"Vote Equality for All"

Dear Jazz,

The right to vote is the cornerstone of democracy, a hard-won privilege that serves as the voice of the people in the halls of power. For much of American history, this voice was unjustly and systematically silenced for Black Americans. The egregious barriers—poll taxes, literacy tests, and outright intimidation—were not just undemocratic; they were mechanisms of oppression, denying Black citizens their agency and the opportunity to shape the society in which they lived. It's not just a civic duty but a homage to the struggles endured by those who came before us, to exercise our right to vote. It's a matter of honoring their legacy and continuing the fight for equality and justice within the democratic process.

Similarly, immigrants in the United States face their own set of challenges and obstacles. For those who have traversed long, arduous journeys to become citizens, voting is a sacred affirmation of their place in American society. It is a powerful act of establishing one's stake in the community and country's future. When immigrants vote, they contribute to the rich tapestry of American democracy, adding their voices to the chorus that directs the nation's path. Their participation is a testament to the idea that America is continually renewed and redefined by those who come to its shores seeking the promise of freedom and opportunity.

Voting is not just a right; it's a powerful equalizer. In the voting booth, every citizen's voice has the same weight, regardless of their race, wealth, or status. This is why efforts to suppress the vote are so insidious—they are attempts to skew this equality, to quiet some voices so that others may be louder. It's imperative to resist such efforts by encouraging participation, educating on the issues, and making the process of voting as accessible as possible to all.

The importance of voting extends beyond individual benefits; it's about shaping a society that reflects the values and needs of its people. When marginalized groups abstain from voting, their interests are less likely to be represented in government. The policies that emerge from such a skewed representation can perpetuate inequality and hinder progress. Every vote cast is a building block in the foundation of a fairer, more inclusive society.

For a community as diverse as ours, the act of voting is a powerful statement of belief in democracy. It is both a personal right and a collective responsibility. For Black Americans, immigrants, the marginalized, and indeed all citizens, to vote is to claim a stake in the future of the country. It is to say, "I am here, I matter, and I have a voice." It's essential to honor the sacrifices made by those who fought for this right by participating in every election, ensuring that all voices are heard and that democracy truly functions as a government of the people, by the people, and for the people.

#LovePlainfield #AmoPlainfield

Creating One Plainfield. One Future.

Sincerely,

Mayor Adrian O. Mapp

City of Plainfield

"Vote Igualdad para Todos"

Querido(a) Jazz,

El derecho al voto es la piedra angular de la democracia, un privilegio ganado con esfuerzo que sirve como voz del pueblo en los pasillos del poder. Durante gran parte de la historia estadounidense, esta voz fue silenciada injusta y sistemáticamente para los estadounidenses negros. Las barreras atroces (impuestos electorales, pruebas de alfabetización e intimidación directa) no sólo eran antidemocráticas; eran mecanismos de opresión que negaban a los ciudadanos negros su capacidad de acción y la oportunidad de moldear la sociedad en la que vivían. No es sólo un deber cívico, sino un homenaje a las luchas que soportaron quienes nos precedieron para ejercer nuestro derecho al voto. Se trata de honrar su legado y continuar la lucha por la igualdad y la justicia dentro del proceso democrático.

De manera similar, los inmigrantes en Estados Unidos enfrentan su propio conjunto de desafíos y obstáculos. Para quienes han recorrido largos y arduos viajes para convertirse en ciudadanos, votar es una afirmación sagrada de su lugar en la sociedad estadounidense. Es un acto poderoso para establecer el interés de cada uno en el futuro de la comunidad y del país. Cuando los inmigrantes votan, contribuyen al rico tapiz de la democracia estadounidense, sumando sus voces al coro que dirige el camino de la nación. Su participación es un testimonio de la idea de que Estados Unidos se renueva y redefine continuamente por quienes llegan a sus costas en busca de la promesa de libertad y oportunidades.

