June 9, 2024
Social Justice
Oops, just added research links and a debate video featuring Nikole Hannah's 1619 Project Pro Reparations for Black citizens who directly descend from American chattel slavery. And Michael Harris' reparations for all panelists. 06/10/2024
Summary Introduction
In today's world, New Jersey's citizens must recognize the detrimental impact of unwise initiatives on the environment and vulnerable populations. These actions are tantamount to stealing from society and robbing future generations of a healthy and sustainable environment. This report delves into the legal issues surrounding such initiatives and aims to inspire concerned citizens to take a stand against these harmful practices. By understanding the significance of these issues and exploring potential legal avenues for addressing them, we can work toward positive change and safeguard the rights and well-being of all members of our society. Join us in our quest for environmental protection and social justice.
The substantial population growth in New Jersey in 1980 indicates that N.J. surpassed New York in population count. This trend emerged in the 1970s following the assassination of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, demonstrating the initiation and connection of the Sanctuary Movement strategy as a response to the enforcement of voting rights for all Black citizens. Bostdorff, Denise M. and Goldzwig, Steven R., "History, Collective Memory, and the Appropriation of Martin Luther King, Jr.: Reagan's Rhetorical Legacy" (2005). College of Communication Faculty Research and Publications. 192.
During the involvement of Jerry Farwell, Pat Robertson, and the future President Ronald Reagan, there was a shift within a decade towards an immigration policy aimed at diluting the influence of Black citizens' votes, which can be viewed as treasonous. Consequently, without considering the repercussions, the adoption of such a policy might adversely impact marginalized or susceptible populations, potentially leading to a significant increase in homelessness among citizens between the years 1984 and 2024. (Tranby, Eric, and Douglas Hartmann. “Critical Whiteness Theories and the Evangelical ‘Race Problem’: Extending Emerson and Smith’s Divided by Faith.” Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion 47 (2008): 341-359. https://www.pennpress.org/9780812250947/a-gospel-for-the-poor/) (COLORBLIND CHRISTIANS: WHITE EVANGELICAL INSTITUTIONS AND THEOLOGIES OF RACE IN THE ERA OF CIVIL RIGHTS https://scholarshare.temple.edu/handle/20.500.12613/1041
The policy in question has had detrimental effects on the environment and water sources in New Jersey, as evidenced by the increasing pollution levels in beach waters. This situation can be attributed to the actions of untrustworthy evangelical leaders and certain New Jersey citizens who sought to hinder the voting rights of Black citizens. Their narrow-minded perspective fails to recognize the full humanity of Black citizens of African descent. We must refrain from following the guidance of such misguided individuals. ("Who would qualify for reparations?" With 2,265 views Jun 4, 2024
Trymaine Lee, Nikole Hannah-Jones, and Michael Harriot discuss differences in visions for reparations for Black Americans. Watch the full talk on June 12. Recorded May 29, 2024, at the 92nd Street Y, New York.
It is crucial to only support thoroughly thought-through initiatives based on equal rights for all citizens because alternatively, unthought-through policies focused on stymying Black citizen's rights & protections can lead to significant negative impacts on the environment, quality of air, and vital resources such as food and housing. As well as the systematic oppression of a portion of Black citizens, which is unfair. When policies are not carefully considered, they can result in increased pollution, harm to natural resources, and a decline in citizens' overall quality of life. Additionally, poorly planned initiatives can disproportionately affect marginalized or vulnerable populations, leading to issues such as homelessness and food insecurity. Therefore, it is essential to carefully assess the potential consequences of any proposed initiatives to ensure that they do not threaten society's and the environment's well-being. (NPR Report on why a portion of White Americans do not believe that Black citizens who are the direct survivors of chattel slavery, genocide, plus Jim Crow policies that directly block the advancement of a large portion of Black Americans should not receive reparations. https://www.npr.org/2023/03/27/1164869576/cities-reparations-white-black-slavery-oppose )
Concerned citizens can take various legal and nonviolent actions to reverse adverse effects caused by poorly planned initiatives. Some practical courses of action include:
1. Advocacy: Engage in advocacy efforts by contacting elected representatives, participating in public hearings, and supporting organizations that promote positive change.
2. Education and awareness: Raise community awareness about the negative impacts of certain initiatives and promote education on environmental and social issues.
3. Community organizing: Organize or join community groups that address specific concerns and work collaboratively to find solutions.
4. Legal action: Support or pursue legal action, such as filing lawsuits or supporting advocacy groups involved in legal challenges to protect the environment and human rights.
5. Civil engagement: Participate in peaceful protests, demonstrations, and public gatherings to raise awareness of critical issues and advocate for meaningful change.
By engaging in these legal and nonviolent actions, concerned citizens can work towards reversing adverse effects and advocating for policy changes that prioritize society's and the environment's well-being.
Lastly
Unwise individuals' detrimental initiatives that harm the environment and negatively impact vulnerable populations can be viewed as a form of stealing from society and future generations. By degrading natural resources, exacerbating pollution, and undermining citizens' rights and well-being, these actions effectively rob communities of a healthy and sustainable environment and their rights and equality. Concerned citizens must stand against such harmful initiatives and work towards positive change through legal and nonviolent actions.
A Word From The Echo - For Those Who Have Ears To Hear
Surprisingly, on a personal note:
I, Karen Brittingham-Edmond, Editor and Publisher of the relaunched Echo, had a pivotal dream in 1985 before moving to Grant Court with my only child at the time, Sophia, and obtaining a job at Long Branch Housing Authority. That is something I have not completely understood until now. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/passion/201604/dreams-dont-come-true-they-are-true
As a devoted Christian and a previously homeless mother with a child in the summer of 1985 or 1986, I was on the verge of being employed at the Long Branch Housing Authority at age 22. This opportunity led to the establishment of Project Hope, aiming to offer wholesome, culturally sensitive, and free family-friendly resources to residents in the projects and the surrounding community. I received guidance from Mrs. Jean Hastings, Retired Veteran Mr. Avery, and the recently graduated Mr. David Brown, who was also a former high school track team member.
