that urban residents live in a society that respects their humanity, provides equality of economic opportunity, empowers them to use their voice in the political process, and protects equal justice.
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In the News
A package of apprenticeship bills based on the Institute’s policy recommendations are making their way through the NJ legislature|
May 17, 2019On Thursday, May 16, Senior Counsel and Director of the Economic Mobility Initiative Demelza Baer testified before the New Jersey General Assembly Labor Committee in support of four bills, which were unanimously passed by the Committee. These bills include A-4604 (S-3066), which would support the development of three adult apprenticeship pilot programs in high-growth industries in the northern, central, and southern regions of the state; A-4655 (S-3063), which would provide tuition fee waivers for apprenticeship courses at public colleges and universities, and county vocational schools; A-4656 (S-3064), which would establish a task force to develop a state plan to diversify apprenticeships, especially by gender, race, and disability status, through industry-specific recommendations; and A-4829 (S-3068), which would establish a peer-to-peer statewide apprenticeship mentoring program for women, people of color, and people with disabilities, all groups that are currently under-represented in federally-registered apprenticeship programs. The Institute's written testimony is available here.
Coalition of Black Organizations Challenges Status Quo in Trenton
May 04, 2019May 1, 2019
Black voters in New Jersey were critical to Gov. Philip Murphy’s ascent to the state’s highest political office. The former Goldman Sachs banker and Democrat had never held public office before. And a majority of whites —53 percent — voted for his opponent, former Republican Lt. Gov. Kim Guadagno, in New Jersey’s 2017 gubernatorial race.
But 94 percent of black voters pulled the lever for Murphy.
As Bernie Sanders Says 'No Apologies' for His Position, 70+ Groups Back Call for Prisoner Voting Rights
May 04, 2019The advocacy organizations called on all 2020 presidential candidates to "publicly commit to ending felony disenfranchisement"
April 30, 2019
Sen. Bernie Sanders on Tuesday unequivocally doubled down on his position that prisoners should have the right to vote—as dozens of civil rights groups urged every other 2020 Democratic presidential candidate to adopt the same stance.
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Governor Murphy Taps Faith Leaders Support For Criminal Justice Reform
May 04, 2019 -
NJ Proposal Would Use Tax Dollars to Match Savings Accounts For Working Poor
May 04, 2019 -
Bernie Sanders Is Right: We Should Let the Boston Marathon Bomber Vote
May 04, 2019 -
Baraka Clarifies Stance on Youth Jails, Rehabilitation Centers
May 04, 2019 -
United Black Agenda Group and 150 Years is Enough Campaign Respond to Governor Murphy’s Youth Justice Statement
May 04, 2019
Upcoming Events
Sat, May 18, 2019
01:30 PM
403 S Orange Ave, Newark, NJ 07103, United States
West Side High School
Newark, NJ
Lock Arms To Unlock Our Kids
The people have spoken unequivocally: Do not build a youth prison in Newark. Or anywhere else in New Jersey. We do not need more youth prisons. Join us to urge Governor Murphy to halt New Jersey’s ...Given the significant challenges we face, we have only two options: to embrace chaos or embrace community. We choose community. Join us as we work to bend our neighborhoods toward the beloved community.