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Who We Are2024-02-29T00:44:56-05:00

We Are APRI Essex County

The Essex County New Jersey chapter of the A. Philip Randolph Institute, founded in 1970, is committed to supporting the ideals of our founder Asa Philip Randolph. By fighting for civil rights, workers rights, education and job training we support those efforts that insist on a democratic society that encourages participation of all individuals in the economic, political and social justice reforms that uplift and improve the lives of all Americans.

Clara Dasher, an organizer for the Newark Teachers Union and Roy Kirby an organizer for the United Auto Workers Union along with several other union activists were instrumental in establishing the A. Philip Randolph Institute (APRI) chapter in Essex County, New Jersey in the late 1970’s.

They were inspired to join the APRI movement by fellow trade unionists who were already working in the community encouraging grass roots people to register to vote. They stood on street corners, put up tables in parking lots of supermarkets and shopping malls and went to street fairs and parades to explain to the community the power and importance of their vote! They urged minority union members to seek office in their local unions and municipalities.

After only a few years as a member of the Essex County, NJ APRI chapter Clara Dasher became president. She was eventually appointed as APRI Northeast Regional representative. She held these important positions for over ten years.

Officers

Gerald Owens
Gerald OwensPRESIDENT
Mike Fisher
Mike FisherVICE-PRESIDENT
Billie Jean Easley
Billie Jean EasleySECRETARY
Patricia Burroughs
Patricia BurroughsTREASURER

Affiliates

 

APRI Union County New Jersey Chapter – President, Herbert Hall

APRI Hudson County New Jersey Chapter – President, Steve Hamm

apri essex county new jersey chapter