Racism

New Jersey : Liberty And Prosperity

United States

New Jersey : Liberty And Prosperity

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August 7, 2023

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New Jersey is a state located in the northeastern United States. New Jersey is the fourth smallest state by area but the 11th most populous, with 8,882,190 residents as of 2019. It is bordered on the north and east by New York State, on the southeast and south by the Atlantic Ocean, on the west by Pennsylvania, and on the southwest by Delaware. New Jersey lies entirely within the combined statistical areas of New York City and Philadelphia; it is also the second-wealthiest U.S. state by median household income as of 2017.

New Jersey was inhabited by Native Americans for more than 2,800 years, with historical tribes such as the Lenape along the coast and interior rivers. In the early 17th century, the Dutch and the Swedes founded the first European settlements in the state. The English later seized control of the region, which was renamed New Jersey after the largest of the Channel Islands and James, Duke of York and future King James II of England. New Jersey was one of the thirteen colonies that revolted against British rule in the American Revolution.
After the war, New Jersey’s fortunes changed. It became a state on December 18, 1787. New Jersey flourished during the 19th century, attracting millions of new immigrants from around the world to its cities; by 1900, one out of every five residents was foreign-born. New Jersey’s economy is centered on pharmaceuticals, chemicals, financial services, telecommunications, food processing, electric equipment, printing, publishing, and tourism. New Jersey is home to several major professional sports teams, including the New York Jets, New York Giants, New York Red Bulls, New Jersey Devils, and New Jersey Nets.

Racism has been a problem in New Jersey since its earliest days. The Dutch were slave-traders, and brought African slaves to New Amsterdam (now New York City) as early as 1626. When the English took over in 1664, they continued the practice. Slavery was not abolished in New Jersey until 1804. Even after emancipation, blacks in New Jersey faced discrimination and prejudice. In the late 19th century and early 20th century, Jim Crow laws were enacted in many states of the U.S., including New Jersey. These laws segregated blacks and whites in public places, such as schools, buses, and restrooms. They also limited blacks’ access to voting booths, preventing them from having a say in government. The Jim Crow laws were eventually overturned by the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

However, racism still exists in New Jersey today. In 2017, a study found that New Jersey was the most racially-divided state in the U.S. Racism is evident in housing patterns, education, and employment opportunities. New Jersey has some of the largest disparities between white and black residents in terms of income, education, and health outcomes.
New Jersey, like many parts of the United States, has a long and complicated history with racism. From the days of slavery and segregation to the present day, racism has had a profound impact on the lives of Black and other marginalized communities in the state. In this article, we will explore the history of racism in New Jersey and the ways in which it has impacted the lives of its residents.

Slavery and Jim Crow Laws in New Jersey

New Jersey was one of the original thirteen colonies, and as such, it has a long history of slavery. When the state ratified its constitution in 1776, it allowed for the continuation of slavery, but it did not explicitly protect it. As a result, slavery in New Jersey began to decline in the late 1700s and was officially abolished in 1804. However, this did not mean that racism disappeared in the state.

After the Civil War, New Jersey, like many other northern states, enacted laws that sought to limit the rights and opportunities of Black people. Jim Crow laws were put in place, and segregation became the norm in many parts of the state. Black people were prevented from voting, attending the same schools as white people, and using the same public facilities. The state’s Black population was also subjected to violent attacks and lynchings, with some of the worst incidents occurring in the early 1900s.

Redlining and Discrimination in Housing

One of the most insidious forms of racism in New Jersey, and throughout the United States, has been the practice of redlining. This was a practice where banks and other lending institutions would deny mortgages and loans to Black people, based on the color of their skin. Redlining led to a lack of investment in Black neighborhoods, making it difficult for Black people to own homes and build wealth. As a result, many Black families were forced to live in substandard housing, often in neighborhoods that were contaminated with toxic waste and other environmental hazards.

Police Brutality and Racial Profiling

In recent years, New Jersey has seen its share of high-profile cases of police brutality and racial profiling. In 2010, a group of state troopers were accused of targeting Black and Latino motorists on the New Jersey Turnpike. The case, known as the “Turnpike shootings,” resulted in a multimillion-dollar settlement for the victims and led to changes in the state police force’s policies.

More recently, New Jersey has been grappling with the issue of police brutality and racial profiling in the wake of the murder of George Floyd by police in Minneapolis. Black residents in New Jersey have long complained about being unfairly targeted by police, and many feel that little has been done to address these issues.
Racism in New Jersey has been a persistent problem throughout the state’s history. From slavery and segregation to redlining and police brutality, Black people and other marginalized communities have faced a wide range of injustices. The problem is still here and marginal progress has been made.

Racism has long been a contentious issue in the United States, and New Jersey is no exception. Despite the state’s reputation as a melting pot of cultures and ethnicities, instances of racism and discrimination against Black people persist in many parts of the state. The effects of racism on Black people in New Jersey are numerous, and they can have long-lasting impacts on individuals, families, and entire communities.

One of the most significant effects of racism on Black people in New Jersey is the pervasive sense of injustice and inequality that can result from experiencing discrimination on a regular basis. This can manifest in various ways, such as being treated unfairly by employers or law enforcement, being denied access to housing or educational opportunities, or facing harassment and violence in public spaces. These experiences can leave Black people feeling like they are not valued members of society, and can have a negative impact on their mental and emotional well-being.

Racism can also have a profound effect on Black people’s physical health. Studies have shown that Black people are more likely to experience health problems such as high blood pressure, heart disease, and diabetes than their white counterparts, and that these disparities are often linked to experiences of racism and discrimination. The stress and trauma of dealing with racism on a regular basis can take a toll on the body, leading to chronic health issues and a shorter lifespan.
Another effect of racism on Black people in New Jersey is economic disadvantage. Black people in the state are more likely to live in poverty and to experience unemployment or underemployment than white people. This is in part due to the fact that Black people face significant barriers to accessing quality education and job opportunities, as well as discrimination in the hiring process. Economic inequality can have wide-ranging effects on Black people’s lives, including limiting their ability to access healthcare, housing, and other basic needs.

Racism can also have a negative impact on Black people’s sense of community and social connection. When Black people are marginalized and excluded from certain spaces and opportunities, it can be difficult to build strong social networks and find a sense of belonging. This can lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness, which can in turn contribute to mental health issues such as depression and anxiety.

In conclusion, the effects of racism on Black people in New Jersey are significant and far-reaching. From emotional and physical health issues to economic disadvantage and social isolation, racism can have a profound impact on every aspect of a person’s life. To combat these effects, it is important for individuals, organizations, and government agencies to work together to create a more equitable and inclusive society where everyone is treated with respect and dignity. Only then can we truly begin to address the root causes of racism and work towards a more just and equitable future for all.

SUNDOWN TOWNS IN NEW JERSEY

Sundown town, in U.S. history, a town that excluded nonwhite people—most frequently African Americans—from remaining in town after sunset.

Here is a current list of sundown towns in New Jersey. This list has been created by Tougaloo College in Tougaloo, MS. This list is a work in progress. Some cities have been confirmed as sundown towns and some are listed for other or similar reasons.