Afternoon Tea With KBritt Chats On: Middletown Brd of Education Controversy, 30 Black Churches Receive 8.5 Million Dollars in Grants, TD Bank Scandal + Closures and more
- Karen Brittingham-Edmond
- Mar 20
- 8 min read
March 19, 2025
Local Updates & Cultural News
Community Unites in Crisis Amid Economic Uncertainty
RED BANK, NJ: In a week already marked by the unsettling announcement from the White House about impending layoffs affecting hundreds of thousands of American workers, including many families struggling to make ends meet, an inspiring act of community bravery unfolded on Wednesday, March 19th. A report by Sara Winick of the Middletown Patch shared how a group of bystanders came together to rescue a woman trapped beneath an SUV in Red Bank, a touching reminder of the strength of community spirit in trying times.
The incident occurred around 2 P.M. on Monmouth Street, just outside Teak Restaurant and Bar in Red Bank. Witnesses reported the chaos that ensued as the SUV struck the woman, pinning her underneath. As the sound of the collision echoed, a dozen bystanders promptly mobilized, showcasing their extraordinary courage and quick thinking.
With a sense of urgency, the group worked in unison to lift the heavy vehicle off the woman. Their efforts paid off when she was finally freed, appearing conscious and responsive, a hopeful sign amidst the distressing scene. Emergency medical services arrived shortly thereafter, transporting her to Jersey Shore Medical Center for further evaluation and treatment. The woman suffered serious injuries, including fractured ribs, a fractured pelvis, and a collapsed lung. Yet, her stable condition following the incident is a testament to the bystanders' timely intervention, shared by The Red Bank Green online eNewspaper by Brian Donohue. No one understands why the ambulance took the injured woman to Jersey Shore Medical Center located in Neptune, New Jersey, instead of Riverview Hospital, located just up the street where the incident occurred in Red Bank, NJ.
Nevertheless, this act of heroism comes at a time when many American families are grappling with the anxiety of job insecurity and financial strain. As parents worry about tuition funds for their children's education amidst mass layoffs, moments like these underscore the significance of community support and the impact of collective action.
Moreover, this incident serves as a crucial reminder for pedestrians to exercise caution while navigating busy streets. The fast-paced environment and distractions from personal worries can lead to dangerous situations. Ensuring safety for all road users is vital, especially as communities face unprecedented challenges.
The Red Bank incident exemplifies how ordinary individuals can rise to the occasion and make a difference even in the face of hardship. As many families reassess their financial stability and seek support systems, the bravery displayed by those residents reaffirms the importance of community ties in times of crisis.
Picture Source: Black PRWire
Voices for Change: Parents Rally Against Proposed
School Closures in Middletown
Middletown NJ: In a dramatic turn, the Middletown Democratic Party has taken a decisive stand against the school board's controversial proposal to close three local schools as part of the upcoming 2025-'26 budget. This decision has sparked widespread outrage among parents and community members, leading to a significant protest during a recent Board of Education meeting on March 18, 2025, at the Middletown North High School Library. As voices of concern echoed through the streets, citizens united in their belief in the civic right to demand accountability and transparency from their local governing bodies.
The core of the opposition is not just the proposed closures, but their potential impact on children's education. Parents argue that these cuts could lead to larger class sizes, reduced resources, and a decline in educational quality—an unacceptable scenario for their children's future. The Middletown Democratic Party resonates with these concerns, criticizing the board for prioritizing politically charged issues over the essential mission of providing a quality educational experience.
Adding to the discontent is the board's controversial decision to abandon the Strategic Planning process in 2021, viewed as a critical misstep in the pursuit of long-term educational improvement. Instead, the board seems focused on costly lawsuits, leaving parents feeling their children's education is being sacrificed for political agendas.
The situation was further aggravated when many parents arrived at the Board meeting only to be left outside, unable to voice their concerns due to inadequate accommodations. This experience has led many to question the board's commitment to community engagement, wondering why such an important discussion was held in a small venue.
As advocates prepare to seek the governor's support to prevent these school closures, they have several compelling arguments. First, they can highlight that closing schools disproportionately affects vulnerable communities and exacerbates inequality, ultimately limiting educational opportunities for those who need them most. Second, parents can argue that investing in schools is investing in the future of the community; quality education is linked to societal advancement, economic growth, and reduced crime rates.
In this battle for Middletown's children's future, the voices of concerned parents and the Democratic Party continue to rise, demanding that the board prioritize education over political agendas and reaffirm their commitment to the community they serve. The outcome of this struggle will resonate far beyond the walls of the school boardroom, shaping the educational landscape for generations to come. To learn more, please check out Carly Baldwin's article in the Middletown Patch titled "Middletown Democrats Condemn Proposal From District To Close 3 Schools." By clicking the link: https://patch.com/new-jersey/middletown-nj/middletown-democrats-condemn-proposal-district-close-3-schools
Dirty Money: The TD Bank's Role in Funding Crime
Cherry Hill NJ: Once a prominent name in New Jersey's financial scene, TD Bank is now at the center of a scandal that has seized national attention. On June 5, 2025, the bank will shut down its branches in Holmdel, Marlton, Ringwood, and Spring Lake Heights, a decision presented as essential to meet evolving customer demands. Yet, this coincides with a much darker narrative unfolding behind the scenes.
Based in Cherry Hill, TD Bank recently faced a federal courtroom, admitting guilt in a massive money laundering scheme in 2024. The consequences of this admission are monumental: a $3 billion fine and a damning indictment of the bank's practices over a decade, which allowed illicit funds to flow freely to Colombian drug cartels. This is not merely a financial restructuring; it's a confrontation with a legacy of corruption that indicates collusion at alarming levels.
