Dear Jersey City,

As Black History Month has approached, I believe it’s crucial we not forget how far African Americans have come and our progress ahead. On Friday February 1st, our United States Senator Cory Booker announced he will be running for President of the United States. Senator Cory Booker has always been a real voice fighting for everyone. From a community organizer, Newark Central Ward Councilman, Newark Mayor, and United States Senator, he knows what our country needs. I am supporting Cory Booker for President because I truly believe he can unify our country at a time when there is so much division. Senator Booker has been a champion to the LGBTQ community, criminal justice reform, education reform, and addressing the housing crisis in our nation.

I believe it’s important to look at every candidate’s track record. We face a serious issue with mass incarceration in our country and Senator Booker has been on the frontline demanding justice for our young black brothers and sisters. In urban cities across America like Jersey City, we need real criminal justice reform. Over the past few months, we have had three black teens murdered in our city back to back, and there is silence by many of our lawmakers. We need a real friend on the federal level and that’s Senator Booker.

While the race for President is a crowded field with even more candidates announcing soon, I’m proud to stand with our United States Senator Cory Booker. As our United States Senator, he has always been a friend to Jersey City and I know as President he will continue to look out for us.

Demetrius M. Terry