In Nov. 2021 after ten years of our evolving mission and impact, we changed our name to Gathering Ground. You may still find reference to our old name Creative New Jersey in posts created prior to Nov. 2021.

COVID-19 Briefing #10 (6.10.20) – Racial Justice

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Gathering Ground’s Statewide Conversations — COVID-19 Response

Call #10 – June 10, 2020

Topic: Racial Justice: What’s Happening in NJ and What You Can Do

Guest speaker #1: Andrea McChristian, Esq., Law and Policy Director, NJ Institute for Social Justice

Guest speaker #2: Dr. Antoinette Ellis-Williams, Chair and Professor of Women’s and Gender Studies, New Jersey City University & Poet, Artist, Activist

Guest speaker #3: Sheila D. Hull-Freeman, President, Bungalow Park Civic Association & Member, Atlantic City Citizens Advisory Board

Guest speaker #4: Derek Minno-Bloom, Social and Food Justice Director, Trinity Episcopal Church, Asbury Park

Guest speaker #5: Caloua Zhané, Alumni & Board Member, Hopeworks and Creative Entrepreneur

Resources shared by speakers and participants during the call include:

Update 6/24/20: Andrea McChristian shared a preview of 10 actions that people can take to advocate for and affect change in racial justice in our state on this call.  NJISJ just published this advocacy report.  You can access it here:  10 Ways to Do Racial Justice Advocacy After You Say “Black Lives Matter”: https://bit.ly/388KDy9

  • Anti-Racism & Equity-focused Organizations, Coalitions, Trainings
  • Healing, Self-Care, Mental and Emotional Wellness for Black People:
  • Rights, Resources and Legal Defense (for Protesters and beyond):
  • National Resources List
  • Reading Lists, Podcasts & Videos
  • Support Black-Owned Businesses
  • Resources for White People
  • Talking to Children about Race & Racism
  • Actions you can take
  • A Poem by Dr. Ellis-Williams – What Will Our Children Learn From Us Today?

 

Download the full summary and resources links here.
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“What an energizing and enlightening event! It was so wonderful to convene with recovery partners across the state to reflect on lessons learned. When we join forces and find a common voice, we are so much stronger and more effective. I look forward to being part of this movement to make meaningful changes which will positively impact the future of response and recovery in NJ.”

– Kelly Higgs – Former Executive Director of NJVOAD (statewide)