The Princeton University chapter of the NAACP, the nation’s oldest civil rights organization, hosted Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman, state Senator Troy Singleton, and New Jersey Assemblywoman Tennille McCoy for a discussion on the evolution and future of Black political power in New Jersey.
The event aimed to connect students with some of the state’s leading legislative voices. The chapter was founded in the early 1990s as a way to advocate for civil rights and justice on campus.
Watson Coleman, who has focused her career on civil rights and economic development, is the first Black woman to represent New Jersey’s 12th Congressional District. She previously served eight terms in the New Jersey General Assembly, and also served as the majority leader and chair of the Democratic state committee. In November, she announced that she would retire after serving six terms in the U.S. House of Representatives.
In an interview with The Daily Princetonian before the NAACP event, Watson Coleman expressed her discontent with the federal government’s relationship with institutions of higher education, citing a conversation with President Donald Trump.
“I hope that they find out that I’m not happy with the environment and that things are not happening as quickly as they should,” Watson Coleman told the ‘Prince.’
Co-Chair of the University chapter Chris-Tina Middlebrooks ’27 facilitated the conversation.
Singleton, the first person of color to represent Burlington County in the New Jersey Senate, spoke on the necessity of bipartisan persistence. “I think we all have this obligation, and I’ve seen it in practice for each of my current colleagues, is speaking truth to power as it relates to making sure that our voices are heard,” he said.
McCoy, founder of the New Jersey Black Women’s Collective, highlighted the importance of Black representation and mentorship. She recalled her grandfather, who started off as a janitor, became a laborer, and then an elevator operator.
“He would have never imagined that his granddaughter would become a state representative,” McCoy said.
She expressed concern over financial barriers to higher education access. “There are so many hurdles that we have to recognize … federal loans are being limited for higher education. Not all of us have $100,000 we can ask our families for, even in our own savings,” she said.
Watson Coleman and McCoy also emphasized the importance of Black representation in clinical trials and mental health initiatives. Both shared that they are working toward ensuring that women and people of color receive equitable representation in medical research.
“There is a suicide issue with young Black youth; we are holding discussions with people across the country, not just for Black children, but for everybody,” Coleman said regarding mental health concerns in the youth.
The lawmakers also commented on the potential job market complications amid the increasing use of artificial intelligence.
“It’s becoming more difficult as you graduate. It will take some of you maybe six months to a year to find a job,” McCoy said about the current economic situation.
Students interested in learning more about Black power and representation were particularly drawn to the event.
“A lot of the time you think that change is really slow, especially for marginalized people, but they also describe change that can happen within a week,” Angel Asare ’28 said. “I think this can be really inspiring with what is happening right now.”
“Commemorating Congresswoman Coleman, who came out of the state legislature and is now not only representing New Jersey, but also Princeton, was important,” chapter Co-Chair Stanley Stoutamire ’27 added.
Reflecting on the legacy she hopes to leave behind, Watson Coleman offered a final statement to the students: “I think public service is a calling, it’s a commitment, it’s not a job, and it’s not a title, and if you’re willing to do it, you have to do it for those that couldn’t.”
Giselle Moreno is a contributing News writer from Dallas. She can be reached at gm2076[at]princeton.edu.
Please send any corrections to corrections[at]dailyprincetonian.com.
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