Legends of Plainfield
Charles and Anna Booker
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Dear Friend,
Bold men and women have always shaped history—persons unafraid to stand for justice and fight for equality. Those who refuse to accept the status quo and, by winning, achieve the extraordinary. I believe that one such incredible act can change the world for the better and drive inspiration into the hearts of generations.
The history of the United States of America is dotted with watershed moments like these. Times when people are pushed to the limits of their endurance and decide that enough is enough. Times when everyday people take a stand for equality and social morality. Times when the hands of justice need a push to do the right thing. These moments bring out the fire and steel in those who never thought they possessed it.
Plainfield has had its share of watershed moments. And, we have our share of stalwart advocates.
In the case, Booker v. Board of Education, Charles and Anna Booker were plaintiffs responsible for ending segregation in our Plainfield public schools. This case went on to influence many similar outcomes across New Jersey and the Nation.
Like others across America, they wanted equality in learning for all children regardless of color, and they decided to do something about it. It is easy to complain, but it takes courage to stand up and fight, and they did. They sought to address the disparity in the educational system in "all-Negro schools" versus that in "all-White schools. The answer to this disparity was school integration.
On June 28, 1965, the Supreme Court of New Jersey ruled in favor of the Bookers, which led directly to the de-segregation of Plainfield schools and ignited a fire across New Jersey and the United States.
It is very appropriate that the new school under construction at the former Woodland Elementary School site should be named "The Charles and Anna Booker School."
The street that runs parallel to the school known as Central Street will also be renamed "Charles and Anna Booker Street."
We will never forget these heroes who advocated for our children to have the opportunities that exist today. When we celebrate our educators and those who fought for education, we send a message to our children that education is essential; we give them daily inspiration for their dreams and arm them with the knowledge that they, too, can affect change.
Education is the backbone of any society, and those who influence and fight for learning are the real heroes among us. We cannot sing enough praises for our heroes Charles and Anna Booker, who quite deservingly will be honored and remembered for as long as this great city of Plainfield stands.
We are fortunate to have these legends still living right here in Plainfield, and we honor and treasure them. Every child who enters the Charles and Anna Booker School doors or travels on Charles and Anna Booker Street will be reminded that Plainfield became a more fair and equitable city because of these heroes.
I am proud that, as a community, we found fitting ways to honor the courage and vision of Charles and Anna Booker and memorialize the profound change they ushered into our city.
Creating One Plainfield. One Future.
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Leyendas de Plainfield - Charles y Anna Booker
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Querido Friend,
Hombres y mujeres audaces siempre han formado la historia: personas que no tienen miedo de defender la justicia y luchar por la igualdad. Los que se niegan a aceptar las circunstancias, logran lo extraordinario. Creo que uno de esos actos increíbles puede cambiar el mundo para lo mejor y impulsar inspiración en los corazones de las generaciones.
La historia de los Estados Unidos de América está marcado con momentos decisivos como estos. Momentos en los que las personas son empujadas al límite de su resistencia y deciden que ya es suficiente. Tiempos en los que la gente común defiende la igualdad y la moral social. Tiempos en los que las manos de la justicia necesitan un empujón para hacer lo correcto. Estos momentos sacan a relucir el fuego y el acero en aquellos que nunca pensaron que lo poseían.
Plainfield ha tenido su cuota de momentos decisivos. Y, tenemos nuestra parte de defensores incondicionales.
En el caso, Booker c. La Junta de Educación, Charles y Anna Booker fueron los demandantes responsables de poner fin a la segregación en nuestras escuelas públicas de Plainfield. Este caso pasó a influir en muchos resultados similares en Toda Nueva Jersey y la Nación.
Al igual que otros en todo Estados Unidos, ellos querían igualdad en el aprendizaje para todos los niños, independientemente de su color, y decidieron hacer algo al respecto. Es fácil quejarse, pero se necesita valor para ponerse de pie y luchar, y ellos lo hicieron. Buscaron abordar la disparidad en el sistema educativo en las "escuelas totalmente negras" versus las de las "escuelas totalmente blancas". La respuesta a esta disparidad fue la integración escolar.
El 28 de junio de 1965, la Corte Suprema de Nueva Jersey falló a favor de los Bookers, lo que condujo directamente a la des-segregación de las escuelas de Plainfield y encendió un incendio en Nueva Jersey y los Estados Unidos.