My initial goals were to:
Save the Bucky James Community Center from destruction.
Organize the community effectively to voice their concerns to the local housing authority under Mr. Kerinan, the city of Long Branch Mayor Cioffi, and the recreation director. The recreation department, by design, provided non-quality recreation services primarily to Black children, which was discriminatory.
Build NAACP membership in Long Branch for legal protection. (Long before I realized that the mission statement of the NAACP had been changed in 1968 after the assassination of Rev Dr. Martin King. The phrase that historically referred to Black citizens is now used to encompass all minorities of color, even if they have not personally experienced North American Chattel slavery.)
Before moving to Grant Court with my daughter Sophia and taking a job at the Long Branch Housing Authority, I had a significant dream, the full meaning of which has only now become clear to me.
Dr. Martin Luther King appeared in my dream, holding a thick book with a black cover and a page saver resembling a graduation tassel. Despite his somber demeanor, I asked him, "Are you in a dark place, Dr. King?" He sadly responded that he was not, "but our people were." Placing the weighty book in my hands, he vanished. A voice from above exclaimed, "Hey, Karen, catch this." I effortlessly caught the red Bible tossed to me by the Lord.
As I recall, in the dream in which I saw a holy Bible falling from the heavens. This reminded me of the Bible my sister Cynthia Brittingham had given me for Christmas when I was 16. It was a significant gift to me, especially since I had never owned a Bible before. In the dream, I heard a voice instructing me to go to the Black-owned Bible store on Liberty Street in Long Branch to purchase a red Bible. Interestingly, I later discovered that this store was located in the original location of my Great-grandfather William Elijah Rock's Echo Press before he relocated to Red Bank and established The Rock Building & printing press shop. This was a fascinating revelation, as I was not aware of the historical significance of this location. I received data and pictures from my cousins Pauly & Phillip Rock, who shared this information before their passing many years after the dream.
Upon awakening from the pleasing dream, I was prompted to visit the Bible Store. In my dream, I had been informed that Brother Reevey, before losing his sight, had crafted a portrait of Jesus on the store's window. Filled with enthusiasm, I set out with Sophia in her stroller, making the trek to the bible book store on Liberty Street. It was 1985 or 1986; I only had $3.52 cents to spare. Completely unaware of the cost of bibles at the time, I stepped into the shop and warmly greeted the minister who owned the store and her delightful daughter - the same daughter I would later care for while working at the hospital.
I inquired with the shop owner, who was observing me curiously about the availability of red Bibles. She hesitantly confirmed and regarded me as though she recognized me, although I had never crossed paths with her before. Sensing my unease, the owner's daughter engaged me in conversation about The Commission, a popular gospel group visiting Rutgers University, and kindly invited me to their free event. I accepted the invite and was looking forward to witnessing Fred Hammond play the guitar for the first time. Interestingly, the name Fred Hammond is associated with the 1856 est. Ruffin Cemetery at Pine Brook Church Shadow Rest Churchyards in what is now known as Tinton Falls, N.J., off of Squankum Road.
The shop owner finally spoke and asked me, "Do you know the significance of the ground you are standing on?" I was taken aback and replied, "I beg your pardon?" She repeated the question, sharing some historical information that didn't make sense to me then. I told her that I had no idea what she was referring to. As I was about to leave, she mentioned that there were some artifacts in the back of the shop. I once again expressed my lack of knowledge about it, and her daughter said, "Mom, she has no idea." Later, I shared my dream with the minister, explaining why I was there with my daughter, Sophia. I noticed a red bible for sale for $7, which I didn't have. In frustration, I mentioned that I had walked all the way there for nothing, as I only had $3.52, and chuckled. The shop owner then asserted that I actually didn't have to pay and handed me the red bible for free. Unaccustomed to such generosity, I tried to return it, but she insisted I keep it as a gift. Her daughter then gave me a commission tape at no cost. I eventually left the little shop, bought Sophia an ice cream bar, and started my long walk back to the apartment near Lenna W. Conrow School in Long Branch.
Why am I telling you this concerning a dream back in 1985 or 86?
Dreams have long fascinated scientists, psychologists, and philosophers, and the influence of dreams on our thinking is a topic of great interest. Some research suggests that dreams may help us process emotions, memories, and experiences, which can in turn influence our waking thoughts and behaviors. For example, dreams might provide a way for the brain to work through unresolved issues or emotions, leading to a clearer mindset when awake. Additionally, some people find that their dreams inspire creativity or problem-solving, as the mind makes unexpected connections during dreaming. Overall, while the precise mechanisms of how dreams influence our thinking are not fully understood, evidence suggests that they play a role in our cognitive and emotional processing.
On June 9, 2024, I had a profound realization about the dream. Dr. Rev. Martin Luther King wasn't in darkness; instead, he came to me at a time when I was struggling to understand things, back when I was 22. It became clear that I wasn't alone in my lack of understanding. The truth shines brightly, unlike the misleading plans that trick Black individuals into giving up their rights and resources to align with racist agendas. It's time to enter the full light of reality, shedding the blinders of illusion and false doctrines & policies that hinder our people. It's time to change direction and move away from the harm being done to our community, seeking a path illuminated by protection and prosperity for our people under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
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