Afternoon Tea With K Britt Chats On: Honoring Cheryl Holloway-Reeves A Long Branch Original, Ivy Harrington of Neptune NJ Crowned Miss NJ 2025!!!, Rep Justin Pearson Takes A Righteous Stand, & More
- Karen Brittingham-Edmond
- 6 days ago
- 5 min read
Updated: 4 days ago
April 7, 2025
Current Affairs & Community News
In Memory of Our Cherished Sister Cheryl Holloway-Reeves
A Long Branch NJ Original
Long Branch NJ - Cheryl will be profoundly missed, yet her spirit will continue to shine brightly in the hearts and minds of all who know her. She passionately advocated for relaunching The Echo, New Jersey's oldest Black-owned newspaper. As the publisher of The Echo, I can wholeheartedly attest to the unwavering support and encouragement that Cheryl provided our Echo community. Growing up and working at Monmouth Medical Center from 1977 to 2003, Cheryl was an incredible source of strength and kindness. I always found her presence unique; she exuded warmth and made it clear that anyone could turn to her if they faced any troubles concerning racism in the hospital. No one dared to challenge or disrespect Cheryl because Sista Reeves wasn't having it. And everyone feared her correction that put the fear of God in even the highest professional at Monmouth Medical.
During my formative years (14 to 17 yrs old) as a junior dietary aide and then a junior emergency room secretary, there was no one better at making you feel welcome at what I affectionately call Ma-Med than Cheryl Holloway-Reeves. I remember a time when Monmouth Medical's volunteer candy stripers included Black teenagers like Cheryl. And how neighborhood moms would encourage us to "be a Candy Striper like Mrs. Holloway's daughter Cheryl!" Cheryl led a many young Black High school students to actually volunteer at the hospital where with many of us acquired are first real job opportunity -besides baby sitting - using Cheryl Holloway as one of our primary references. For many teenagers entering Monmouth Medical Center during the 60s, 70s, and early 80s, it was our first experience seeing a wide range of Black medical professionals, including Black RNs, LPNs, Doctors, Administers, Security Guards, and office staff who proudly embraced their heritage. These individuals became pillars of inspiration, encouraging many to pursue careers in the medical field and succeed. As Cheryl continued to receive promotions within Monmouth Medical Center, we observed her over the years with her signature cigarette and reassuring smile grow at Monmouth Medical Center.
However, the landscape began to change in the early to mid-1980s with a significant influx of Middle Eastern and South Pacific populations entering American hospitals. This demographic shift gradually transformed the predominantly Black workforce of nurses, secretaries, doctors, and other professionals, who had mainly been Black citizens. Monmouth Medical Center was known for its family-oriented work environment, providing excellent events, affordable healthcare, generous bonuses, and enjoyable summer picnics and Christmas parties for employees and their families before downsizing with Saint Barnabas. Through it all, Cheryl's joyful laughter and radiant smile were constants that brought warmth and love to our community at Monmouth Medical Center. Her legacy of kindness and advocacy will forever be cherished. Continued prays of grace and mercy for the Holloway Reeves family as this wonderful person has transitioned into our faithful Savior Jesus Christ arms with everlasting joy.
Per Cheryl's obituary provided by Lawson's Funeral Services shares:
"Cheryl’s faith was the cornerstone of her life. She was a devoted member of Second Baptist Church of Long Branch, where she found strength, purpose, and community. She also served as a proud member of the Women’s Usher Board, greeting every soul who walked through the church doors with the warmth and kindness that defined her spirit." https://www.lawsonfuneralservice.com/obituaries/cheryl-reeves-4-7-2025/
Picture Source: Wix Media
Neptune, New Jersey's Own
Miss Ivy Harrington Is Miss New Jersey 2025
Neptune NJ - This year's Miss New Jersey competition took place at the elegant Hilton Parsippany Hotel, located at 1 Hilton Ct, Parsippany-Troy Hills, NJ. We at the relaunched Echo are thrilled to announce that the winner is none other than Ivy Harrington, hailing from Neptune, New Jersey! She has been crowned Miss New Jersey 2025. Miss Harrington, a stunning Black beauty, has brought a wave of local pride with her victory. As our Echo readers may recall, in 2023, a Nigerian beauty, Miss Derby Chukwudi, was crowned Miss NJ USA, marking the end of a 13-year dry spell without a Black Miss NJ. https://www.echonewstv.com/post/how-women-s-leadership-is-shaping-the-future-celebrating-women-s-history-month-2024-with-miss-nj-u
However, times have changed in the 21st century. A heartfelt congratulations to Ivy Harrington from Neptune, New Jersey! Neptune, let your Scarlet Flyers Flags wave high for Miss NJ 2025 Miss. Ivy Harrington. Want to learn more about the Miss New Jersey Pageant click the link here: https://missnewjerseyusa.com/
Check Out The Motivational Dance Video by U.S. Representative For Texas's 30th Congressional District Jasmine Crockett:
ABSOLUTELY AMAZING!!!!!
