FOR THE NEWS
ASBURY PARK, N.J. — Governor Sherrill, the departure of Lieutenant Governor Dr. Dale Caldwell creates more than a vacancy; it creates a defining moment for Black representation in New Jersey. Caldwell made history as New Jersey’s first Black male Lieutenant Governor. His departure should not mean the disappearance of Black leadership from one of the highest offices in our state.
National Action Network Monmouth/Ocean County and the undersigned call upon you to respect the Black voters who were instrumental to your election. In 2025, 94% of Black New Jersey voters supported your candidacy. Approximately 857,600 Black citizens comprise New Jersey’s voting-eligible population, about 13.9% of the state’s eligible electorate.
“We cannot treat the will of the people as an afterthought. We witnessed a record-breaking turnout, with our participation more than 30 points higher than that of any other voting group. The overwhelming support from the Black community cannot be overlooked or taken for granted. Our community showed up, made our voices heard, and demonstrated that our participation matters.
ASBURY PARK, N.J. — Some of our ancestors came to America by plane, carrying passports and seeking opportunity. Others came in the bellies of slave ships, shackled in chains, stripped of their names, and forced to build a country that denied their humanity. Both journeys are part of the Black experience in America, but they are not the same history. Pretending otherwise does a disservice to those who lived it.
As Governor Mikie Sherrill considers her next lieutenant governor, we find ourselves confronting a deeply personal question: When we demand Black representation, whose history are we asking our government to recognize?
The New Jersey Globe recently reported that Assemblyman Chigozie Onyema, the son of Nigerian immigrants, is among five potential candidates. His consideration raises a larger concern: America too often assumes that sharing the same skin color means sharing the same history, struggles, and political interests. We know firsthand that this is not true.
Community Projects & Initiatives
Proper Foundation LLC
Felicia Simmons is the Founder and Executive Director of Proper Foundation LLC, an organization dedicated to providing information and connections to community residents to help them find solutions to the varying problems facing urban towns and cities.
Monmouth/Ocean County NAN
Felicia Simmons is President of the Monmouth/Ocean County chapter of the National Action Network, New Jersey, an organization dedicated to socioeconomic growth in minority communities throughout Central Jersey and strengthening the educational foundation of all the children in these communities.
Wcc Historic Renovation Association Inc.
Felicia Simmons is President/Executive Director of Wcc Historic Renovation Association Inc (Wcc HRA), formerly the Westside Community Center. Wcc HRA is dedicated to improving the lives of the youth and families by providing education and resources, health and wellness, leadership and career training.
Greater Asbury Park Historic Revival Project
Felicia Simmons is a lead partner of the Greater Asbury Park Historic Revival Project: A project aiming to revive the Greater Asbury Park region of Monmouth County, New Jersey.
4 WESTSIDE CULTURE & ART FESTIVAL
Felicia Simmons is a lead partner & Co-Organizer of the 4 Westside Culture & Art Festival: A festival 4 the Westside, 4 the culture, 4 the arts, & 4 us.
WHITESBORO HISTORIC PRESERVATION PROJECT
Felicia Simmons is a lead partner of the Whitesboro Historic Preservation Project: A project aiming to preserve the legacy and future of Whitesboro, Cape May County, New Jersey.