Votar no es sólo un derecho; es un poderoso ecualizador. En las urnas, la voz de todos los ciudadanos tiene el mismo peso, independientemente de su raza, riqueza o estatus. Por eso los esfuerzos por suprimir el voto son tan insidiosos: son intentos de sesgar esta igualdad, de acallar algunas voces para que otras puedan ser más fuertes. Es imperativo resistir tales esfuerzos fomentando la participación, educando sobre los temas y haciendo que el proceso de votación sea lo más accesible posible para todos.

La importancia del voto va más allá de los beneficios individuales; se trata de dar forma a una sociedad que refleje los valores y necesidades de su gente. Cuando los grupos marginados se abstienen de votar, es menos probable que sus intereses estén representados en el gobierno. Las políticas que surgen de una representación tan sesgada pueden perpetuar la desigualdad y obstaculizar el progreso. Cada voto emitido es un pilar en la base de una sociedad más justa e inclusiva.

Para una comunidad tan diversa como la nuestra, el acto de votar es una poderosa declaración de fe en la democracia. Es a la vez un derecho personal y una responsabilidad colectiva. Para los afroamericanos, los inmigrantes, los marginados y, de hecho, todos los ciudadanos, votar es reclamar un interés en el futuro del país. Es decir: "Estoy aquí, importo y tengo voz". Es esencial honrar los sacrificios hechos por quienes lucharon por este derecho participando en cada elección, asegurando que todas las voces sean escuchadas y que la democracia funcione verdaderamente como un gobierno del pueblo, por el pueblo y para el pueblo.

#LovePlainfield #AmoPlainfield

Creando Un Plainfield. Un Futuro.

Alcalde Adrian O. Mapp

Ciudad de Plainfield

Second Annual Day of Etiquette: A Guide to Social Success

Plainfield, NJ - October 28, 2023 - the Plainfield Performing Arts Center (PPAC) underwent a remarkable transformation into a hub of culture and refinement.

Etiquette instructor Samantha Dow-Hankerson, from the Higher Etiquette Mentoring Institute, imparted valuable knowledge to a group of over 60 individuals.

Topics covered included the art of Table Setup, Utensil Use, Posture and Manners, Course Sequence, Napkin Etiquette, and much more!

Our primary goal and mission are to equip our community with the skills needed for social success. We achieve this by offering a diverse array of social capital events and initiatives that foster camaraderie, unity, and personal growth.

We want to express our heartfelt gratitude to the individuals and organizations who played a pivotal role in making this day possible and offering their words of encouragement and support. Special thanks go out to Mayor Adrian O. Mapp, Samantha Dow-Hankerson, the talented culinary team at Alexis Rose Affairs, the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, President Sherlock Dow of Zeta Nu Lambda, Assemblywoman Linda Carter, Council President Charles McRae, Chief of Staff Jazz Clayton-Hunt, along with the dedicated Love Plainfield Committee and the exceptional PPAC staff.

We eagerly anticipate coming together again next year, with forks and knives at the ready, as we continue our collective journey toward making Plainfield an even more graceful place to be.

Click Here for Gallery

Spooktacular Happenings Unfold at Plainfield's Annual Trunk or Treat Bash!

Plainfield, NJ - October 31, 2023 - Step into the enchanting world of Halloween as Plainfield, NJ, hosted its spine-tingling annual Trunk or Treat event right at City Hall's parking lot on October 31, 2023!

The night was ablaze with excitement, as hundreds of pounds of candy and delectable chocolates flowed like a river, generously shared with our enthusiastic trick-or-treaters.

But that's not all – the creative minds of over a dozen cars and trucks competed to outdo each other in the quest for the title of the "Best Trunk Decoration."

And now, the moment you've all been waiting for – drumroll, please!

Congratulations to Our Dazzling Trunk Decorating Champions:

🏅 Plainfield Police Department 🏅 Ms. Mary Greene

The night was illuminated by the presence of Plainfield's finest, including Mayor Mapp, County Commissioner Rebecca Williams, Assemblywoman Linda Carter, Council Vice President Terry Brigg-Jones, Councilman Barry Goode, Councilman Richard Wyatt, Councilman Steve Hockaday, and Councilman Robert Graham.

