Author | Lightnews

Ande Richards @anderichards.bsky.social · 10h

25 years ago, James Comer went to prison as a teenager.
On 10/17 he walked out a free man — and a minister.
His case reshaped NJ law for juveniles and inspired hope for others seeking redemption. read more here: tinyurl.com/bdu9x3aa @aclu.org #JuvenileJustice #JamesComer #ACLU

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Ande Richards @anderichards.bsky.social · 9d

When asked about Hispanic Heritage Month, Teresa Vivar paused. “I don’t identify as Hispanic or Latino, I’m Indigenous. Oaxaca, where I’m from, has more than 84 Indigenous languages still spoken today. That’s the culture I carry.”

Read more: tinyurl.com/2hv35357 #IndigenousPeoplesDay

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Ande Richards @anderichards.bsky.social · 11d

Family. Culture. Music. Incredible performances. The UniverSoul Circus is more than a show — it's an experience that connects generations! Newark, “Rhythm of the World” is here October 2–19, with a special performance for #IndigenousPeoplesDay. #FamilyEntertainment

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Ande Richards @anderichards.bsky.social · Aug 23

Jay T knew he was different at age four. His journey has been both challenging and life-affirming.“For me, this isn’t about sexual orientation; it’s about a difference in gender identity,” Thomas said. “This isn’t a lifestyle, it’s my life. That’s a huge difference.” tinyurl.com/3dy4uuef
#LGBTQIA

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Ande Richards @anderichards.bsky.social · Aug 3

From community care to gender-affirming services, Newark’s Black LGBTQ+ leaders are reshaping narratives and building new futures. Read more in my story, “Inside N.J.’s Black LGBTQ movement to create safe spaces and community” tinyurl.com/2h3stvtk

Inside N.J.’s Black LGBTQ movement to create safe spaces and community

Leaders focus on building safe spaces and resources within the city rather than seeing young people leave to find acceptance.

tinyurl.com

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Ande Richards @anderichards.bsky.social · Jul 27

Autism isn’t one path — it’s a spectrum of challenges and strengths here are 3 stories of resilient parents and thriving folks on the autism spectrum tinyurl.com/mt76n5d5 #DisabilityPride #AutismAwareness

Ande Richards @anderichards.bsky.social · Jul 27

July is #DisabilityPrideMonth — a time to honor diversity in ability and experience. Dr. Malia Beckwith, an autism specialist in NJ says early diagnosis + the right support can help children thrive. “Autism brings challenges — but also unique strengths.” tinyurl.com/3799cc9j #SupportDontStigmatize

Disability Pride Month 2025: Understanding autism through N.J. families

Three families open up about their daily realities, challenges, and triumphs while navigating life on the autism spectrum.

tinyurl.com

Ande Richards @anderichards.bsky.social · Jul 18

I saw her perform live at NJPAC - she was brilliant!

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Ande Richards @anderichards.bsky.social · Jul 18

The fight over who gets to belong in America is here — and it starts with birthright citizenship. Executive Order 14160 is a direct assault on the 14th Amendment, targeting U.S.-born kids of undocumented and temporary-status parents. Read more here tinyurl.com/zzn7vv4r #14thAmendment

Push to end birthright citizenship raises legal and social alarms

Efforts to redefine the 14th Amendment could leave thousands of children stateless and trigger constitutional battles.

tinyurl.com

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Ande Richards @anderichards.bsky.social · Jul 13

Once homeless, Kem rose to become an international R&B star, and now he’s celebrating 23 years in the industry. He has two dates in NJ @NJPAC 7/18, @BorgataAC 7/19 #Kem -“When you confront your life, freedom is on the other side."

Kem rings in 23 Years of music with summer tour and fresh single

The R&B star will perform at NJPAC on July 18 and Atlantic City on July 19, with his new track, "Give My Love," releasing July 25.

tinyurl.com

Ande Richards @anderichards.bsky.social · Jul 5

tinyurl.com/44kasuba
What does true repair look like? NJ's Reparations Council just mapped out 93 ways to address historical injustices. Dive into the most comprehensive study of NJ's racial history! #ReparationsNow

N.J. reparations report has 93 ways to address centuries of racial injustice

The study examines the history of slavery in the state and proposes direct payments to Black residents and policy reforms.

tinyurl.com

Ande Richards @anderichards.bsky.social · Jun 27

Army veteran and Civil War re-enactor Fred Minus spoke to Hopewell Valley HS students about the Civil War on Juneteenth. He reminded them that the war wasn’t just about battles – it was about defining the country’s future and who was included in its promise. Read more here: tinyurl.com/53dbud83

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Ande Richards @anderichards.bsky.social · Jun 26

My elementary school gym teacher at PS21 I in the Bronx would play that Dionne Warwick classic as we jogged the perimeter of the gym - every gym period and it never got old.

Reposted by Ande Richards

DrH @drhaup.bsky.social · Jun 26

Please sign this petition from Mom's Rising against the Repubs' big, horrible budget bill. It's very easy to do. Then, while you're on a roll, call your Senators 202-224-3121! It's easy!
action.momsrising.org/sign/Federal...

