By Jennifer Ersalesi
Photo credits: Jennifer Ersalesi
For sixty years, the Borough's Rutherford Civil Rights Commission (RCRC) has been working together to protect the civil rights of everyone in the community. Through education, advocacy, and collaboration, the RCRC celebrates and nurtures diversity and fosters inclusion.
On November 12, 2024, the Rutherford Civil Rights Commission (RCRC) celebrated its 60th Anniversary in the Auditorium at the Rutherford Public Library, where they honored Robin Reenstra, Former Commissioner and Current President of the Meadowlands Museum Board.
After a greeting by the current Chair of the RCRC, Ginny Perrin, Commissioner Lori Rosario-Griffin introduced the RHS Select Choir. The choir sang "Where the Light Begins" which includes the lyrics, "Perhaps it takes a lifetime to open our eyes, to learn to see what has forever shimmered in front of us." The lyrics serve as an important reminder to appreciate the diversity that surrounds us.
Commissioner Jarrod Schaeffer introduced NJ Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin, Guest Speaker of the evening. Platkin spoke about the rich diversity in Rutherford and commended the RCRC on this special anniversary. He explained that his most important role is keeping residents safe. He thanked Assemblyman Gary Schaer, who was in attendance at this event, for being "a fierce advocate for all things New Jersey" and helping to "restore public trust in government" by combating racism and bigotry. Platkin concluded his speech by reminding everyone, "New Jersey is full of people who stand up for each other."
Perrin introduced Robin Reenstra, a former RCRC Commissioner, past President of Rutherford Downtown Partnership, a graduate of MIT, where she started the first women's Rugby team, and daughter of one of the founders of RCRC.
Robin Reenstra explained how the Rutherford Human Rights Committee was formed by the Unitarian Church in the early 1960's. Parishioners and other members of the community recognized the need to establish equal rights for home ownership. At the time black families were segregated and only permitted to buy homes on two streets in Rutherford. The Rutherford Human Rights Committee was a precursor to the RCRC which was formed after both the assassination of John F. Kennedy, which affected the nation deeply, and Lyndon B. Johnson's Civil Rights Act. In September 1964 the Rutherford Council established the RCRC. In October, the Commission members were appointed. The RCRC was the first local commission in Bergen County and possibly in the state.
Reenstra continued by showing the original trifold brochure created by the first RCRC. The brochures were hand-delivered to each residence in the Borough by Rutherford Scout troops. The trifold explained what the RCRC was and how it could support all residents.
In 1965, the first issue that the RCRC addressed was fair housing. Public notices were posted in lobbies of residential buildings with a phone number to call if anyone felt discriminated against while trying to rent an apartment.
The second issue was creating equality at barber shops and beauty salons. After hearing complaints by residents of the black community that beauticians were refusing to cut and style their hair, the RCRC Commissioners reached out to these barber shops and beauty salons. They discovered that their training did not include cutting and styling hair textures of different ethnicities. The RCRC went to the NJ Board of Cosmetology and got the requirements changed so that beauticians were trained to cut and style all hair textures.
Next, the RCRC pressured the Borough and the Board of Education to hire minorities. A report had to be filed and compared each year to see if progress was being made.
Reenstra had a role in discovering and reporting discrimination in the Rutherford Elks Club. After attending an Elks Convention with her Scout troop's color guard, Robin commented to her mother that she was surrounded by white men who just talked to each other all day. Robin's mother brought this to the attention of the RCRC and requested that the organization's rule of including "white men only" should be eliminated. Eventually, a Rutherford Elks Lodge member brought this issue to the Supreme Court. The Court ruled that the National Elks Club could no longer receive public benefits if they discriminated against residents in their community. After that occurred, the RCRC was able to end discrimination in their local chapter.
After Martin Luther King's assassination, the RCRC hosted a march down Park Avenue. They created a paper banner that said "Dr. King Lives On" which is still intact and displayed at the Meadowlands Museum.
Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, fewer complaints were being made to the RCRC, which was attributed to different cultural expectations regarding reporting discrimination. The RCRC began focusing on the Multicultural Festivals, which have taken place every year (other than in 2020 during the pandemic).
Councilwoman Christie Del-Rey Cone, former Commissioner and Council Liason to the RCRC, encouraged the community to communicate face to face, and not take to social media to discuss issues that arise. She also gave a Proclamation from the Mayor and Council in recognition of the 60th Anniversary of the RCRC.
Co-presidents of the Rutherford High School GSA (Gay-Straight Alliance) and Equity Club, Eddie Raymond and Isabella Ria Cheyes, also provided their insight. Isabella said that it is important for students to see how they can make an impact. She explained how they visit younger children in the school district to help them learn more about diversity and inclusion. Eddie explained that although young people know the basics about the need to uplift the community, it is important to continue educating themselves and not allow themselves to become silenced.
To conclude the evening, Perrin reminded everyone that Rutherford has no place for hate and that true community must be nurtured and people must feel safe, seen, and heard.
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