Booker to Students: Seize Opportunities
Although Cory Booker held degrees from Stanford University, Oxford University and Yale University, it was not until he knocked on the door of Mrs. Virginia Jones, tenant president of the Brick Towers housing project in Newark, that he learned a very valuable lesson that helped him launch his political career.
Booker asked Jones what he could do to help. The woman asked him to tell her what he saw around him. Booker began pointing out the rundown buildings and drug dealers. In response, the woman told him that he could never help her because what he saw was his own reflection. Those who saw hope, love and opportunities could help her because they were focusing on solving problems, she explained. Determined to improve the living conditions, Booker eventually moved into Brick Towers and ran for city council.
The mayor of Newark since 2006, Booker shared the story on a visit to the Lawrenceville campus on Monday, October 26. The University Democrats hosted the discussion, where Booker shared his experiences and the importance of student involvement in the political arena, and talked about the current gubernatorial race.
Booker is determined to change the perceptions of Newark by appearing on The Tonight Show with Conan O’Brien and The Colbert Report and spreading the positive word about the city on Facebook and Twitter, Fortunately, he is not alone. There are heroes, like Jones, who emerge everyday to make a difference in their community, he said.
“The citizens of Newark are making a lot of strides. It’s really incredible,” he said.
Later that evening, for example, Booker and more than 100 residents planned to patrol the most dangerous streets of Newark as part of the city’s “Crime Caravan.” He shared another example of a resident mowing a lawn of a county park because he did not like how it looked. “He took the responsibility to transform his street, his city, his state, his nation,” he said.
Because of Booker’s dedication and the community’s commitment, he said affordable housing is doubling in production and crime is decreasing in Newark.
Joe Gallant, University Democrats vice president, and a native of Newark, said he worked on the Cory Booker campaign with his father in 2002.
“I was inspired at such a young age to help out as much as I could,” said Gallant, a junior Political Science and Global Multinational Studies major. “When Cory came along, he made tremendous strides.”
Gallant, along with two fellow Rider students, were also sufficiently moved to accompany Booker later that evening on the “Crime Caravan.”
Booker said he is often frustrated that there are still so many people who think that American democracy is a spectator sport. “It’s a full contact, full participatory sport, and you need to get in the game,” said the former Stanford football player.
Booker said now is the most challenging time for the state of New Jersey. Many people are experiencing pain and anxiety. Many are worried that they cannot pay their mortgage or their medications, or they cannot afford to stay in school, he said.
“These are the times as an Americans that we should be asking what more can we be doing?” he said.
While Jon Corzine has had to make difficult decisions, including cutting the state budget and letting go employees, he is the one that is helping the state move forward, Booker said. In addition, Corzine is making a critical investment by providing more funds for education, he added.
“This election is about real choices,” he said. “Here’s a governor who, in my opinion, is worthy of a second term.”
Booker, who kept a white board with goals in his dorm room, said he has always set big ambitions for himself. He encouraged the students in attendance to take risks and be true to their purposes.
“We are a nation of collective action. We are a nation that sets impossible goals for ourselves,” he said. “On this campus, if you work together, you can do amazing things.”
Also, in attendance was Lawrence Township Mayor Pam Mount, who made the opening remarks before Booker’s discussion.
“I certainly encourage you to get involved. Don’t hesitate,” Mount said. “You’ll find in life – whether it is in business, government or nonprofit there’s always something you can do to help your community, help the world.”
