BLM Events In Essex County ‘Brought Out The Best’: NJ Congressman

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — A pair of Black Lives Matter (BLM) events in Irvington and South Orange/Maplewood “brought out the best” in both communities on Sunday, a New Jersey congressman says.

U.S. Rep. Donald Payne Jr. was among the people who attended events in Irvington – where “Black Lives Matter” was painted in Civic Square – and South Orange, where a local youth coalition held a similar celebration to honor the BLM movement.

“Today, I participated in two Black Lives Matter events in Irvington and South Orange/ Maplewood,” Payne wrote on social media.

“The events brought out the best in both communities,” Payne continued. “I had a very engaging conversation with the South Orange/Maplewood Community Coalition on Race. It showed that it is possible for students and residents of all races to have a positive conversation about the issues faced in our country.”

The event in Irvington included a large group of local elected officials, in addition to a special guest: the Rev. Al Sharpton.

Clad in face masks, volunteers and community members rolled up their sleeves to write “Black Lives Matter” in yellow paint in Irvington Civic Square.

Essex County Commissioner Vice President Wayne Richardson and Essex County Commissioner Romaine Shuler-Graham, an Irvington native, joined Irvington Mayor Tony Vauss and members of the Irvington Town Council.

Meanwhile, the youth collective of the South Orange/Maplewood Community Coalition on Race held a virtual celebration in tribute to the BLM movement, which featured artistic performances from local youth.

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