The Fierce
Urgency
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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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The Three Pillars of Social Justice
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In the News
America’s Original Sin and its Vestiges Belong to its States - Including N.J.
August 19, 2019Institute President and CEO Ryan Haygood writes for NJ.com:
Four hundred years ago this month, Black people arrived in Jamestown, brought to America as captives.
The issue of America’s original sin and its lasting stain have led to a national conversation about reparations this anniversary year, with people asking who is responsible, for how long, and what to do about it.
But the reparations conversation must occur at the state level, too, with each state confronting its historical role in American slavery, as well as the modern day vestiges that continue to harm descendants of enslaved Black people, while simultaneously conferring advantages to the descendants of that system’s beneficiaries.
In doing so, we must acknowledge the direct line from American slavery to today’s system of voter suppression, racial wealth disparities, mass incarceration, and racial segregation.
Report Urges NJ To Spend More On Keeping Kids Out Of Jail
August 09, 2019New Jersey has increased the amount spent on incarcerating youth by 370% in the last two decades. Over the same time period, state funding on efforts meant to keep kids out of prison, or from returning once they're released, has increased by only 50%.
LTE: You Matter. Be Counted. Everyone Counts. New Jersey 2020 Census
August 09, 2019As someone who values the voice our democracy gives us, I appreciate the Hopewell Township Committee’s resolution passed at its June 3 meeting in support of an accurate 2020 Census count. The next decennial census begins on April 1, 2020 (No fooling!).
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Institute Releases Bring Our Children Home: Building Up Kids Through New Jersey's Youth Services Commissions
August 07, 2019 -
Blueprint for a New Newark
July 26, 2019 -
Why You Shouldn’t Underestimate a Tech Startup From Newark
July 26, 2019 -
A Commons for All: Vanguard Newark’s Big Idea Challenge
July 24, 2019 -
NJ SPENDING $9 MILLION TO GET PEOPLE TO ANSWER CENSUS 2020
July 24, 2019
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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.