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Activists, Parents Cry Foul at Troubled, Mostly Minority New Jersey Middle School

NNPA NEWSWIRE — The report revealed that Penns Grove Middle School Vice Principal Abner Mendoza telephoned the minor several times. While the report did not disclose the nature of the conversation, it was clear that the student was troubled by the repeated calls.

Published

5 years ago

March 8, 2020

Oakland Post

Nestled along the Delaware River near the state border, Penns Grove is one of America’s forgotten towns. Approximately 72 percent of the residents are Black or Hispanic, while Whites make up 28 percent.

Vice Principal Allegedly Harassed Student after Science Teacher Uses N Word

By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Senior Correspondent
@StacyBrownMedia

One year after a science teacher allegedly called students the N-word, Penns Grove Middle School is facing the wrath of community activists and parents.

A Carneys Point Police report made public by activist and former school board member Walter Hudson, revealed disturbing phone calls from the middle school vice principal to a 15-year-old who attends the nearby high school.

The report revealed that Penns Grove Middle School Vice Principal Abner Mendoza telephoned the minor several times. While the report did not disclose the nature of the conversation, it was clear that the student was troubled by the repeated calls.

When the student asked how Mendoza obtained her phone number, Mendoza allegedly replied, “I have my ways.”

The child’s concerned parents reported the incident, but authorities concluded that Mendoza had not broken any laws.

However, local activists said it isn’t the first time that Mendoza has acted inappropriately, and the phone calls violated District policy.

Many also were upset that District officials failed to notify parents about the incident. They pointed out that District officials took the same stand a year ago with Penns Grove Middle School Science Teacher Bruce Bassetti.

The District suspended Bassetti after he allegedly walked away from a group of disruptive students, saying, “I’m not trying to deal with these n*****.”

District Superintendent Zenaida Cobian told the Black Press that Bassetti’s situation was “a personnel matter.” She declined to explain further why parents weren’t notified. Cobian has not responded to multiple messages regarding Mendoza, who allegedly has a checkered history in the District.

“This is not the first time he has preyed on minors at the high school,” activist and former school board member Walter Hudson stated. “While he worked as a Spanish teacher, Mendoza received a promotion from Cobian instead of firing him for violating school policy. It’s a complete outrage,” Hudson stated.

At a school board meeting on Monday, February 10, Hudson called for Mendoza’s termination. According to Hudson, Cobian had previously stated that the matter would be handled internally. Hudson and others have also pointed to racism as a reason why Cobian has failed to take action.

“Look at the makeup of the area. Look at the District, and that should tell you why it’s not important to punish predators, and it’s not important for the District to inform parents,” stated Sylvester Monroe, whose six children were products of the Penns Grove-Carneys Point School District.

Nestled along the Delaware River near the state border, Penns Grove is one of America’s forgotten towns. One of its claims to fame is actor Bruce Willis, who was born and raised in the small town of about 5,500.

Approximately 72 percent of the residents are Black or Hispanic, while Whites make up 28 percent.

The unemployment rate in Penns Grove is 5.4 percent, compared to the 3.9 percent national average. Approximately 48 percent of children live in a single-parent household.

The middle school has about 458 students and a 10.6-to-1 student/teacher ratio. Like the area demographics, 72 percent are Black or Hispanic, while 28 percent of students are White.

The school is ranked 657 out of all 742 New Jersey middle schools. More than 71 percent of the students qualify for free or discounted lunch, and nearly 30 percent of residents live at or below the federal poverty line.

In 2019, Penns Grove Middle School ranked worse than 88.5 percent of middle schools in New Jersey. Less than 11 percent of students met or exceeded statewide averages on test scores.

“So, you look at the numbers, and you know that the kids in the District are easy targets for discrimination and for a school district that can easily neglect to notify parents or even carrying out the law because they know not much attention will give given,” Monroe stated.

Most importantly, Hudson stated that inaction on the part of the District as it pertains to Mendoza could prove disastrous.

“This is the reason why young girls do not come forward to report any type of sexual assault, abuse, or molestation and rape,” Hudson stated. “A system that is set up to protect them is not protecting them at all.”

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OP-ED: The Illusion of Allyship. White Women, Your Yard Signs Mean Nothing to Me

NNPA NEWSWIRE – “The blue bracelets are something White women are wearing so others can see that they didn’t vote for Trump,” says Liberal Lisa from Oklahoma on X. Chile, bye. These bracelets are hollow symbols, empty gestures that mean nothing to me. An accessory to claim distance from Trump’s legacy is superficial comfort, while the choice to not stand with us in the voting booth is far more profound.

