So many things to read, let’s catch up: 

 — Phil Murphy wins the governorship, and the focus immediately turns to progressive issues (that’s good): 

With Murphy now coming into the State House after campaigning on the $15 minimum-wage issue, it seems likely that New Jersey will eventually become the latest place to enact a $15 hourly rate.

 — Camden’s school district is still under state control (that’s bad). Dr. Keith Benson writes about the need for a new superintendent.

 — NJ Communities United protested outside Camden County Democratic Committee Headquarters on Election night (thanks to April Saul for the photos!):

 — I wrote a bit about how it’s so important to amplify voices such as Keith and NJCU because too often communities of color have been left out of progress: 

I firmly believe it’s possible to be excited and supportive of a political moment in New Jersey when Democrats can enact much-needed progressive policies, and also stand in solidarity with our communities of color that have faced discrimination and oppression across parties. More than that, I believe it’s imperative for white progressives to do so, because it’s often too easy to dismiss fighting oppression as bad politics. Coates captures the dynamic, and its hypocrisy, showing how protest by the Civil Rights Movement was both unpopular and criticized for being too radical. That modern protests are similarly unpopular, that policies such as state control that target the rights of communities of color have a base in both parties, is part of the challenge of our moment. And protests like the one by NJCU, and op-eds like the one by Dr. Keith Benson, are critical for keeping these issues in the public eye so that the past does not repeat itself.

 — Sue Altman (a leader over at South Jersey Women for Progressive Change, and also my lovely wife!) jumped all over the recent endorsement by Democrats of Van Drew for Labiondo’s soon-to-be-vacant seat: 

Most troubling about this situation isn’t even Van Drew’s abysmal record on just about every issue the impassioned Progressive base cares about. The worst part is that citizens of South Jersey live in a world where George Norcross simply “chooses” the next Congressman. When LoBiondo backed out, Norcross turned to the old playbook: Pick the next guy in line, fund them, control them. As it turns out, a Progressive Democrat was already running for that seat: Tanzie Youngblood has garnered strong support from members of active Facebook groups like South Jersey Women for Progressive Change. But, with Norcross’ money and power now backing Van Drew, Mr. Conservative becomes the automatic favorite, leaving Progressive newcomers like Ms. Youngblood to fend for themselves in ballot Siberia.

 — There’s an amazing show coming up on Rutgers campus this Tuesday: Platanos and Collard Greens “a romantic comedy that addresses prejudices, stereotypes and urban myths”. And it’s free!

 — And we’ve scheduled our next Supper Club (Nov. 29th, 6:30 at El Conuco). Let me know if you want to be added to that list serve!

Enjoy the weekend, and let me know what you’re reading!