Republicans are giving tax breaks on the backs of our kids' futures!

The passage of the Big Bad Betrayal Republican tax and budget bill would gut health care, nutrition assistance, and child care, and includes a sneaky provision called the Educational Choice for Childr...

action.momsrising.org

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Ande Richards @anderichards.bsky.social · Jun 26

In case you missed it, a Q+A with Dionne Warwick who performs at the historic Apollo theater this Friday, June 27. Read more here: tinyurl.com/4mm4ac4n
Who remembers this song? youtu.be/FZLa-1q-lkw?...

Do You Know the Way to San Jose

YouTube video by Dionne Warwick - Topic

youtu.be

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Ande Richards @anderichards.bsky.social · Jun 25

Zarna Garg has been busy - a movie, “A Nice Indian Boy,” a book, This American Woman: A One-in-a-Billion Memoir and her second Hulu special “Practical People Win” drops in July. She’s not just telling jokes — she’s building a comedy hub for real, working people. tinyurl.com/yc7x2vsy

Zarna Garg bet on herself — and hit the jackpot

Zarna Garg stars alongside Jonathan Groff in "A Nice Indian Boy," has a best selling book and is developing a sitcom with comedy powerhouses Mindy Kaling and Kevin Hart.

tinyurl.com

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Ande Richards @anderichards.bsky.social · Jun 19

@joanhussey1.bsky.social 😘

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Ande Richards @anderichards.bsky.social · Jun 16

youtu.be/UhBRU5KVPMQ?...
Hats off to the student journalists @LosAngelesCityCollege for their excellent coverage of the protests against ICE. Reporters - students and professionals - put their lives on line when they cover live protests. Journalists are not the enemy. #lacc #studentjournalism

Without Warning: LAPD Opens Fire on Student Journalist, Downtown L.A. Crowd

YouTube video by Collegian Wired

youtu.be

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Ande Richards @anderichards.bsky.social · Jun 16

Jazz House Kids, has nurtured thousands of kids for over 22 years. Led by Melissa Walker + 9x Grammy-winner Christian McBride (@NewportJazz artistic director), it’s a space to grow through jazz, community & storytelling. Read about it here: tinyurl.com/mrxcmeud
#JazzEducation #ChristianMcBride

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Ande Richards @anderichards.bsky.social · Jun 14

A major shift in #SickleCell treatment: gene replacement therapy now offers an option that doesn’t require a donor—using the patient’s own cells. @hackensackmeridianhealth.org

More here: [https://tinyurl.com/y35k9445](tinyurl.com/y35k9445)
\#GeneTherapy #HealthInnovation #SickleCellAwareness

Sickle cell gene therapy offers hope to N.J. teen

New gene therapy improves the life of 18-year-old with Sickle Cell Disease which affects 5,000 New Jersey residents living with the condition.

tinyurl.com

Reposted by Ande Richards

Bird 🌲 @nepeteaa.bsky.social · Jun 13

NO KINGS 🇺🇸

260 5.1K 24K

Reposted by Ande Richards

lawrencehamm.bsky.social @lawrencehamm.bsky.social · Jun 12

Please attend NO KINGS DAY anti-Trump protest, Saturday, June 14th, 11:00am, Lincoln Statue,12 Springfield Avenue, Newark, NJ. 973 801-0001.

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Ande Richards @anderichards.bsky.social · Jun 13

Members of N.J.’s diverse communities speak out about the travel ban and the restrictions affecting 12 countries—including Cuba and Haiti—which have strong ties to N.J. through their local populations. tinyurl.com/2p9taz3j @legaldefensefund.bsky.social @faithinnewjersey.bsky.social

Trump travel ban affects Haiti, 11 other nations starting today

New Jersey communities with ties to banned countries express concerns as families are separated and travel restricted.

tinyurl.com

Ande Richards @anderichards.bsky.social · Jun 12

Hey New Jersey! Did you know your utility bills went up—by as much as 20%—on June 1st? State Sen. Britnee Timberlake has introduced legislation aimed at lowering those bills. Learn more here: tinyurl.com/ywwk8cb7

Utility hikes will burden New Jersey families, Dems say. Here’s their plan.

New Jersey utility rate increases of up to 20% took effect on June 1.

tinyurl.com

Ande Richards @anderichards.bsky.social · Jun 12

This is disgusting. What will it take for every citizen to take to the streets and force change.

Matt Dragon @mattdragon.com · Jun 12

Important to remember, if you hit a police horse they'll charge you with a felony. If the police hit a police horse, they'll probably still charge you with a felony.

Jeremy Lindenfeld @jeremotographs.bsky.social · Jun 12

A pretty shocking clip from today. An LAPD officer on horseback tramples a protester who then falls in front of another horse. As others try to help the protester up, an LAPD officer wields a blunt weapon to strike the protester, but strikes a nearby horse in the head.

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