• By Mabel Pais

On April 16, a day of programming dedicated to examining the state of democracy in New Jersey and across the United States will be hosted by the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC), the New Jersey Institute for Social Justice and The Fund for New Jersey and held at NJPAC at the Chase Room.

America—and New Jersey—are experiencing a moment of transition, one that may profoundly change our country for years to come.

And those changes will have a unique impact on all New Jerseyans, especially those of color.

This day of conversations, presentations, speeches and panel discussions — across two distinct but related events at NJPAC — will examine the current state of American democracy through the lens of civic, social and racial justice, with a special focus on the issues most important to New Jersey.

SESSION I – 1-5 PM

Sherrilyn Ifill, esteemed civil rights lawyer and former leader of NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund (LDF), will open the afternoon event

‘Doubling Down on Democracy: Conversations about the Way Forward’ (njpac.org/event/doubling-down-on-democracy-forum) with a keynote address at 1PM. She is a respected attorney, scholar, thought leader and author whose forthcoming book, ‘Is this America?’ (Penguin), deals with race and the pressures reshaping American democracy.

This being an afternoon of conversation and clarity, Ifill’s speech will be followed by two panel discussions, exploring this moment in the American experiment. Lunch is included.

Immigration Panel

The first panel will discuss immigration, and the impact of new federal policies governing deportation and naturalization.

Democracy Panel

After a short break, the panel reconvenes for a deep dive into the state of democracy in New Jersey, examining the Garden State’s laws and policies regarding voting rights, ballot design, the census and more.

“At The Fund for New Jersey, we believe democracy thrives when all voices are heard and empowered to confront the pressing issues of our time,” says Brandon McKoy, President of The Fund for New Jersey. “We are proud to support this NJPAC event, which fosters dynamic and interactive discussions that create space to reflect on our democracy and engage with leaders and policy experts shaping its future.

With New Jersey’s decisions carrying national significance this year, it is more important than ever for voters to be informed, engaged and ready to make choices that address the needs and challenges facing all of our communities.”

This event will conclude at 5PM.

TICKETS

Tickets for Session I can be purchased at njpac.org/event/doubling-down-on-democracy-forum. Lunch is included.

SESSION II – 6:30 PM

New Jersey is one of two states (the other is Virginia) scheduled to hold gubernatorial elections in 2025 and campaigning is taking place amid rapid changes introduced by a new presidential administration. The results of these off-year elections in the Garden State are often considered a bellwether for broader national elections.

The conversation will continue at 6:30PM with a free ‘social justice forum’ (njpac.org/event/the-race-for-nj-governor-social-justice-candidate-forum)

featuring candidates running for Governor in New Jersey.

All of the candidates campaigning for Governor were invited. Six will appear at this event: Mayor of Newark Ras J. Baraka, NJ State Sen. Jon Bramnick, Mayor of Jersey City Steven Fulop, U.S. Rep. Mikie Sherrill, New Jersey Education Association Pres. Sean Spiller and former NJ Senate Pres. Steve Sweeney.

This bipartisan group of candidates will share their perspectives on a range of important social justice topics.

“NJPAC has always been proud to serve as a town square, where the residents of our city and our state gather to discuss the issues that matter most to us all,” says John Schreiber, President and CEO of the Arts Center.

“During the last two gubernatorial elections, NJPAC hosted debates between candidates. This election season, we’re pleased to present this unique chance for voters to meet multiple candidates and hear their views on important issues before the June primaries.

New Jerseyans have a big decision to make, and talking directly to those who hope to lead us is the best way for voters to make an informed decision.”

“We are facing a democracy crisis in America, and it’s essential that we build and exercise power from the ground up here in New Jersey,” says Ryan Haygood, President & CEO of the New Jersey Institute for Social Justice. “We are excited to partner with NJPAC, The Fund for New Jersey and others on a day of programming that will engage New Jerseyans on the pressing social and racial justice issues of the day, including by hearing from gubernatorial candidates for the upcoming election.”

REGISTRATION

Session II is free to attend but advance registration is required. RSVP at njpac.org/event/the-race-for-nj-governor-social-justice-candidate-forum/#register

New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC)

The New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC), located in downtown Newark, New Jersey, is among the largest performing arts centers in the United States.  It is the artistic, cultural, educational and civic center of New Jersey — where great performances and events enhance and transform lives every day.  As New Jersey’s anchor cultural institution, NJPAC brings diverse communities together, providing access to all and showcasing the state’s and the world’s best artists while acting as a leading catalyst in the revitalization of its home city.  Through its extensive Arts Education programs, NJPAC is shaping the next generation of artists and arts enthusiasts.  NJPAC has attracted more than 12 million visitors (including more than two million children) since opening its doors in 1997 and nurtures meaningful and lasting relationships with each of its constituents.  Visit njpac.org for more information.

NJPAC

One Center Street

Newark, New Jersey 07102

njpac.org or 888.GO.NJPAC (888.466.5722)

Follow NJPAC Online:

Website:     njpac.org

Twitter:      @NJPAC

Instagram:    @NJPAC

Hashtag:     #NJPAC

Facebook:     facebook.com/NJPAC

YouTube:     NJPACtv

Follow NJPAC’s Standing in Solidarity Series Online:

Website: njpac.org/takeastand

Hashtag: #NJPACTakeAStand

Youtube: Standing in Solidarity playlist

Crossroads NJ Conversations

On April 16 at NJPAC with a democracy and a gubernatorial candidate forum, ‘Crossroads NJ Conversations’ is a four-part discussion series presented by The Fund for New Jersey ahead of the 2025 gubernatorial elections. The statewide series offers residents the opportunity to engage in live discussions with elected officials, community leaders, and national policy experts on critical issues such as voting rights, criminal justice reform, environmental justice, education, housing, and more. By fostering dialogue and civic engagement, ‘Crossroads NJ Conversations’ encourages residents to ask questions, influence policy, and drive action toward creating the New Jersey we deserve.

New Jersey Institute for Social Justice

The New Jersey Institute for Social Justice is a cutting-edge racial and social justice organization that seeks to empower people of color by building reparative systems that create wealth, transform justice and harness democratic power—from the ground up—in New Jersey. Known for its dynamic and independent advocacy aimed at toppling load-bearing walls of structural inequality to create just, vibrant and healthy communities, the Institute is committed to exposing and repairing the cracks of structural racism in our foundation that erupt into earthquakes in communities of color. The Institute advocates for systemic reform that is at once transformative, achievable in the state and replicable in communities across the nation.

(Mabel Pais writes on Education, Social Issues, Health and Wellness, Spirituality, The Arts and Entertainment, Business, and Cuisine)