Newark NAACP To Hold Community Meeting: Voting And Beyond

Newark NJ

11 October, 2021

4:53 PM

Description

NEWARK, NJ — The following news release comes courtesy of a Patch Newark community member. Learn more about posting announcements or events to your local Patch site. "Our democracy is threatened more today than in the recent history of this country and that is why we are holding an important virtual Community Mass Meeting – to bring together individuals who will speak to voting rights and voter suppression, and share their perspective of why we must vote in the November election and every election," said Deborah Smith Gregory, President of the Newark Branch of the NAACP. On Thursday, Oct. 14 at 7 p.m., the Newark Branch will host a Community Mass Meeting, titled, "Defending Our Democracy: Beyond the Ballot Box." You can view the virtual panel discussion by going to the NAACP Newark Branch Facebook LIVE page. You can also call 973624-6400 with questions prior to the virtual meeting. The Community Meeting will feature a discussion between four representative experts in the field of voting issues and elections. The panelists have participated in a number of community and civic-based programs to educate the masses on the importance of the vote, voting rights, the electoral process, redistricting and more. The following people will be presenting: Linda McDonald Carter, Esq, Association of Black Women Lawyers – NJ; Michael Strom, Program Director of Leadership Newark; Kimberly Holmes, Esq., Delta Sigma Theta Sorority – North Jersey Alumnae Chapter and Dele Oladapo, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity – Alpha Alpha Lambda Chapter. Ali McBride, Co-Chair, Civic Engagement Committee (CEC) of the Newark NAACP, will moderate the discussion, according to Co-Chair of CEC Debra Chandler. According to Newark NAACP President Smith-Gregory, "Voting rights are under attack, and voter suppression has become the norm in many states – that is why voter education and civics must become topics for mainstream discussion and action on a regular basis, not just during an election." Ms. Smith-Gregory added. The Newark Branch is the oldest and largest NAACP Branch and the only branch with a brick-and-mortar headquarters to address issues of equity and justice for the citizens of Newark. For more information about the Community Mass Meeting, call the Newark NAACP at 973-624-6400. Don't forget to visit the Patch Newark Facebook page. Send local news tips and correction requests to [email protected]. Sign up for Patch email newsletters.