NJ Leaders Gather to Build Collective Power

TRENTON, N.J. – United under the vision of Mayor Ras Baraka, more than 400 people filled the sanctuary of Greater Mount Zion in Trenton for a powerful discussion on how to build collective power and advance an agenda that will benefit Black communities across New Jersey.

The event drew a wide range of prominent leaders, activists, and elected officials for a spirited exchange on priorities and strategies ahead of the state’s upcoming gubernatorial election.

Featured Speakers and Guests

The power-packed gathering included:

• U.S. Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman
• U.S. Congresswoman LaMonica McIver
• John Harmon, CEO of AACCNJ
• Regena Thomas, Former Secretary of State
• Rev. Steffie Bartley
• Pre-recorded messages from Rev. Al Sharpton and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries

Other notable participants included Former Gov. Jim McGreevey, State Democratic Chair Leroy Jones, Assemblymembers Verlina Reynolds-Jackson and Tennille R. McCoy, Assembly candidate Kenyatta Stewart, Mayor Adrian O. Mapp, Mayor Ted Green, Former Mayors Doug Palmer and Frank Minor, along with a host of African American council members from across the state.

Issues at the Forefront

Attendees tackled a wide range of pressing issues, which will be presented to New Jersey’s gubernatorial candidates as formal demands. Key areas included:

• Affordable housing commitments
• Desegregating schools and advancing educational equity
• Black maternal health, with calls for concrete action
• Pension fund accountability and course corrections
• Additional concerns impacting Black communities statewide

A Moment of Solidarity

Led by the Black clergy, the event also sparked an on-the-spot fundraising effort to support Congresswoman McIver’s legal expenses. In just one session, participants raised an impressive $21,000.

What’s Next

The NJ Black Agenda group plans to reconvene in the coming months to sharpen a decisive statewide platform. Their goal: to present a united, actionable Black agenda before the November election.