Es muy apropiado que la nueva escuela en construcción localizada en la antigua Escuela Primaria, Woodland, se llame "La Escuela Charles y Anna Booker". La calle que corre paralela a la escuela conocida como Central Street también pasará a llamarse "Charles and Anna Booker Street".
Nunca olvidaremos a estos héroes que abogaron para que nuestros hijos tengan las oportunidades que existen hoy en día. Cuando celebramos a nuestros educadores y aquellos que lucharon por la educación, enviamos un mensaje a nuestros hijos de que la educación es esencial; les damos inspiración diaria para sus sueños y los armamos con el conocimiento de que ellos también pueden afectar el cambio.
La educación es la columna vertebral de cualquier sociedad, y aquellos que influyen y luchan por el aprendizaje son los verdaderos héroes entre nosotros. No podemos cantar suficientes alabanzas para nuestros héroes Charles y Anna Booker, que merecen ser honrados y recordados mientras esta gran ciudad de Plainfield se mantenga en pie.
Tenemos la suerte de tener estas leyendas todavía viviendo aquí en Plainfield, y los honramos y atesoramos. A cada niño que entra en las puertas de la Escuela Charles y Anna Booker o viaje por Charles y Anna Booker Street se les recordará que Plainfield se convirtió en una ciudad más justa y equitativa debido a estos héroes.
Estoy orgulloso de que, como una comunidad, hayamos encontrado formas adecuadas de honrar el coraje y la visión de Charles y Anna Booker y conmemorar el profundo cambio que marcaron el comienzo de nuestra ciudad.
Creando Un Plainfield. Un Futuro.
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Groundbreaking Ceremony for New School Dedicated to Charles & Anna Booker
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"Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world"
Nelson Mandela
Yesterday, July 14th marked a truly historic and long awaited moment in Plainfield's history - the groundbreaking for the new school named for Living Legends - Charles and Anna Booker.
Superintendent Dr. Diana Mitchell of Plainfield Public Schools was joined by members of the school board and administrative staff. Mayor Adrian O. Mapp, Assemblywoman Linda Carter, Council President Steve Hockaday, Council Vice President Barry Goode, Councilwoman Joylette Mills-Ransome and Councilman Charles McRae were also in attendance.
Surrounded by family, friends and community members the Bookers remained humble and thankful of the honor being bestowed upon them. "The love we are feeling is outstanding" said Anna Booker.
The school which is set to open in Spring 2022 is a true and lasting testament to the Legacy of Charles and Anna Booker!
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Mayor Adrian O. Mapp's Remarks at Groundbreaking
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Channel 7 News Coverage of Groundbreaking
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COVID Restrictions Lifted at City Hall
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Updated COVID-19 Requirements for In-Person Visits to City Hall:
- All Visitors MUST have a face mask and/or covering
- Temperature check required upon entry into the building
- Sign-in required
- Visitor badges will be issued
- Must identify the department that you are visiting
Please note that even though City Hall is open to the public you can skip the visit and transact your business online as we are now accepting online payments for the following departments:
Clerk's Office
Inspections Division
Health Division
Health Division - Animal Licenses
Tax Collection Office
We thank you for helping to keep our community safe.
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JOIN US FOR FRIDAY ON THE PLAZA!
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TGIF! Bring the family and join us today for an evening of fun and Plainfield camaraderie
#LovePlainfield #AmoPlainfield
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CITY OF PLAINFIELD | VACCINE LOTTERY
BEGAN ON JULY 1ST
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The Vaccine Lottery was created to incentivize unvaccinated residents to do so. As we begin to get back to normal we are aware of the "delta variant" which is more transmissible and causes more severe symptoms than the original strain of COVID-19.
If you are not vaccinated it is easy to receive the vaccine and keep yourself and your family protected. Address any concerns with your health care provider.
You can be vaccinated through the City of Plainfield, Union County, or the Neighborhood Health Center with any approved vaccine and have a chance to win $5,000.
- Participants must be 18 years or older and proof of Plainfield residency is required.
- Entry tickets will be available at the vaccine location.
- Four (4) winners will be drawn monthly beginning in August.
- Mayor Adrian O. Mapp will select the lucky winners on the second Friday of each month.
