Newark Residents Unite At 'People’s Assembly’ Series (VIDEO)

NEWARK, NJ — The people of Newark are assembling… and they want answers.

A packed room full of residents in Newark’s South Ward gathered for an incarnation of the city’s “People’s Assemblies” series earlier this week, an effort that will take place in each ward of the city (see below video).

The program aims to inform local residents about vital issues such as neighborhood development, police, affordable housing, garbage collection and jobs, among other topics. It kicked off in the Central Ward on Sept. 29 and will conclude with an event in the East Ward on Oct. 8.

According to a statement from the office of Newark Mayor Ras Baraka:

“The Newark People’s Assembly is an initiative to enable organizations and individuals to make their voices heard, and impact programs and services in the city. It is a new way to empower residents by bridging the gap between community and City Hall. Most importantly, the Assembly will encourage and enable residents to become involved in the groups that are working to better their neighborhoods. This assembly is based on the community assemblies established by Mayor Lumumba in Jackson, Mississippi.”

Watch a video from the South Ward meeting at King’s Family Restaurant below. Don’t forget to visit the Patch Newark Facebook page here.

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Photo: City of Newark