top of page
Writer's pictureKaren Brittingham-Edmond

Afternoon Tea With K. Britt Topic Chats On Red Bank Police Arrest - Rutgers Rites of Passage 2024 - Senior Citizen Eviction Crisis & About B.O.S. (Rutgers Black Organization of Students) And More!

Updated: Jun 28

May 8, 2024

Echoed News


Black Organization of Students (B.O.S.) Rites of Passage Event

Happening This Wednesday At Rutger's University, May 8, 2024



Dear readers, please take note of the following information shared by Mr. Denniston Bonadie, Co-Founder and Vice-President for Program Development of the Global Literacy Project, Inc. and Rutgers African American Alumni (RAAA), Inc. Memo:


"Although many years had passed since a Rites of Passage ceremony was last held on the Newark campus, the spark was reignited in 1993 at the New Brunswick campus. This was made possible through the initiative of students, supported by the Paul Robeson Cultural Center. In the 2018-2019 academic year, former students from Rutgers-Newark, who had previously attended the ceremony to support their friends in New Brunswick, reached out for support.


In response, the Rutgers African-American Alumni Alliance and the three former students who had led the New Brunswick ROP warmly answered their call. Together, they successfully established the current Rutgers-Newark ROP in May 2019, showcasing the strength of collaboration and a shared sense of purpose."


We are grateful to Mr. Bonadie for sharing this insightful update.



The 'Rites of Passage' event, founded by Mr. Joseph Browne and retired U.S. Army 1st Lieutenant Mr. Robert Curvin in the 1970s, was a product of the Black Organization of Students Society at Rutgers University. Later, educated social policy graduate Dr. William P. Jones became an active ceremony advocate in the 1990s. Although many years had passed since a Rites of Passage ceremony was last held on the Newark campus, the spark was reignited in 1993 at the New Brunswick campus. This was made possible through the initiative of students, supported by the Paul Robeson Cultural Center. In the 2018-2019 academic year, former students from Rutgers-Newark, who had previously attended the ceremony to support their friends in New Brunswick, reached out for support.


In response, the Rutgers African-American Alumni Alliance and the three former students who had led the New Brunswick ROP (Rights of Passage) warmly answered their call. Together, they successfully established the current Rutgers-Newark ROP in May 2019, showcasing the strength of collaboration and a shared sense of purpose." The event was created to celebrate the achievements of African American students and has since become an important tradition for students of color.



The B.O.S. Mission Statement


"Section 1:  It shall be the purpose of this organization first, to deal with the education of Black People; second, to bring about an awareness of the dynamic impact that Black people have made historically in shaping all spheres of today's world; third, to work towards progressive development of the policies and practices of Rutgers University, Newark, and communities at-large in addressing the needs aspirations of Black students, in particular, and Third World people, in general; fourth, to provide a modus operandi in higher educational ambiance."  


The 'Rites of Passage' event at Rutgers University is an inspirational ceremony that celebrates the accomplishments of Rutgers' graduating students of color. Since its concept initiative in the 70s, the B.O.S. was strongly influenced by the social unrest following the Newark Riots and an era of Civil Rights struggle. The Rutgers Rites of Passage has stood as a testament to the unique challenges Black students face in their educational journey plus changing times.


The event will take place this Wednesday, May 8th, 2024, 3:00 P.M.– 5:00 P.M. Participation in the Rites of Passage Ceremony and reception is free for graduates and guests! Registration includes:

  • 1 free Kente cloth stole

  • Free digital downloadable Rites of Passage Ceremony invites

  • Unlimited guests for the ceremony


Per Rutger University's announcement: "As part of the tradition of Rites of Passage, graduating students will have the opportunity to speak on their journey and capture this momentous occasion or perform through song, dance, spoken word, or other unique talent. Additionally, non-graduates can participate as ceremony emcees or assist in reading the names of the graduates during the program."

Please support this time-honored event.



Current Crisis Of Senior Citizens Being Displaced

In N.J. By Unethical Lawyers


It is sad but predictable to report that now senior citizens are experiencing being targeted for evictions and displacement. Monmouth County residents have already witnessed the countless numbers of long-term citizen's children who grew up in NJ and, once growing up and becoming parents, with children being repeatedly blocked from obtaining homes because of high rents, blocked access to housing assistance, redlining, & HUD's Jim Crow Credit Checks, plus housing bubble ("A housing bubble is a run-up in home prices fueled by demand, speculation, and exuberance that bursts when demand falls as supply increases.")