During this period, TD Bank consistently failed to fulfill its obligations under the Federal Bank Secrecy Act. Essentially, they became a conduit for criminal proceeds—money destined for violence, trafficking, and even more sinister enterprises—enriching cartels and endangering N.J. communities near and far. To exacerbate these revelations, certain employees allegedly accepted bribes to manipulate transaction reports, a betrayal of trust that facilitated the laundering of over $400 million for drug traffickers.
This scandal raises issues far beyond banking practices; it delves deep into the murky waters of ethics and accountability. The closures of TD Bank branches—located at 85 Pompton Ave. in Cedar Grove, 1 Royal Rd. in Flemington, 670 Laurel Ave. in Holmdel, 191 E. Rte. 70 in Marlton, 145 Skyline Dr. in Ringwood, and 555 Warren Ave. in Spring Lake Heights—mark a pivotal moment in TD Bank's history. These locations, once trusted pillars of the community, now serve as a stark reminder of the repercussions of corporate negligence and moral compromise.
As TD Bank seeks to maintain 216 locations across New Jersey in the wake of this scandal, the focus shifts to ensuring a smooth transition for its customers. Yet, the shadow of its past dealings looms large, leaving many to question whether they can trust a bank that so recklessly handled the very fabric of financial integrity. In light of the revelations and impending closures, one can't help but wonder what other secrets might lurk beneath the surface of seemingly mundane transactions and how many more institutions might be ensnared in the tangled web of crime and finance.
Picture Source: Black PRWire
Preserving the Pillars of Community: Historic Black
Churches Receive Vital Funding for Restoration
Detroit NY, Philadelphia PA: Exciting news for the preservation of African American history! Black churches across the nation have been awarded an incredible $8.5 million to breathe new life into their historic structures!
The African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund, through the National Trust for Historic Preservation and with generous support from Lilly Endowment Inc., is administering these transformative grants. Ranging from $50,000 to $500,000, these funds aim to tackle urgent preservation needs and bolster local stewardship efforts, as reported by Matt Yan of the New York Times on March 2, 2025, in his article "Black Churches Are Awarded $8.5 Million in Grants for Preservation." This follows Clyde McGrady's eye-opening piece from September 29, 2024, titled "The Black Church Has a Gen Z Issue: They Don't Come Into The Building Anymore," which sparked public awareness. https://savingplaces.org/african-american-cultural-heritage
Brent Leggs, the fund's dynamic executive director, passionately underscores the significance of these sacred places, declaring, "We wanted to leverage the tools of historic preservation to ensure the long-term viability and sustainability of these historic landmarks that are crucial in understanding the fabric of American life and history."
Since its ambitious start in 2023, the $60 million Preserving Black Churches initiative has partnered with 108 congregations, investing a remarkable $19.5 million to safeguard these cultural treasures. The churches benefiting from these grants are spread across 19 states, with some having played pivotal roles in the Underground Railroad and the Civil Rights Movement.
For example, Yan's report highlights the New Bethel Baptist Church in Detroit, founded by the Rev. C.L. Franklin—father of the legendary Aretha Franklin—receiving a $500,000 grant for crucial repairs, including roof restoration and water damage. Dr. James Weathers, a deeply engaged community member and trustee, expressed, "It was truly embarrassing to witness such a respected institution in disrepair."
Picture Source: Black PRWire
Another fortunate recipient is the A.M.E. Zion Church Inc. in Charlotte, N.C., which has been awarded a $500,000 matching grant to create a preservation endowment benefiting its 1,600 churches nationwide. Rev. Dr. Eleazar Merriweather emphasized the grant's importance, noting that it will support congregations facing financial difficulties. "This fund would be there to help support them through their tough times," he affirmed.
Despite the rich histories and vital community roles of Black churches, many face declining membership, especially among younger generations. Congregation numbers have fallen dramatically, with church attendance among Black adults dropping nearly 20 percentage points over the last two decades, according to Gallup. This trend threatens not just the churches but the cultural heritage and community bonds they nurture. https://news.gallup.com/poll/341963/church-membership-falls-below-majority-first-time.aspx
Historic churches like Mother Bethel A.M.E. Church—the birthplace of the African Methodist Episcopal Church founded in 1794—have felt this decline sharply. Once boasting 4,000 members during the Great Migration, its membership has dwindled to about 700 today, with only a fraction attending services regularly. Rev. Dr. Mark Tyler, who has shepherded the church for 16 years, attributes this decline to a disconnect with younger congregants and economic divestment in Black communities since 1970.
Amid these challenges, the funding efforts herald a beacon of hope and renewal. Preserving Black churches is not just about maintaining old buildings; it's about safeguarding the stories, struggles, and victories woven into their walls. They stand as testaments to resilience, community, and the indomitable spirit against adversity.
As preservation efforts forge ahead, the importance of these institutions cannot be overstated. Black churches are the oldest institutions created and controlled by African Americans, and they remain vital to understanding the complex tapestry of American history. As these grants are utilized for restoration, the ongoing conversation must reflect on how to engage future generations, ensuring these historic pillars remain vibrant centers of community and culture, paired with economic investments and quality job opportunities for Black citizens. Preservation is not just about maintaining physical spaces; it's about keeping the spirit and stories of the past alive for generations to come.
Reference:
Black Churches Are Awarded $8.5 Million in Grants for Preservation
The Black Church Has a Gen Z Issue: They Don't Come Into The Building Anymore," https://www.nytimes.com/2024/09/29/us/politics/black-church-gen-z-attendance.html
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