It was a spectacular gathering that we'll remember for years to come. We can't wait for next year's spooktacular celebration!

CLICK FOR FULL GALLERY

Unveiling Plainfield's Tennis Legacy:

A Captivating Photographic Exhibition

Plainfield's Tennis Legacy: A Photographic Exhibition was born from a vision to both safeguard and exult in the illustrious history of tennis within Plainfield, etching it into the town's shared narrative. This exhibition showcases a thoughtfully curated array of images sourced from diverse archives, inviting visitors to ponder and cherish the vibrant tapestry of Plainfield's tennis heritage. Among the guiding inspirations, the words of Exhibit Curator Ethel M. Washington resonate deeply, drawing from the profound wisdom of the Akan proverb, Sankofa:

"To move forward, one must first retrieve the treasures of the past.

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"Voices of Plainfield"- In this edition and a series of upcoming Spring Newsletters, we shine the spotlight on remarkable individuals who have been nurtured by our city. Get ready to be inspired by the resilience, commitment, creativity, and accomplishments of our fellow Plainfielders.

Prepare to be inspired by community catalysts like Lamar Mackson, who passionately brought the film industry to Plainfield through the Queen City Film Festival, and Joanny Ortega, the visionary owner of "La Terraza" restaurant on Watchung Ave., who chose Plainfield as her second home and culinary canvas. Deborah Pearyer, Plainfield Native, Founder and director of Toddlers Learning Center, Celebrating 43 Years, and Bobby Gregory, a resident since 1988 who has witnessed the Queen City's remarkable transformations.

Join us for an inspiring journey through the heart of Plainfield!

CLICK FOR MORE!

Early Voting Locations & Dates

Early voting locations

Plainfield, Union College of Union County, Church Street, Between E. 2nd & E. 3rd Streets

All of these early voting locations will be open during the following hours:

Thursday, November 2, 10am – 8pm
Friday, November 3, 10am – 8pm
Saturday, November 4, 10am – 8pm
Sunday, November 5, 10am – 6pm

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION

Eligible Registered Voters Can Cast Ballots Early from Oct. 28 – Nov. 5

TRENTON, NJ, October 25, 2023 – All eligible registered New Jersey voters can participate in the 2023 General Election using the state’s in-person early voting option from October 28 through November 5. This option enables all eligible registered voters to cast their ballot in person at any early voting site in their county over the nine day voting period. Voters can choose to vote when it is most convenient for their schedule.

No matter where a voter lives in their county, they can cast their specific ballot at any of their county’s designated in-person early voting locations. County locations can be found at Vote.NJ.Gov.

Hours will be Monday-Saturday 10:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m., and Sunday 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. No appointment is necessary. Accommodations will be made for voters with disabilities.

For full details on the November 7 General Election, visit Vote.NJ.Gov, contact local election officials, or call the Voter Information and Assistance Line at 1-877-NJ-Voter (1-877-658-6837).

White House State Legislative Convening on Reproductive Rights

NOVEMBER 2, 2023 - Today, Jennifer Klein, Assistant to the President and Director of the Gender Policy Council, and Tom Perez, Senior Advisor and Assistant to the President and Director of the White House Office of Intergovernmental Affairs, convened more than 30 legislative leaders from 16 states to discuss their efforts to advance proactive legislation to further safeguard reproductive rights in the upcoming 2024 legislative session.

This convening builds on more than two dozen White House-led working meetings with state legislators in the wake of the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, including an in-person convening of more than 80 state legislators from 41 states in June 2023. While Republican elected officials continue to advance extreme abortion bans in states and at the national level, legislators across the country are fighting back to protect access to reproductive health care.

White House senior officials thanked the legislators for their leadership and reaffirmed the importance of state partners in responding to attacks on reproductive freedom – including through the passage of proactive legislation to strengthen access to reproductive health care, including contraception; to protect patient privacy; and to ensure health care providers have access to the training they need to care for patients.

WHITEHOUSE.GOV 