News and Events Archive

On Saturday, June 15, 2024, the Morris County Human Relations Commission was one of over fifteen co-sponsors of the Community Movie Night at CCM, commemorating the anniversary of Juneteenth.¹ The event was produced by Clifford D. Dawkins, Esq., Dean & Director of Rutgers University Law Minority Student Program (MSP).

The event began with the introduction of each co-sponsor who then spoke briefly about their organization.  This was followed by the documentary, “How to Sue the Klan: The Legacy of the Chattanooga Five.”  The film documents the story of how five Black women from Chattanooga used legal ingenuity to take on the Ku Klux Klan in a historic 1982 civil case, fighting to hold them accountable for their crimes and bring justice to their community. Their victory set a legal precedent that continues to inspire the ongoing fight against organized hate, https://www.thecivilcase.com/.

A talk-back panel discussion followed the screening with Moderator, Cliff Dawkins; Professor Randolph McLaughlin, professor of law at Pace Law School and lead attorney on the case in the film; Professor Betty Lewis Laurence, adjunct professor at Pace Law School and attorney on the case in the film; and Donita Judge, Esq., current Associate Executive Director at the Center for Constitutional Rights ("CCR"), the legal advocacy organization behind the case in the film.  

Susan J. Waldman, Treasurer, Morris County Human Relations Commission, represented the Commission at the event.  Susan commented, “I cannot begin to express how inspirational and moving the film and panel discussion were.  Hearing about it from the actual legal team was beyond anyone’s expectations.  I recommend that everyone see this film.”

Susan J. Waldman, introducing the Morris County Human Relations Commission. Standing at right is Clifford D. Dawkins.

Juneteenth has been celebrated as a national holiday since 2021 when President Joe Biden signed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act into law. “Juneteenth commemorates General Order No. 3 which was issued by Major General Gordon Granger, who arrived in Galveston, Texas, on June 19, 1865. The issuing of this order and the arrival of Federal troops in Galveston effectively ended the Civil War and emancipated those confined to a life of slavery. Specifically, Granger made the following declaration in General Order No. 3:

‘The people of Texas are informed that, in accordance with a proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free. This involves an absolute equality of personal rights and rights of property between former masters and slaves, and the connection heretofore existing between them becomes that between employer and hired labor.’”  

 American Battlefield Trust

In response to a call from its Jewish community, the Township of Randolph is taking a united stand against hate in all its forms. Community representatives Melissa Weiner, Aliza Sternberg, and Rebecca Wanatick have launched the Blue Light Campaign, inviting the entire community to join hands in solidarity against Jewish hate and to illuminate the world with compassion.

The Blue Light Campaign is a poignant initiative that seeks to foster unity and support for the Jewish community in Randolph. The campaign encourages residents to take several actions: 

Illuminate with Blue Lights: Place a blue light in a visible window and tie a blue ribbon on a tree while adorning your space with holiday decorations.

Pray for Safe Return: Extend your thoughts and prayers for the safe return of hostages taken during the recent Hamas attack.

Speak Out Against Hatred: Raise your voice against any form of hatred targeting the Jewish community and stand up for inclusivity.

Celebrate Diversity: Embrace the opportunity to connect with and learn more about the Jewish community in Randolph.

In response to a call from its Jewish community, the Township of Randolph is taking a united stand against hate in all its forms. Community representatives Melissa Weiner, Aliza Sternberg, and Rebecca Wanatick have launched the Blue Light Campaign, inviting the entire community to join hands in solidarity against Jewish hate and to illuminate the world with compassion.

The Blue Light Campaign is a poignant initiative that seeks to foster unity and support for the Jewish community in Randolph. The campaign encourages residents to take several actions:

The Jewish community has been an integral part of Randolph's history, contributing significantly to its development since the early 1900s. Their enduring presence continues to enrich the cultural fabric of Randolph Township.

“I just wanted to say how much this means to the Jewish community. I think a lot of us are feeling a lot of unease”, said Meredith Ross, a member of the Interfaith-PEACE Alliance. “It is really important that we work and bring all communities together to be united against hate in any form.”

The Township Council, alongside members of the Interfaith-PEACE alliance, joined forces during the Council meeting to capture a community photo. This image showcased campaign lights, ribbons, and residents, epitomizing the community's robust backing for the Randolph Jewish Community.

Randolph Township reaffirms its commitment to fostering an inclusive and tolerant community, where diversity is celebrated, and hate has no place. The Blue Light Campaign serves as a beacon of hope, guiding Randolph towards a brighter, more united future.

