March for Equality
Much of the nation, and Black America in particular, was outraged by last week’s murders of Alton Sterling and Philando Castiles by law enforcement in Baton Rouge, Louisiana and Saint Paul, Minnesota. As early as Thursday, large demonstrations broke out in many American cities, including Newark and New York City. I took part in both (link).
On Monday, June 11, there will be another wave of direct action around the country, including a local protest here in Plainfield. Organizers will be holding a rally at 6:30pm at Watchung and Fourth Streets. Similar marches will take place in Newark, Somerset, and elsewhere in New Jersey.
Anti-Violence Coalition Meeting
The developing Plainfield Anti-Violence Coalition will be holding its second meeting on Thursday, July 14, from 5:30 until 7:00 at the Bread of Life Ministries Church, 647 West Fourth Street.
The coalition has recently lead marches – one in June after the May murders of Haleem Young, Shavaun Green, and Willie Lee Major and most recently just last weekend after June killings of Neelega Perry and Frank Drayton.
Several attendees of the Plainfield Anti-Violence coalition’s July 3rd rally.
Organizers aim to discuss concrete plans going forward in the fight to take back the streets amid this recent spike in murders.
Decarcerate New Jersey Outreach
Saturday, July 16th, Decarcerate New Jersey will be raising awareness about mass incarceration and mass detention, and the devastating effect it has on our communities in Plainfield. Here are some figures (link) if you need any convincing.
Decarcerate NJ will be distributing its newpaper, the NJ Decarcerater, at the corner of Front and Park Avenues from 1:30 until 4:30 pm. They will also engage in discussion moving forward, and ways for Plainfield to join the broader movement. Footage from the day will be used in a music video supporting the cause.
A passerby signs on to Decarcerate NJ’s mailing list at a similar outreach event in New Brunswick.
This effort is no stranger to our city. You may remember when Plainfield View, Decarcerate NJ, and KYSS co-sponsored a forum on mass imprisonment in early 2014 (link). It was a great start, and I hope we can continue this dialogue.
For more information, call or text (908)881-5275 or email decarc@decarceratenj.org
So, Plainfield, there is an opportunity to take a stand against some of the most pressing issues – police violence, killing within our community, and mass incarceration. I hope to see you out there.
Plainfield View 
This week is The Middlesex Central Baptist Association Annual Session, hosted by the Calvary Baptist Church in Trenton, N.J. I serve as Moderator. Therefore I will not be able to attend the anti-violence meetings, but anyway that I can support them I will. It will also be mentioned in my annual address on Friday evening.