- Please note - the lottery is for residents who have NOT yet been vaccinated.
Continue to stay safe.
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Vacúnese a través de la Ciudad de Plainfield, el Condado de Union o el Centro de Salud del Vecindario con cualquier vacuna aprobada y tenga la oportunidad de ganar $5,000. Participantes deben tener 18 años o más y se requiere prueba de residencia en Plainfield.
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CITY OF PLAINFIELD | NOW ACCEPTING ONLINE PAYMENTS
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GREAT NEWS! The City of Plainfield is now accepting online credit card and eCheck payments for the following divisions and departments:
Clerk's Office
Inspections Division
Health Division
Health Division - Animal Licenses
Tax Collection Office
Please refer any questions or concerns to communications@plainfieldnj.gov.
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#LOVEPLAINFIELD | #AMOPLAINFIELD
SPOTLIGHT
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We are pleased to announce the winners of the #LovePlainfield Drawing Contest for students K-12. Prizes will be awarded tomorrow evening at Friday on the Plaza Event which begins at 5:30pm at Black Lives Matter Plaza - 515 Watchung Avenue.
Thanks to the students who participated and a special thank you to the parents and teachers who encouraged them. Congratulations to the winners!
#LovePlainfieldNJ #LovePlainfield #AmoPlainfield
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UNION COUNTY: Union County Board of Elections Announces Early In-Person Voting Locations for 2021
General Elections
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Union County, NJ – Union County Board of Elections Administrator Nicole DiRado advises Union County residents that six locations have been selected for those wishing to cast their vote early in person for the 2021 General Election. Any registered, Union County voter can use any of these sites to vote in-person, by machine from Saturday, October 23 through Sunday, October 31. A seventh location will be added and announced in the coming weeks.
“New Jersey has expanded voters’ rights by introducing early voting for the 2021 General Election,” said Ms. DiRado. “We encourage voters to use early voting, or a vote by mail ballot, to cast their vote ahead of Election Day. Making a plan to cast your vote is important and there are now more options in New Jersey than ever before.”
The six confirmed locations are:
- Sampson Community Center, 800 Anna Street, Elizabeth
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DeCorso Senior Center, 15 E. 4th Street, New Providence
- Plainfield Board of Education Administration Building, 1200 Myrtle Avenue, Plainfield
- Amalfe Community Center, 1268 Shaffer Avenue, Roselle
- Union Township Senior Center, 652 Rahway Avenue, Union
- The Westfield Armory, 500 Rahway Avenue, Westfield
All of these early voting locations will be open during the following hours:
- Saturday, October 23, 10am – 8pm
- Sunday, October 24, 10am – 6pm
- Monday, October 25, 10am – 8pm
- Tuesday, October 26, 10am – 8pm
- Wednesday, October 27, 10am – 8pm
- Thursday, October 28, 10am – 8pm
- Friday, October 29, 10am – 8pm
- Saturday, October 30, 10am – 8pm
- Sunday, October 31, 10am – 6pm
Upon arriving at an early voting location, voters will sign in on an electronic poll book. The electronic poll book will print a bar code on the ballot card so the voting machine knows which ballot to activate. Voters will then insert their ballot card into the voting machine in order to cast their vote.
Please note that these locations are for machine voting only. Vote by mail ballots cannot be submitted at these locations.
Voters who plan to use a vote by mail ballot can deposit it in any of the Board of Elections secure drop boxes in Union County, return it to the Board of Elections by U.S. Postal Service, or hand-deliver it to the Board of Elections office in Elizabeth by November 2, 2021 at 8pm.
Voters who choose to vote in person on Election Day, November 2, must use their designated polling place.
For more information, including a list of drop box locations and an online polling place finder, visit the Board of Elections online at ucnj.org/ucboe, email ucboe@ucnj.org, or call 908-527-4123.
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FROM THE GOVERNOR'S OFFICE:
Governor Murphy and Lieutenant Governor Oliver Highlight Historic Housing Affordability & Housing Security Investments in FY2022 Budget
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Administration Invests Over $200 million to Implement Comprehensive Housing Affordability Strategy Over $2 billion in Federal Funds Will Also Support Housing and Assistance Programs
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TRENTON, NJ – Governor Phil Murphy and Lieutenant Governor Sheila Oliver believe that expanding access to safe and affordable housing is a critical part of building a stronger and fairer New Jersey that works for everyone. The Fiscal Year 2022 (FY2022) Budget—which Governor Murphy signed this month—and other actions taken by the Governor commit to over $200 million in new and expanded State investments that will support the Murphy Administration’s comprehensive housing affordability strategy.