A Statement from Randolph Deputy Mayor, Christine Carey, from the November 28, 2023, Township Council meeting: 

"The Jewish community has been one of the pillars of Randolph's history. From the early 1900s they were integral in building the Randolph community first as farmers and then by building a summer resort destination by constructing hotels and boarding houses. Today our Jewish residents remain a vital part of Randolph Township.

We ask the full council to participate in the Blue Light Campaign. We also look forward to working with the creators of this campaign in our Interfaith-PEACE alliance moving forward. At this time, we would like to take a picture with the campaign lights, ribbons and residents to offer our support of our Randolph Jewish Community."

Theresa Maughan, a member of the Morris County Human Relations Commission Education Committee and New Jersey’s 2022, Teacher of the Year, was a presenter for the NJ Amistad Commission at the recent NJEA Conference, November 8-9, 2023, in Atlantic City. The theme of this year’s Convention was “Equity, Justice, and Learning,” which is exactly what the New Jersey Amistad legislation promotes. L. 2021, CHAPTER 153, approved January 7, 2021 Senate, No. 1028 states,“…The [Department of Education] Amistad Commission shall…(2) conduct [at least one] teacher [workshop] workshops annually on the African slave trade, slavery in America, the vestiges of slavery in this country and the accomplishments, experiences, and contributions of African-Americans to our society, covering information which often has been omitted from traditional curricula; (3) [assist the Amistad Commission in monitoring] monitor and assess the inclusion of such materials and curricula in the State's educational system; and (4) [consult with the Amistad Commission to determine ways it may] survey, catalog, and [extend] recommend to the State Board of Education the expansion of, content about slave trade [and] , American slavery education , and African-American history presently being incorporated into the [Core Curriculum Content Standards] New Jersey Student Learning Standards and taught in the State's educational system , the purpose of which is to ensure that all New Jersey students acquire a broad and deep knowledge of all people who contributed to the founding and development of New Jersey and the United States and to promote the self-esteem, confidence, and identity of students who previously may not have learned about past and living examples of people of their own cultural identity who have had positive impacts upon the American story. (cf: P.L.2004, c.94, s.1)…” This requires leadership from school board members, school administrators, and classroom teachers to ensure that the Amistad mandate is infused throughout the K-12 curriculum. “I’m always willing to advocate on behalf of NJ students through my presentations with the NJ Amistad Commission,” stated Theresa Maughan.

February 10, 2024, marks the start of the Chinese New Year.  On Sunday, February 4, 2024, members of the Morris County Human Relations Commission (HRC) attended the Northern New Jersey Chinese Association School’s New Year’s Program at Montville High School.  We were greeted enthusiastically and treated as VIPs -- front row seats and all.  The students entertained us with song, dance, and a Karate demonstration.  This joyous program was followed by refreshments and the opportunity to socialize.  A special thank you to HRC member, Tina Liu Jen, who invited us to share this celebration.  A wonderful way for all of us to spend a Sunday afternoon.

Photos: 

Top L to R Mayor of Montville Matthew Kayne Sue Rosenthal Tina Liu Jen Meyer Rosenthal Susan J Waldman Northern New Jersey Chinese Association School Principal Stephen Lo

Top L to R Sue Rosenthal, Susan J Waldman, Tina Liu Jen, Meggy Wang,  Deputy Director of the Cultural Center of Taipei Economic & Cultural Center in NY, Meyer Rosenthal

Middle Photo:  The Lion Dance

Lower Photo:  The Stage

 On January 26, 2024, the Morris County Human Relations Commission actively participated in the 2024 Project Homeless Connect event at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, Morristown, NJ.  The Commission’s aim was to support and uplift the community, demonstrating our commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion in Morris County.

The event provided a valuable opportunity for people experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness to access a wide range of services and support. The resources offered, such as health screenings, giveaways, haircuts, public assistance, mental health services, veterans services, employment services, and food, made a significant impact on the attendees.

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On Sunday, November 12, 2023, members of the Morris County Human Relations Commission (MCHRC) along with a community of synagogues, churches and other organizations, gathered at Adath Shalom Synagogue in Morris Plains for a community event featuring the screening of “Repairing the World—Stories from the Tree of Life” a riveting documentary on how the City of Pittsburgh united to be “Stronger than Hate.”  The film documents how the city came together after the October 27, 2018, massacre at the Tree of Life Synagogue that took the lives of eleven people.