CLICK THE LINK: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/rtM0x76B81g
Dispute Over JBJ Soul Foundation's Impact
On Homelessness In Toms River
Toms River NJ - Dorothea and Jon Bon Jovi are in a dispute with Toms River Mayor Daniel Rodrick, who claims the JBJ Soul Foundation is responsible for attracting homeless individuals to the Ocean County Library by operating a soup kitchen. Rodrick criticized county officials for allegedly transforming the library into a "day shelter and soup kitchen" and ignoring his concerns. The JBJ Soul Foundation has run the JBJ Soul Kitchen in Toms River for nearly nine years, serving over 200,000 meals across its locations. The temporary library location, which opened in February, offers meals at reduced prices through a program where those in need volunteer in exchange for meals, while also connecting them to essential services. Rodrick's comments are part of a broader conflict with county officials over homelessness in downtown Toms River. Jon and Dorothea Bon Jovi emphasized their commitment to ending homelessness by providing access to employment, mental health support, and housing resources through the JBJ Soul Kitchen. To learn more please check out Karen Wall's article titled Bon Jovi, Wife Push Back On Toms River Mayor's 'Soup Kitchen' Claim: https://patch.com/new-jersey/middletown-nj/s/j8uly/bon-jovi-wife-push-back-on-toms-river-mayors-soup-kitchen-claim?utm_source=local-update&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=alert&user_email=8b63617579edf54cbadf7183154015d85784f08e1cf6f4064784661f1b651b81&user_email_md5=e90707a6228d470c252bb1bc33689a6b&lctg=6571e20423b29a937d012200
Appreciation For Tennesse Representative Justin Pearson's Stand Against Representative Andrew Farmer On March 26, 2025!
Nashville, TN State Rep. Justin Pearson (D-Memphis) passionately confronted Rep. Andrew Farmer (R-Sevierville) during an intense committee meeting on March 26, 2025, after a fiery exchange turned personal. Pearson was presenting a crucial bill to end permitless carry of firearms, having been absent from the Capitol due to the tragic suicide of his brother. With fervor, he highlighted the urgent need to tackle the gun violence epidemic, declaring, "We need to do something about the gun violence epidemic." In an unprofessional and racist manner, Farmer criticized Pearson's absence, implying he had "no right to speak on hard work." Angered by these remarks, Pearson fiercely defended his absence, explaining how his brother's death had devastated his family. https://www.npr.org/2023/04/12/1169444850/justin-pearson-vote-memphis-tennessee-house
Despite Farmer's uncaring demeanor, Pearson continued to express his frustration. Notably, Rep. Andrew Farmer was among those who unjustly targeted Tennessee Representatives Justin Pearson and Justin Jones. These two dynamic young Black lawmakers have overcome significant challenges, having been expelled in 2023 for their bold gun control protest on the House floor, only to be reinstated by local officials shortly after. This history of contention between Farmer and Pearson is marked by Farmer's implicit and explicit racist attempts to derail the careers of these promising young leaders. Pearson later took to Instagram to share his dismay at having to defend his grief in the subcommittee, strongly criticizing Farmer's approach. Please click the link: Roland Martin Unfiltered https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xlKy2JM7X2k
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