Published by New Jersey Stage
originally published: 06/24/2022
(NEWARK, NJ) -- Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka has issued statements on the two important Supreme Court cases from this week: the decision regarding New York's right to regulate individuals carrying guns in public and the reversal of Roe V. Wade.
ON THE SUPREME COURT HANDGUN DECISION
"The Supreme Court ruling today limiting New York's ability to regulate individuals carrying guns in public will make America a more dangerous place.
"It is disturbing that this ruling to widen the Second Amendment's right to bear arms, comes just as our legislators in Washington have finally reached bi-partisan agreement on some gun safety measures.
"It also sets back the efforts of all lawmakers and citizens working to bring gun violence in our country in line with the rest of the civilized world, which collectively have less gun deaths in a year than America has in a week, or even days.
"This ruling follows a trend that puts more Americans at risk of being victims of gun violence. In communities across the country, specifically our urban centers, we are seeing record numbers in youth gun offenses and we must do all that we can to keep our residents safe and free from harm.
"Following the national attention of the murder of 17 fourth-graders and two teachers in Uvalde, Texas and the racist, hate-killing of 10 people, mostly African-Americans, in a Buffalo supermarket that is still fresh in our memory; this Supreme Court ruling has the potential to put thousands, if not millions of guns on our streets. This not only defies logic, it defines insanity, and is a crime against humanity.
"The New York rule, which is similar to New Jersey's, asking people to apply for a proper license to 'show cause' to carry a weapon outside the home is born of common sense to keep our cities, towns and rural areas safer.
"History will show that this Supreme Court's widening of gun rights will cause more harm and risk the lives of more Americans."
ON SUPREME COURT OVERTURNING ROE V. WADE
"The repulsive Supreme Court decision today to overturn Roe v. Wade, the ruling establishing the right to an abortion, has set us back decades. This ruling attacks women's most basic right: to have control over their own bodies, regardless of politics or what state they live in. Their liberty and power to decide for themselves has been stripped away. It will also lead to the criminalization of those who are marginalized - particularly women of color.
"Thankfully, our Governor, Phil Murphy, signed the Freedom of Reproductive Choice Act in January, preserving the legal right to obtain an abortion in New Jersey.
"I call on Newark residents to get involved with organizations that are fighting for choice, support progressive candidates who align with choice, and know that your vote in the upcoming mid-term election matters. Democracy succeeds only when people take action and make their voices heard."
EVENT PREVIEWS
Visual Arts Center of New Jersey to Celebrate Spring Exhibitions with a Community Day on June 6th
(SUMMIT, NJ) -- On Saturday, June 6, 2026, the Visual Arts Center of New Jersey will celebrate its spring exhibitions with a Community Day event. The day, which will feature artist-led walks around Summit, a live podcast recording, and drop-in workshops, will run from 10:00am to 2:00pm.
"The Global Game: The Future of Soccer, Tech & Media Summit" returns on June 9th
(NEWARK, NJ) -- GK Digital Ventures, in partnership with Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment (HBSE), has announced the return of "The Global Game: The Future of Soccer, Tech & Media Summit," set to take place on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, at Prudential Center in Newark, NJ. Following its acclaimed inaugural edition, the second annual summit arrives at the most significant moment in U.S. soccer history: New Jersey is hosting eight matches of the 2026 FIFA World Cup — including the Final — placing the Garden State at the center of a global spotlight.
Wine & BBQ Fest to Take Place in Sewell June 13-14
(SEWELL, NJ) -- FIRE UP YOUR SUMMER! After years of unforgettable summers at Washington Lake Park, the team behind the beloved Washington Lake Park Wine Festival returns to this stunning South Jersey destination—this time with a bold new twist. Get ready to kick off summer in smoky, savory style at the WINE & BBQ FEST, happening June 13-14, 2026 at Washington Lake Park in Sewell, New Jersey, from 12:00pm–5:00pm each day.
Red Mill Museum Village and Hunterdon Art Museum Partner for "The Peace Flag Project"
(CLINTON, NJ) -- The Red Mill Museum Village and the Hunterdon Art Museum, in collaboration with Handwork 2026, invite the public to celebrate the opening of "The Peace Flag Project," a fiber chain of hundreds of community-made flags displayed along the banks of the Raritan River and pedestrian bridge.
UBS Arena To Host International Soccer Watch Party on June 19th
(BELMONT PARK, NY) -- UBS Arena will host an International Soccer Watch Party, a public screening of two of the FIFA World Cup 26 (TM) matches on Friday, June 19 featuring USA v. Australia and Haiti v. Brazil. The fan-focused events will highlight all the excitement the tournament is bringing to the New York Metro area this summer and provide local residents with a unique way to experience these soccer matches together as a community.
Newark Restaurant Week Returns June 19-28 to Showcase the City's Global Flavors during FIFA World Cup 2026(TM)
(NEWARK, NJ) -- Taste the World: Newark Restaurant Week returns June 19-28, 2026, bringing together the city's celebrated restaurants, longtime local staples, and emerging destinations for 10 days of dining timed with the FIFA World Cup 2026™ festivities across the region.
Bergen County presents 3rd Annual Star-Spangled Spectacular
(RIDGEFIELD PARK, NJ) -- County Executive Jim Tedesco, the County Board of Commissioners, and the Bergen 250 Initiative are excited to announce that Bergen County's 3rd Annual Star-Spangled Spectacular will return July 4, 2026 at Overpeck County Park. All are invited to attend this patriotic afternoon of family fun which will include live music, children's activities, over 20 food trucks, a beer and wine garden, carnival attractions, and stunning fireworks to conclude the evening over Overpeck Creek.
Passage Theatre Company presents 3rd Annual Word on Front festival
(TRENTON, NJ) -- Passage Theatre Company's third annual Word on Front event is set to be its biggest yet. In celebration of the United States of America's 250th Anniversary, the company is presenting Word on Front 250, three consecutive weekends of a variety of live arts from June 26 to July 12, 2026. This festival of spoken word, music, and solo performance will celebrate the untold and underrepresented stories of America.
Centenary Stage Company Announces Lineup for SUMMERFEST 2026
(HACKETTSTOWN, NJ) -- Centenary Stage Company's SUMMERFEST 2026 is set to take center stage in the Lackland Performing Arts Center with four productions running through the summer months. SUMMERFEST will feature, A Taste of Ireland presented by Pace Live, The Wedding Singer, Four Sticks: The Music of Led Zeppelin, and Maltby & Shire's Closer Than Ever.
Hallmark Stars Take the Stage at The Carteret PAC on July 22nd during First-Time Multi-City Tour Experience Hallmark Stars Live
(CARTERET, NJ) -- Hallmark and Gershwin Entertainment are proud to announce Hallmark Stars Live presented by Michaels, a new live tour kicking off at URSB Carteret Performing Arts and Events Center on Wednesday, July 22, 2026 at 7:30pm where some of the network's most beloved stars step off screen and onto the stage. Hosted by fan-favorite Nikki DeLoach (A Grand Ole Opry Christmas), the tour will feature Hallmark mainstays for a night where the cameras are off – and the stories keep rolling.
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