The attendees were welcomed by Rabbi Moshe Rudin of Adath Shalom and Vice Chair of the MCHRC, followed by a video-taped welcome from Rabbi Jeffrey Myers of the Tree of Life Synagogue.  The event was moderated by Meyer Rosenthal, MCHRC Chair Emeritus, and his daughter, Bonnie Rosenthal, who was the driving force behind the program.

After the documentary screening, Clarence Curry, Jr., MCHRC Chair, gave the following Call to Action:

“I want to thank the organizers and sponsors of this event for sharing this extremely powerful documentary on how a Community, a City responded to a horrifying act of HATE. There were obviously many compelling take-away messages, but for me there were several that can serve as a “Call to Action Road Map” for our Community. The importance of the sharing of this film for us lies in our collective efforts and actions that are “Pro-Active and Preventative,” identifying and implementing activities and measures that address and combat hate and serve to ensure that there is not fertile ground for it in Morris County.

One of the take-aways was “Our Diversity is Our Strength”. But it is only a strength if we are forging Relationships. It is through “Relationships” that we build the bridges to actions that help create and develop Partnerships. The most effective Partnerships are those based on Relationships which fosters trust, resulting in initiatives that are more powerful and embracing.

Through “Relationships and Partnerships, we learn to Listen, not just Hear. We are the Difference, both collectively and individually. My Charge to us Collectively is to Join, Partner, Collaborate.  The Charge individually is to “Speak Up, Stand Up, Say Something because Apathy is the Enemy.

In conclusion, please stand and join me in the “Not in Our Town-Stop Hate Together” Pledge which can be found in your Program:

‘I pledge to stand up to all forms of hate, racism, bigotry, and bullying. I will not stay silent in the face of intolerance based on race, ethnicity, sexuality, gender, religion, ability or any other factor. I will work together with my neighbors to create safer, more inclusive communities for all.’”

At the end of Clarence’s remarks, representatives of the sponsoring organizations came to the front of the sanctuary and joined with the audience to sing Let There Be Peace On Earth.  It was a very moving event and, notably, an inspirational way to begin the first day of “United Against Hate Week,” November 12 – 18, 2023.

Photos:

#1 Detective Sergeant Patrick LaGuerre, Morris County Prosecutor’s Office; Rabbi Moshe Rudin, Adath Shalom Synagogue

#2 (Back Row) Meyer Rosenthal, MCHRC Chair Emeritus; Bonnie Rosenthal; (Front Row) Sue Rosenthal, MCHRC Secretary. At the sign-in table.

#3 Clarence Curry, Jr., MCHRC Chair; Elaine Johnson, MCHRC Past Chair; William Schievella, MCHRC Law Enforcement Committee Chair.

#4 Clarence Curry, Jr. Call to Action

#5 William Schievella; Jasmine Lim, MCHRC Community & Cultural Relations Committee Chair.

#6 Susan J. Waldman, MCHRC Treasurer; Elaine Johnson and her husband Charles.

The Diversity Celebration on Sunday, July 9, 2023, was “an amazing success” according to Morris County Human Relations Commission Chair, Clarence Curry, Jr.   That is in spite of the fact that due to the stormy weather prediction, the event was moved indoors.  Special thanks to the Methodist Church on the Green for hosting.

Jasmine Lim, Community and Cultural Relations Committee Chair, who coordinated the Commission’s

 participation in the event, noted that “we had a very prominent table location and got a lot of traffic.”   Jasmine thanked the members of the Commission who helped staff the table during the event: Wayne Cresta; Clarence Curry, Jr.; Osman Davies; Tina Liu Jen; Theresa Maughan; Sue and Meyer Rosenthal; and Rabbi Moshe Rudin.

Participation by the community in this annual event continues to grow year after year.  The Commission is delighted to join with so many other groups reflecting the diversity that is Morris County.

View the Morris County Human Relation Commission's Celebration of Black History Month with Dr. Forrest Pritchett:

2/26/21:

It's great that the school district is offering a meaningful Black history course. This course is mandatory for Freshman students and specifically designed to connect Black people in history and black people today, as history should be taught. 

As meaningful as this course is, it should not replace the history of Black people's treatment and contribution throughout the world and USA and must be taught from K-12. As a commission, we must institutionalize our work so that after planting the seed, progress continues. Reaching out and acknowledging schools following the Amistad Act would be one way to do that.

Original article: Cherry Hill school district becomes first in N.J. to require an African American history course in high school.

The change was prompted by a group of students who pushed officials to provide a more comprehensive curriculum.