Juneteenth
We celebrate Juneteenth as a reminder that the Emancipation Proclamation was only the beginning of the end to slavery in America and that the struggle for justice never ends. As Dr. King stated “We shall overcome because the arc…
From LGBTQ Supporter to Advocate
As a state legislator, I always supported LGBTQ Rights. In 1991, I supported amending New Jersey’s Law Against Discrimination to include sexual orientation and gender identity – but I was not a co-sponsor of the legislation. Supporting equality with…
Which Path Will America Take?
Back to back acts of domestic terrorism, bombs mailed to former Presidents Obama and Clinton, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Vice President Biden, other prominent Democrats and news media station CNN were followed a few days later by…
How Rallies Make A Difference
Throughout American History, citizen rallies have changed public and political perceptions and public policies in ways that elections and petitions could not succeed. The Boston Tea Party demonstrations jump-started the American Revolution. The 1913 Suffrage Parade gave impetus to…
Overdose Death Is Preventable
Children suffering from substance use disorder rarely graduate from high school and often wind up in prison, die young, or both. Recovery Schools provide the safe environment and support these children need to get an education and stay sober…
A Long Fought Battle To Provide The Solution Many Teens With Substance Abuse Backgrounds Need
Five years ago, Pam Capaci, CEO, Prevention Links, a non-profit organization focused on youth and family development, came to me for help in forming the first public Recovery High School in New Jersey.
How We Can Stand Up For The Other
The Lesniak Institute For American Leadership hosted a Round Table Forum at Kean University last Wednesday July 12, 2018 with political, educational, religious, community, and law enforcement leaders to discuss an appropriate response when in the presence of bigotry…