Capital City Area Black Caucus honors community activists, talks public safety

As a Capital City Area Black Caucus discussion on education moved toward completion in December, Gerald Stockman, a former state senator offered an olive branch.

Stockman, who learned the fine art of compromise and conciliation as a legislator and attorney, invited education combatants Trenton Schools Superintendent Fred McDowell and Trenton Education Association president Twanda Taylor to dinner — at his house in Hopewell.

The summit would offer an education detente, an opportunity for private civility instead of this incessant hostility portrayed in numerous news articles and during almost every education congregation.

Did not hear about McDowell and Taylor meeting which represents another missed chance to build a strong relationship that focuses on education objectives and the welfare of students.

The Caucus takes on the issue of public safety on Saturday, January 12 at noon inside the Trenton YMCA located at 431 Pennington Ave.

This conversation involves the matter of hiring a new police director for the City of Trenton and comes days after Mayor Reed Gusciora announced a strategic plan to fill that position. The CCABC has invited retired New Jersey State Policeman John Day to make a presentation entitled “A Vision for Public Safety in the Capital City”.

A community panel follows as public policy officials and concerned citizens share their perspectives on safe streets, safe neighborhoods and a safe city. A meld of last month’s education endeavors must be considered as part of the solution for a reduction in crime and the creation of a safe Trenton.

The CCABC will present Public Safety Community Recognition awards to Ophelia Adderley, Joe Brumby, Perry Shaw, Tracey Syphax, Darren Green, Tamika Veal, Rachel Cogsville Lattimore, George Bradley, Vera Westcott, Pastor Hazel Morgan, John Raines, Gilbert Carter and others. The event includes a “Special Acknowledgment” honor for Jeannine LaRue, recognized as one of New Jersey’s Most Powerful Women.”

A press release described the “Trenton Future Series” as an outreach sponsored by the Capital City Area Black Caucus that provides monthly discussions on the future of Trenton and on critical issues and hot topics that impact African American citizens in the Capital City area.

The Series hopes to enhance conversations in the community around support of black community initiatives and black leadership.

L.A. Parker is a Trentonian columnist. Find him on Twitter @LAParker6 or email him at LAParker@Trentonian.com