NJ Activists Kick Off ‘Socialist Summer’ With Newark Rally

NEWARK, NJ — They’re trying to “paint Newark red” in the summer of 2021.

Earlier this month, the North New Jersey Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) kicked off what they’re calling a “socialist summer,” launching several activist events and holding a rally over a single weekend in Newark.

The rally, which took place on July 11 at the Rodino Federal Building, was held in cooperation with the Abolish ICE NY-NJ coalition to demand the releases of federal detainees – a long-running demand among many North Jersey activists.

“While the state Legislature approved a bill to ban future ICE contracts, the current ICE jails in New Jersey are dangerously transferring people to other detention centers around the country,” the DSA said in a news release.

• See related article: Outrage, Lawsuit In NJ After ICE Transfers 30 Immigrant Detainees

Other events held that weekend included a “phone zap” in support of the #FreeThemAll movement, a launch event for Chigozie Onyema’s campaign for the Newark City Council, and an organizing meeting in Branch Brook Park to discuss “getting cops out of schools.”

Meanwhile, the DSA’s housing justice group continues an effort to build a tenants' union at a local apartment building they allege is “rife with issues like rodents and roaches, security issues and tenant harassment by management,” including illegal evictions during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Other local community building efforts include Brick City Mutual Aid’s regular monthly food and resource share at Peter Francisco Park, organizers said.

“We share food, water, hygiene, and self-care products unconditionally with the community as well as engage people on issues happening in and around the city,” the DSA stated. “On our tables you can also find water from Newark Water Coalition, Naloxone kits and fentanyl test strips, zines on police abolition, tenant’s and immigrant’s rights, where to get vaccinated and more. Come say what’s up on the second Sunday of every month from noon to 2 p.m.”

“Newark has long been home to radical thinking, activism, and community organizing,” the group stated. “The North NJ DSA is grateful to play a part in this legacy today, learn from the Newark community, and grow the movement for democratic socialism together.”

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