Ande Richards
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anderichards.bsky.social
Ande Richards
@anderichards.bsky.social
160 followers 130 following 33 posts
I work at Mosaic.nj.com. I adore my pit bull, Ralph, and my good neighbor karma continues in my wonderfully diverse NJ neighborhood.
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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
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
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
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
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
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
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
I saw her perform live at NJPAC - she was brilliant!
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
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
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
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.
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
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
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
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
Reposted by Ande Richards
Reposted by Ande Richards
Please attend NO KINGS DAY anti-Trump protest, Saturday, June 14th, 11:00am, Lincoln Statue,12 Springfield Avenue, Newark, NJ. 973 801-0001.
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
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
This is disgusting. What will it take for every citizen to take to the streets and force change.
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.
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.