Published

2 weeks ago

November 9, 2024

Oakland Post

Political yard signs can symbolize intentions and allegiance. But this year, they’ve also symbolized betrayal. During this general election, Black women were led to believe that more White women would stand with us. Exit polls, however, told a different story. Despite overwhelming displays of support, more White women still chose to vote for the convicted felon, reality TV star, and rapist. White women answered the call but left us hanging at the polls.

A Familiar Disappointment

I live in DeKalb County, Georgia, and the abundance of Harris-Walz yard signs could’ve fooled me. But I’ve seen this before, back when Stacey Abrams ran for governor. White women showed up, put up signs, attended rallies, knocked on doors, and phone-banked. Yet, when it came time to vote, they let us down—not once but twice. I’ve been here for over 15 years, and if there’s one thing I know, it’s that political signs are symbols without weight.

In every election, I’ve talked with White women. Most aren’t the primary earners in their families and vote along party lines, aligning with the preferences of their fathers and husbands. These conversations reveal a reluctance to break from tradition, even when their votes affect women and certainly when their votes impact the lives of people who look like me.

The Illusion of Solidarity—Symbols Are Not Enough

On social media, I’m seeing White women posting pictures of blue bracelets to “prove” they didn’t vote for Trump. “The blue bracelets are something White women are wearing so others can see that they didn’t vote for Trump,” says Liberal Lisa from Oklahoma on X. Chile, bye. These bracelets are hollow symbols, empty gestures that mean nothing to me. An accessory to claim distance from Trump’s legacy is superficial comfort, while the choice to not stand with us in the voting booth is far more profound.

I’ve seen Black Lives Matter signs and black squares posted on Instagram to “prove” support for Black people, but we now know that was a lie, too. Will those same people who claimed Black lives mattered now take down their Harris-Walz signs and show their true selves?

Navigating these truths is a daily struggle for me—professionally and socially. White women often misuse their privilege, supporting us only when it’s convenient. Seeing overqualified Black women sabotaged or abandoned by White women at critical moments is a constant emotional challenge. It’s exhausting to live with this reality, especially when solidarity seems like something they pick up and discard at will.

One clever campaign ad from Harris-Walz that spoke directly to White women. “Your Vote, Your Choice” emphasized that their vote was private—independent of their household situation. Another was from Olivia Howell Dreizen, the “Vote Without Fear” campaign, which empowered women to consider the greater impact of their choices. But it seems many still couldn’t choose the roadmap to freedom—even when it was handed to them.

A Call for Action Beyond Words

White women, I want to believe you care, but actions speak louder than yard signs, bracelets, or Instagram posts. Show up in our communities, advocate in your workplaces, and stand up to dismantle the structures that uphold white supremacy. Only through real action will we know where you stand.

If you choose not to act, we see you—and we know exactly where you stand. Good luck these next four years.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of BlackPressUSA.com or the National Newspaper Publishers Association.

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Supernova Parenting Conference Empowers Over 100 Parents with Resources for Neurodivergence and Mental Health

The inaugural Supernova Parenting Conference was co-hosted by Natasha Nelson, known as Supernova Momma, and Yolanda Walker, founder of Parenting Decolonized. It brought together over 100 parents, caregivers, and educators dedicated to fostering understanding and support for neurodivergent children and mental health challenges. The conference provided invaluable resources, expert insights, and a collaborative space for […]

Published

2 weeks ago

November 7, 2024

BlackPressUSA.com

The event featured a variety of workshops, panel discussions, and keynote speeches from leading experts in neurodiversity and mental health. Attendees left with practical tools and strategies to enhance their parenting journeys, emphasizing the importance of understanding and supporting the unique needs of neurodivergent children.

“While the conference was a tremendous success, we believe that our work doesn’t end here,” said Natasha Nelson. “It’s crucial to continue providing ongoing support and resources for parents as they navigate this important journey. We want to ensure families can access the tools they need long after the conference.”

To extend the momentum generated at the conference, Natasha and Yolanda are excited to announce the launch of the Supernova Parenting Community. This membership-based initiative aims to offer a safe and supportive environment for parents and caregivers to continue their growth as conscious parents.

Membership is available for as little as $5 a month via Patreon, making it accessible for all families seeking support.

“We know that parenting can be a challenging journey, especially when navigating neurodivergence and mental health issues,” Yolanda Walker added. “Our goal is to build a community where parents feel seen, heard, and supported. We hope you’ll join us in this vital work.”

For more information about the Supernova Parenting Community and to sign up for membership, please visit supernovaparenting.org