2020 Juneteenth Events
Message From The President: This year, Juneteenth will take place on Friday, June 19th. Juneteenth, an annual holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States, has been celebrated by African Americans since the late 1800s. The day is also sometimes called “Juneteenth Independence Day,” “Freedom Day” or “Emancipation Day.”
The New York Times stated that “in recent years, and particularly following nationwide protests over police brutality and the deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery and other African Americans this year, there is a renewed interest in the day that celebrates freedom.” We are in the midst of not just a moment but a movement.
Juneteenth is an opportunity to reflect on the work that’s been championed by the Black community and the work we as a country have left to do. Join us in celebrating Juneteenth by learning about this important history, valuing and lifting up the voices and experiences of Black people and the Black community.
We are excited to be hosting a Juneteenth event on Thursday, June 18th at 6pm. See below for more information on our event and others happening throughout the state! - Fatima Heyward
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Message From The President: Black Lives Matter Statement
Message From The President:
This year has been devastating for our nation, especially for communities of color. As a Black woman in this climate, I have seen enough to last me a lifetime. As president of the New Jersey Young Democrats, I want to express our collective outrage towards the senseless violence that has taken George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and too many other Black lives. During this pandemic, which is already disproportionately affecting Black and Brown communities, we must speak out.
There has been no greater threat to Black lives than violence being inflicted at the hands of the state — through the blatant violence by police and through centuries of policy that have systematically oppressed Black people since before the founding of this country. But it does not end there. We are strong, persistent, and powerful. And we not only demand justice but call for new laws to be created that will show real consequences for hate and violent actions towards people of color. Throughout the state and country, we are banning together to make it known that we will not tolerate hatred, racism, and violence.
I highly encourage you to support your local Black-led organizations in a joint effort to stand in solidarity. And to check on your Black membership, supporters, friends, and colleagues. Now, more than ever, we must stand together as we confront the harsh reality that faces us. There is healing in unity.
Thank you to our leaders, volunteers, and supporters who are continuing to take action and make your voices heard during these troubling times. Below you will find ways to take further action.
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2019-2021 NJYD Executive Board
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 15, 2019
FATIMA HEYWARD ELECTED NJYD PRESIDENT
(Cherry Hill, NJ) -- At tonight's bi-annual reorganization meeting of the New Jersey Young Democrats, Fatima Heyward of Camden County was elected State President of the New Jersey Young Democrats. Heyward is the first African-African woman to ever be elected NJYD President."I'm honored to have the support of my fellow Young Democrats as we continue to build a new generation of leaders in the Democratic Party," said NJYD President Fatima Heyward. "As we approach the 2020 election, NJYD will continue to advocate, organize, and support young people running for office across our state. My new Executive Board and I look forward to hitting the ground running.""With the state of government and politics in our country right now, there's never been a more important time for civic and political engagement. That's why I have great confidence in the leadership of Fatima Heyward and her new Executive Board as they continue to push the envelope to advocate for the priorities important to our generation and to elect young people to office," said Marshall Spevak, who stepped down from the Board after serving for 12 years, including the last 5 as State President. "Fatima and her Executive Board are the most diverse NJYD have ever had, and I look forward to seeing the great things that NJYD does in the future."
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NJYD 2019 Bi-Annual Reorganization
Attention all New Jersey Young Democrats chapters!
The New Jersey Young Democrats will hold their bi-annual reorganization convention on Monday, July 15th, 2019 at 7:00pm at the Camden County Democratic Committee.
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Join NJYD at the 2019 YDA Convention!
We're excited to announce that we're now compiling a list of possible candidates to attend the 2019 Young Democrats of America National Convention in Indianapolis, Indiana! The convention will take place from July 17th to July 21st, and we're looking to send a delegation of ~20 Young Dems. Apply today!
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NJYD Facebook Campaigns 2018
This election season, we supported Young Dem candidates throughout the state by delivering Facebook ads to their potential voters.
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NJYD APPLAUDS MIKIE SHERRILL'S STRONG DEBATE PERFORMANCE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEOctober 11, 2018Contact: [email protected]
NJYD APPLAUDS MIKIE SHERRILL'S STRONG DEBATE PERFORMANCE
After Mikie Sherrill’s decisive victory in tonight’s NJTV debate, the New Jersey Young Democrats issued the following statement:“In tonight’s debate, Mikie Sherrill once again showed that she's the only candidate in the 11th District race who will support the needs of New Jersey's youth,” said Marshall Spevak, President of the New Jersey Young Democrats. “Her uncompromising commitment to combating the ever growing student debt crisis, preserving affordable healthcare, improving public education, fighting for LGBTQ rights, and ensuring good jobs for young people entering the workforce should reassure young voters that she will work for them in Congress. At a time when millennials make up a majority of people leaving New Jersey, we need new and fresh leadership who will work to make New Jersey a state where young people want to stay, work, and raise their families. New Jersey needs Mikie Sherrill in Congress."“Tonight, we were reminded of why young people cannot vote for Jay Webber, ” said Christina Zuk, Executive Vice President of the New Jersey Young Democrats. “He is dangerously out of touch with the values that are important to young voters -- particularly women. He opposes a woman’s right to choose and he has voted against legislation requiring equal pay for equal work. His disturbing record on gun violence prevention stands in stark contrast to the activism and rallying cries from students on high school and college campuses across the country. He has even said that he wants to repeal the ACA, which could leave thousands of young adults without healthcare. It’s crystal clear that Mikie Sherrill is the only candidate in District 11 who truly cares about issues facing young voters today.”
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Pence Visit Only Further Highlights Webber Wrong for NJ's Women
Today, the New Jersey Young Democrats Women's Caucus issued the following statement denouncing Assemblyman Jay Webber's acceptance of support from Vice President Mike Pence, on the occasion of the Vice President's fundraising visit to New Jersey on Friday in New Jersey's 11th Congressional District.
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Support New Jersey's congressional candidates
With the midterm elections right around the corner, we need to do everything we can to ensure that Democrats are elected to Congress.
New Jersey has a wealth of extremely qualified, dedicated candidates that are determined to advance progressive policies and oppose Trump’s disgraceful agenda. It’s going to take a lot of work for these candidates win their elections, and our support is needed more than ever.
Here’s a list of the active Democratic congressional campaigns in New Jersey, along with links to donation, volunteering, and general information for each candidate. Please consider lending a hand this campaign season to ensure for a blue wave this November:
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NJYD High School Leadership Academy Application 2018
Join High School Students from across New Jersey for a two night/three day all-encompassing opportunity to learn about politics, policy making, issue advocacy and professional development from the best and brightest minds New Jersey has to offer.
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