New Jersey Regional Coalition Hosts ‘Building One New Jersey’ Banquet

On November 12, 2009, the New Jersey Regional Coalition (NJRC) held its Second Annual Awards Banquet at the Trenton Marriott. More than 300 guests attended the “Building One New Jersey” benefit banquet honoring seven individuals from all parts of the state for their success in advancing social justice reform.

Launched in 2003, the New Jersey Regional Coalition (NJRC) is a diverse, statewide non-profit organization of congregations and civic groups working to bring about regional solutions to such pressing and pervasive local problems as poverty, racial and economic segregation, and sprawl. Over its short life, NJRC has developed pragmatic solutions to New Jersey’s high level of economic and racial segregation, problems of municipal fragmentation and competition, and the severe regional disparities in housing, tax base, poverty, and educational opportunity.

The picture (above) shows awardees and presenters at the awards banquet. From left: Rev. R.L. Buffalo; Rohn Hein; Thomas Carver; Brian Levine; Martin Johnson; Bishop Roy Riley; Senator Nia H. Gill; Nicole Plett; Assemblyman Donald Norcross; and Marlene Lao-Collins. More pictures here.

Rev. R. Lenton Buffalo, President of NJRC and Pastor of Union Baptist Church in Elizabeth, told the “Building One New Jersey” audience: "We believed then, and still do, that these chronic problems are behind many of our inequalities and injustices -- like high property taxes, failing schools, abandoned and neglected neighborhoods, and now home foreclosures. We have also seen how these disparities hurt urban areas as well as hundreds of older, middle-class suburbs across the state. We believe that inequalities and injustices make us all weaker and hold us back as a state."

Senate Majority Leader Stephen M. Sweeney was recognized by the NJRC as its “Most Powerful Ally of the Year”. Senator Nia H. Gill was honored with the NJRC 2009 “Steadfast and Loyal Friend” award for her courageous actions that have advanced the fight for fair and affordable housing in New Jersey. Rev. Roy Riley, Bishop of the New Jersey Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, was honored as “Moral Leader of the Year” for his leadership in the cause of justice, social equity and the beloved community. Thomas Carver, Executive Director of the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority, was recognized as NJRC “Strategic Partner of the Year” for his leadership role in promoting regional transportation and sound land-use planning. Mayor Brian Levine of Franklin Township was recognized as “Mayor of the Year” for his work in his community and in the Statehouse to promote fair housing and a more equitable school funding formula.

Also honored were Martin Johnson, founding president and CEO of Isles Inc. and NJRC co-founder and board member. Johnson was recognized for “the leadership and wisdom that moved the NJRC from policy and research to organizing and action... that guided the organization through some of its most important victories.” Newly-elected State Assemblyman Donald Norcross shared memories of his long friendship with Senator Sweeney when they attended high school together in the low-opportunity community of Pennsauken. Norcross accepted the “Ally of the Year” award on Sweeney’s behalf.

Nicole Plett, President of the League of Women Voters of Lawrence Township and member of the NJRC Board of Directors, was honored as the “Outstanding Leader of the Year” for her organizing work at the state and local level. She took the opportunity to urge the audience to get involved in community affairs and make a difference. “We are not ready to concede the fall legislative session to inaction, malaise, or shell shock,” said Plett. “Lame ducks notwithstanding, there is too much work to be done. And we have no intention of stopping our march toward social justice on account of changes in the legislature or at the Governor’s mansion.”

In 2008, NJRC was instrumental in the passage of the Fair Housing bill that abolished Regional Contribution Agreements (RCA), the fair housing loophole which, for 30 years, had allowed wealthy communities to transfer one-half of their mandated affordable housing requirements to the state’s poorer cities. NJRC also worked with Governor Jon Corzine on the revised school funding formula of 2008 which delivers more state aid to economically disadvantaged students in suburban, as well as urban, school districts.

Currently the New Jersey Regional Coalition is focusing on access to higher education for the children of undocumented immigrants and reform of the state’s criminal and juvenile justice system.