Let's Invest In Montclair!

Hi world! This is the website's first blog post, so let me tell you a little about who we are, what this, and why we wanted this website to exist.

We are a group of young people from Montclair and the surrounding area who have a deep passion for justice and an interest in creating a more ethical town. We were inspired to  create this website in response to the recent Black Lives Matter Movement and the national calls to defund the police. We wanted to address those very issues and how they pertain to Montclair. We often see huge protests in cities around the country. In NYC, there were calls to defund the NYPD by one billion dollars. Those demands are extremely important, but they cannot just be happening in big cities. They need to be happening everywhere. They need to happen in Montclair.

We know that all politics are local. People are most affected by what happens closest to them. This is why we decided to focus on the call to defund the Montclair Police Department. But, we also know that there are other groups in Montclair that are already doing similar work. While we are a temporary program, these organizations are and have been working for years. We thought, how can we support these organizations in providing anti-racist resources to Montclair that may lead to the defunding of the MPD?

And Ta Da! This website was created! We believe that this website will serve as a resource for the community to learn about how to get involved in local anti racist work and support those already involved and organizing. In our experiences growing up in Montclair, community members have been very passionate about “liberal” causes but have not necessarily gotten involved. This website provides ways and information for how to get tangibly involved with organizations in Montclair. It also provides information as to why anti racist work and the call to defund the police in Montclair and around the country is SO important. Additionally, this website provides information on the history of policing and why it is rooted in racism.

I hope you enjoy and that this helps you to be a better member of Montclair.