Assemblywomen Britnee N. Timberlake & Verlina Reynolds-Jackson Organized Members of the Divine 9 to Discuss the Importance of The Community Wealth Preservation Program Bill in The Urban Community Awaiting Positive Action of the Governor

EAST ORANGE, NJ – As the Community Wealth Preservation Program bill continues to sit on Governor Philip Murphy’s desk, Assemblywoman Timberlake and Reynolds-Jackson organized members of the Divine 9 to discuss the significance of this bill in the urban community. Throughout the summer, grassroots organizations, faith-based leaders, community members, and now members of the Divine 9 rallied to urge Governor Murphy to sign the Community Wealth Preservation Program bill into law and close the wide racial wealth gap and one of the highest foreclosure rates in the United States.

The Divine 9 consists of nine historically Black fraternities and sororities of the National Pan-Hellenic Council who have a powerful impact on communities around the nation. The Divine 9 is a living example of civic and political engagement. All the “Divine Nine” are involved in the same efforts, from developing character and leadership among members to community outreach and combating racism through participation in politics and policy. Notable members of the Divine 9 include Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. (Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity), Vice President Kamala Harris (Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority), Congressman John Lewis (Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity), Cicely Tyson (Delta Sigma Theta Sorority), and Colin Kaepernick (Kappa Alpha Psi) to name a few.

Assemblywoman Reynolds-Jackson, the third prime author of the bill and a Delta Sigma Theta Sorority member, shared her strong support in the push to have Governor Murphy sign this bill into law. “I represent the city of Trenton, which has one of the highest foreclosure rates in the state. We must continue to communicate the significance of this legislation and what it means to the people who live and want to stay in our communities. I stand firm alongside Assemblywoman Timberlake and look forward to getting this bill across the finish line.”

Reverend Gregory Jackson, Pastor Emeritus of the Mount live Baptist Church in Hackensack and proud Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity member, prayed aloud for the courage and strength of Assemblywoman Timberlake and Reynolds-Jackson. “God, strengthen their resolve as they attempt in a mighty way to do what is right and just for the citizens of New Jersey.”

Mayor Dwayne Warren of the City of Orange, a Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity member and staunch advocate for the Community Wealth Preservation Program bill, joined the discussion to offer his continued support. “If we want to make New Jersey fairer and stronger for everyone, Governor Murphy must sign this bill into law and give our people leverage to stay in their homes. Let’s continue to make calls, send emails, and whatever else is needed to help our Assemblywoman get this done,” said Mayor Warren.

James Williams, Fair Share Housing Center’s Director of Racial Justice Policy, and an Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity member, also shared remarks on the significance of this bill. “We urge Governor Murphy to sign the Community Wealth Preservation bill into law. The Administration has committed to addressing wealth disparities, and this bill does exactly that. Helping retain homes within families and communities, especially those of color, is critical to addressing wealth disparities.”

We all must put our hands to the plow on this issue and tell our communities to call the Governor’s office to urge him to sign this bill into law within the next day.” Said Lawrence Hamm, President/CEO of the People’s Organization for Progress. 

Assemblywoman Britnee Timberlake, who has a Divine 9 legacy ties through her father and husband, who are both members of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, closed the event by stating: “This bill provides a practical solution to addressing the state’s disproportionate racial wealth gap and high foreclosure rates. As I’ve stated from the beginning, a conditional veto is likely the end of this bill as we know it. Governor Philip Murphy should either, in good faith, sign this bill into law and work with me to address his concerns in the clean-up bill or merge all the clean-up bill language all stakeholders for and against the bill worked on throughout the summer. This bill preserves community wealth, encourages community ownership, and provides an equitable process for community members who do not have deep pockets of cash to compete at the Sheriff’s foreclosure sale.”

The program concluded in prayer led by Ella Hayes, Associate Minister of Mount Olive Baptist Church in Hackensack. She asked God to help Governor Philip D. Murphy adhere to the request of Assemblywomen Timberlake and Verlina Reynolds-Jackson and hear the cries of a people serious about correcting systemic issues of racism as it pertains to homeownership by creating economic equity and power through policy and process.

As of last night, the Governor’s office is still moving to conditionally veto, using language that weakens the bill and would draw intense opposition, likely causing the bill to die when the Governor sends the bill back to the legislature for a vote. The Assemblywoman offered up alternative language that addresses all parties’ concerns, likely causing the bill to live in spite of a conditional veto. Timberlake’s proposed language is still under consideration by the Governor’s office. There are about 24 hours left for the Governor to make a decision on the Community Wealth Preservation Program bill.