Ras in 60

September is back-to-school month, and, appropriately, National Literacy Month.  On September 8^th, the world recognizes International Literacy Day to raise awareness about the importance of literacy as a fundamental human right. Literacy is a fundamental human right.

During the pandemic, young people experienced learning loss at an alarming rate. In 2022, the Newark test resul...

In this episode of Ras in 60, we celebrate hip-hop’s monumental 50^th anniversary and dive into the influential world of the music genre. There is no doubt that the hip-hop culture has impacted the lives of many, spurred national dialog, and raised awareness to injustice. Born in the Bronx, hip-hop quickly crossed the Hudson River to put down roots in New Jersey, where Englewoo...

Only one in four residents own a home in Newark, and with corporations vying to purchase houses and turn them into high cost rentals, it is urgent to provide residents with affordable pathways to homeownership.

The homeownership revitalization program, which many know as the $1 properties program, is specifically for residents of Newark. It enables the low cost sale of city properties to...

In 2020 the Baraka administration created the Office of Violence Prevention and Trauma Recovery, the first of its kind in the City of Newark. While the rest of the country shouted 'Defund the Police', the City of Newark reallocated funds from the NPD budget to establish the Office of Violence Prevention and Trauma Recovery. 

Lakeesha Eure, the Director of the OVPTR, explains her strategi...

Newark is leading the way and is proud of it! Listen to Mayor Baraka as he delivers his ninth State of the City address.

Before an audience of residents, stakeholders, elected officials, and media representatives, Mayor Baraka described the life-changing initiatives his administration has put in place over the past nine years. 

Mayor Baraka's address was intertwined with powerful testimo...

Harriet Tubman is known to many of us as one of the most courageous women in American history. As a conductor on the underground railroad Harriet returned to the south approximately 13 times to lead enslaved people to the freedom. 

On March 9, 2023 the Harriet Tubman monument titled "Shadows of a Face" was unveiled in Harriet Tubman Square Park downtown Newark. This interactive monument ...

Access to a reliable internet connection is essential for us to function in our daily lives. From remote learning to telework, our children, families and workforce will fall behind if we do not have quality and reliable internet access. 

On this episode of Ras in 60 we explore the steps Invest Newark is taking to equip our community with the infrastructure to access low cost or free broa...

Chronic homelessness is an issue that affects communities in America on both coasts. Last week, The Mayor's Office of Homeless Services released "Newark's Strategic Plan to End Chronic Homelessness" within 3 years. On this episode we breakdown the comprehensive plan with the City's Homelessness Czar Luis Ulerio, and Jim Pelliccio, Chair of the City of Newark Commission on Homelessness. 

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Economic equity is critical to urban communities like Newark, NJ. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the median annual household income in the City of Newark is about $37k. 

Our first guest is Mayor Michael Tubbs. Mr. Tubbs is currently the Special Advisor for Economic Mobility and Opportunity to California Governor Gavin Newsom, and the former Mayor of Stockton, California. Mr. Tubbs ...

Keeping Newark Safe is a high priority. Newark has a holistic approach to reducing violence, healing and supporting the community. This episode is all about exploring Newark's innovative approach to public saftey, which includes a collaborative effort and approach between the police and the Office of Violence Prevention and Trauma Recovery. 

Guests featured on this episode include Direct...

On the first episode of season 3 of Ras in 60, marks the start of the new school year for Newark Public School students. Mayor Ras J. Baraka and co-host Desiree Hadley are speaking with Superintendent Roger León about the new school year, health and safety precautions, the addition of new public schools, the focus for the new academic year and much more!

We are finally 'Back Together Again' for a great second season of Ras in 60. This episode is all about us coming together as a community. Mayor Ras J. Baraka is joined by his special guest host baby Jua and co-host/producer Desiree Hadley.

The three discuss Newak's plethora of summer programming, camps, activities for adults, seniors and kids, and much more. Featured guests on this episo...