BMV Hosts New Jersey Town Hall on Civic Power

Written By Ben Young
 
 

Union, NJ — Black Men Vote (BMV), the nation’s only organization dedicated to building year-round civic power for Black men, will host a statewide townhall at Kean University on Thursday, September 11, 2025, from 6:00–8:00 PM ET. The event will bring together community leaders, elected officials, and voters to address the urgent need for engagement and investment in one of the state’s most decisive but under-engaged voting blocs. The event is open to the press.

New Jersey is home to nearly 1.5 million Black residents, yet Black men remain disproportionately underrepresented in off-cycle elections and down-ballot races. Post-election analysis from 2024 found that in battleground states like New Jersey, Black men had the largest drop-off in turnout, with many citing disillusionment and a lack of trust in political parties.

“Black men in New Jersey are not just potential voters, they are the margin of victory,” said Mike Bland, Executive Director of Black MenVote. “But for too long, they have been under-invested in and ignored. This townhall is about rewriting that story: creating space for Black men’s voices, building trust, and ensuring that the future of New Jersey includes us.”

Featured speakers will include:

  • Dr. Dale Caldwell, President of Centenary University and Pastor of Covenant United Methodist Church in Plainfield

  • Mayor Ras Baraka, City of Newark

  • Dr. Lamont O. Repollet, President of Kean University

  • Dr. Nii-Quartelai Quartey, political commentator and journalist

The conversation will be guided by a diverse host committee of leaders from across the state, including elected officials, civic organizers, educators, labor leaders, clergy, and community advocates, including:

  • Gerry Balmir

  • David A. Brown

  • Mo Butler

  • Jason Corley

  • Larry Crump, Newark Council President

  • Rodney DeVore, Passaic County Commissioner

  • James Gee

  • Greg Good

  • Eash Haughton

  • Sandy Henley, Westampton Mayor

  • William Hunter

  • Chris James, East Orange Councilman

  • Jermaine James

  • Anthony Mitchell
    Khalil Nassrudin

  • Tyrone O’Garro Jr.

  • Jiles Shipp

  • Dan Smith

  • Mo Snell

  • Kenneth Sumter

  • Jonathan Young 

Event Details:

  • When: Thursday, September 11, 2025, 6:00–8:00 PM ET (doors open at 5:00 PM)

  • Where: Kean University, North Avenue Academic Building Auditorium, 1000 Morris Ave, Union, NJ 07083

  • Who: Open to the public, featuring Black men from across NewJersey, community leaders, organizers, and elected officials

  • Media: Open press

Ben Young
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