State funds will allow for the financing and construction of hundreds of new affordable housing units; provide housing assistance for
low-income New Jerseyans; continue our progress toward ending homelessness; expand mortgage and down payment assistance for low-income families and essential workers; and help speed approval of new affordable housing units. In addition to the over $200 million in state funds, over $2 billion in federal funds are being dedicated to assist with New Jersey’s housing recovery. Federal funding has been allocated to helping homeowners avoid foreclosure, providing emergency rental assistance and homelessness prevention, and assisting with utility arrearages.
“While we continue our state’s recovery from COVID-19, we must also invest in housing stability and affordability for the longer term across New Jersey,” said Governor Murphy. “I am proud that this budget enables us to advance a broad housing affordability strategy. By making these investments, we can ensure greater housing security for New Jersey’s low-income families, help many first-generation homeowners begin to build wealth through homeownership, and greatly expand our stock of affordable homes.”
“Quality, stable housing that people can actually afford has the incredible ability to transform lives and communities,” said Lt. Governor Sheila Oliver, who serves as Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs. “The State’s unprecedented multi-billion-dollar investment in housing will not only address the tremendous impact that COVID-19 has had on our renters and homeowners in New Jersey, but will also expand our existing housing programs and create new ones. This is such an exciting and fulfilling time to be involved in housing because we are seizing an opportunity with vision and purpose to help thousands of families find a place they can call home.”
“Safe, stable, quality housing is a critical determinant for families striving to achieve health, prosperity, and a sense of community,” said Melanie R. Walter, Executive Director, New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency. “The State’s unprecedented investment in rental and homeownership opportunities, as well as its billion-dollar commitment to preserving homes as we recover from the pandemic, has created a generational opportunity to shape and implement affordable housing policy.”
“One of the major deficiencies in the wake of the Great Recession and the subsequent recovery was the insufficient response to the housing crisis that followed. However, since then, we have worked to address many of the issues around housing and affordability that plagued the state for nearly a decade,” said Senator Troy Singleton, Chair of the Senate Community and Urban Affairs Committee. “We have to continue to build upon what we have already done, such as rental assistance, homelessness prevention, gap funding for affordable housing projects, and housing for those with special needs. These investments will prevent similar outcomes from the housing crisis and strengthen access to affordable options.”
“New Jersey has dealt with a formidable housing crisis for many years before the pandemic. As we move away from renter and homeowner protections enacted during Covid-19, we will see more residents struggle with housing in the next year,” said Assemblyman Benjie Wimberly, Chair of the Assembly Housing Committee. “This budget’s investment into housing affordability, lead-free homes, homelessness as well as foreclosure mediation programs is a well-rounded approach to ensuring residents have the support needed to keep their home or to acquire one.”
“A strong and equitable post-pandemic recovery for all depends on our state leaders investing resources to create the affordable homes our residents need and taking bold steps to make homes more affordable,” said Staci Berger, President & CEO of the Housing & Community Development Network of NJ. “We thank Governor Murphy and Lieutenant Governor Oliver for their tireless efforts to make New Jersey a place everyone can afford to call home.”
"We commend Governor Murphy and legislative leadership for significant investment in this year's budget to help keep people in their homes, avoid homelessness, and create new affordable housing opportunities," said Adam Gordon, Executive Director of Fair Share Housing Center. "This investment could not come at a more important time, as rent and home prices are skyrocketing - concurrent with a pandemic that has disproportionately impacted communities of color long been denied fair access to housing in New Jersey. Every New Jerseyan deserves a safe, healthy place to call home, and the funding allocated to the diverse slate of housing affordability programs will help our state advance toward that goal."
“I applaud the administration for their substantial investment in communities across our state,” said John E. Harmon, Sr., Founder, President & CEO of the African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey. “This investment will provide the needed resources for quality housing to those in need; and a pathway to a more secure way of living that can lead to wealth development through home ownership. Both of these are integral components in our effort to mitigate the social and economic disparities as it relates to homelessness and home ownership in New Jersey."
