Around Nutley: 28th District Leaders Condemn Charlottesville Tragedy

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — Democrat and Green Party leaders in New Jersey’s 28th legislative district have spoken out against the “racism” and “white supremacy” displayed during the tragic events in Charlottesville, Virginia, last week, when a man reported to have Nazi views allegedly drove into a crowd of protesters in Charlottesville on Saturday, killing a 32-year-old woman and injuring at least 19 others.

New Jersey’s 28th legislative district includes Bloomfield, Glen Ridge, Irvington, Newark and Nutley.

• See related article: Essex County Rallies Decry Charlottesville Tragedy, 'White Nationalism'

On Tuesday, Sen. Ronald Rice, the veteran Democrat who currently represents the 28th district, issued a statement condemning the tragedy, as well as President Donald Trump’s lack of “leadership” following last weekend’s events.

“We know that we cannot be silent in the face of hate and discrimination,” Rice said. “[Racism] is a reality that continues to plague communities throughout this country. Condoning it, even when it's done by ignoring it, can be worse than racism itself and creates events like Charlottesville.”

Rice continued:

“Only by refusing to remain silent will we eliminate the racism and discrimination that exists in too many of our institutions. Systemic discrimination has caused real harm to people of color. It has resulted in failing schools, high unemployment for black people, more than any other ethnic group, and high incarceration rates for blacks not only in the country but in New Jersey, just to name a few. What the president did - and continues to do - in refusing to properly address this issue is despicable.”

GREEN PARTY: TROY KNIGHT-NAPPER

Green Party Senate Candidate Troy Knight-Napper – who will challenge Rice for his seat in the upcoming election – gathered with a group of rush hour commuters outside the Glen Ridge Train Station to denounce the tragedy and the racism that inspired it.

• See related article: No Trump or Clinton: Jill Stein Brings 3rd Party Voice To N.J.
• See related article: New Jersey Green Party Condemn U.S. Missile Strike, Bombing

“The tragedy of this past weekend did not have to happen, and we cannot tolerate a culture where it is allowed to happen again,” Knight-Napper said. “We must speak out against racism and systematic injustice fueled by white supremacy.”

Send local news tips, photos and press releases to eric.kiefer@patch.com

Photo left: Troy Knight-Napper

Photo right: Ronald Rice