Monmouth ACTs is attempting to share information that can help stop the scandal and shame of senior evictions. Please attend one of these very informative, accessible meetings located in Red Bank, Hazlet, and Allentown.


Man Arrested At The Wind Mill Restautant in Red Bank


On the evening of May 1, 2024, Edgar Moran Rivera was arrested by the Red Bank Police at the Wind Mill Hotdog Restaurant on Bridge Ave in Red Bank N.J. The police were alerted by a patron who witnessed Rivera brandishing a black semi-automatic handgun from his pocket. When the police arrived, they spotted Rivera, who matched the caller's description. As one of the officers approached Rivera, Lieutenant Matt Ehrenreich noticed a large bulge in his front pocket. Upon further inspection, Ehrenreich discovered a loaded ".380 Smith & Wesson body style handgun with a laser attachment," which had been reported stolen from the Wapakoneta, Ohio Police Department. Police proceeded to place Rivera underarrest.


Rivera will be more than likely released and not charged for his actions because Sanctuary States and Counties located in New York, New Jersey, and Illinois for example allow undocumented immigrants the right to bring plus own guns, into America illegally. As in the case of the U.S. District Court Judge Sharon Coleman of the Northern District of Illinois dismissed a firearm possession charge against Heriberto Carbajal-Flores, who was illegally or unlawfully in the United States when he brandished his illegal handgun in the Little Village neighborhood of Chicago IL. Per a report shared by Newsweek reporter Nick Mordowanec on March 20, 2024. Flores, like many illegal and unvetted immigrants, are given a pass to not be prosecuted for being a threat to the American public, even if the gun they possess is illegal or stolen. This is another flawed action of Sanctuary Movement Policy Makers. https://www.ncsl.org/immigration/sanctuary-policy-faq


However, it is important to remember that the laws and regulations regarding immigration and gun possession in the United States are determined by the government and should be followed accordingly.  Nevertheless, if a citizen brandishes a stolen .380 Smith and Wesson handgun in a public place, citizens can be prosecuted under state and federal laws. So how does that make you feel? Give us your feedback, and let's talk about it.

 

To learn more about the incident, please click the redbankgreen link.




Princeton Professor Who Was A Strong Advocate For Open Data Is Struck By A Van In Scottland


It is with great sadness that we share the news of Dr. William Noel's passing. Dr. Noel served as the Associate University Librarian for Special Collections, Princeton, Chair of PACSCL. Where he was known for his open data advocacy and for making unique historical artifacts available to the public. On April 10, 2024, while visiting Scotland, Dr. Noel was involved in an accident and was subsequently taken to the Royal Infirmary in Edinburgh. Noel was suddenly struck by a van while walking. Despite the best efforts of the medical team, Dr. Noel passed away from his injuries on April 30, 2024. Our thoughts and condolences are with Dr. Noel's family, friends, and colleagues during this difficult time. Wix Media GIF

Noel's advocacy for open data is highly significant for several reasons. Open data pertains to information that is freely accessible to the public without any restrictions or copyright limitations. In terms of information accessibility, this means that individuals can access data without any barriers or limitations. This includes easy access to slave records, original deeds, medieval records, and even treaties from the past.


Access to authentic writings is a valuable resource that provides insights into the history, culture, and traditions of the past. By making these manuscripts available to the public, we can learn about and appreciate ancient texts, which can promote a better understanding of cultures and societies from the past. Open access to these manuscripts can also help facilitate research and scholarship, leading to new discoveries and insights about the past.


While it is difficult to generalize, individuals or groups may prefer to keep certain historical information hidden from the public for various reasons, such as personal or political gain or to avoid negative publicity that's true. However, it is important to promote transparency and access to historical information to ensure that we can learn from the past and promote a better future for all. 













Comments


  • Facebook
  • Instagram

HELP KEEP THE ECHO PRESS RUNNING

Your donation is greatly appreciated!

bottom of page