“SHA applauds the Governors unprecedented $200 million investment in housing across the board -- production, operating funding, homelessness prevention, home ownership assistance and more,” said Diane Riley, Executive Director of the Supportive Housing Association of New Jersey. “New opportunities for affordable homes in every corner of the state will be created. And those with the lowest income and with special needs will be included ensuring a more diverse and stronger NJ.
The FY2022 Budget makes the following new and expanded investments in housing:
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FROM THE WHITE HOUSE:
Remarks by President Biden on Protecting the Sacred Constitutional Right to Vote
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National Constitution Center
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
THE PRESIDENT: Thank you. (Applause.) I see an awful lot of good friends out there. Please have a seat if you have one.
Let me begin by saying I used to be important. (Laughter.) I used to be the chairman of the board of this place. And Jeffrey Rosen allowed me to do that for a while.
But thank you all for being here. I truly appreciate it. Governor, it’s above and beyond the call. Mr. Mayor, I thought you were a great mayor — still think you are — but your judgment in fiancées is even stronger. And — but — but all of you. And a good friend, Bobby Brady. I see so many friends out. Al Sharpton — Al, how are you, pal? It’s great to see you. (Applause.)
And I’m — I’m going to get in trouble here because I’m going to recognize my congresswoman from the state of Delaware, Lisa Blunt Rochester — (applause) — and her sister who used to run my office. Stand up. (Applause.)
Well, folks, good afternoon. There’s a serious subject I’d like to talk about today. I’m here in Philadelphia at the National Constitution Center — the city and the place where the story of “We the People” began.
It’s a story that’s neither simple nor straightforward. That’s because the story is the sum of our parts, and all those parts are fundamentally human. And being human is to be imperfect, driven by appetite and ambition as much as by goodness and grace.
But some things in America should be simple and straightforward.
Perhaps the most important of those things — the most fundamental of those things — is the right to vote. The right to vote freely. (Applause) The right to vote freely, the right — the right to vote fairly, the right to have your vote counted. The democratic threshold is liberty. With it, anything is possible. Without it, nothing — nothing.
And for our democracy and the work — and to deliver our work and [for] our people, it’s up to all of us to protect that right. This is a test of our time and what I’m here to talk about today.
Just think about the past election.
A 102-year-old woman in Arkansas who voted for the first time on the very spot she once picked cotton.
A 94-year-old woman in Michigan who voted early and in person in her 72nd consecutive election. You know what she said? She said this election was, quote, “the most important vote that we ever had.”
The daughter who voted in the memory of her dad who died of COVID-19 so others wouldn’t have the experience of pain and darkness and loss that she was going through. Patients out there.
And the parents — the parents who voted for school their children will learn in.
Sons and daughters voted for the planet they’re going to live on.
Young people just turning 18 and everyone who, for the first time in their lives, thought they could truly make a difference.
America — America and Americans of every background voted. They voted for good jobs and higher wages. They voted for racial equity and justice. They voted to make healthcare a right, not a privilege.
And the reason that Americans went to vote and the lengths they went to vote — to be able to vote in this past election were absolutely extraordinary. In fact, the fact that so many election officials across the country made it easier and safer for them to be able to vote in the middle of a pandemic was remarkable.
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Issue or Concern ? Report it
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Mayor Adrian O. Mapp and the City of Plainfield are committed to making it as easy as possible to report concerns in our city. To that end, we've partnered with REPORT IT, which is now live in Plainfield and ready to be used as an important supplemental reporting tool.
Report it makes community reporting easier than ever! Residents and visitors can download the app by scanning the barcode above or by going to your phone's app store. Your reports will be submitted to the appropriate city department, and the city will work to resolve the issue or complaint.
You have the power to be the eyes and ears of our city! Your reports can greatly increase the quality of life in Plainfield. Let's work together to keep our city safe- If you see it, say it with Report It.
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As we navigate these uncertain times please know that everyone at City Hall is working to ensure that you are safe, secure and healthy. If you need anything addition please contact us at 908.753.3000
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Please have family and friends sign up to receive these important weekly updates. They can sign up by calling 908.753.3015 or emailing communications@plainfieldnj.gov
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One Plainfield. One Future
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