Today marks the beginning of Black History Month in our country. And, while many of the leading figures in African American history are deservedly celebrated during this time of year, there are many unsung individuals whose contribution to our nation’s rich history gets lost. They are individuals who selflessly worked to make our society better, fairer and more accepting of all people. 

One of the great burdens of our society is the over-criminalization of the American people. I call it a burden because of the social, governmental and economic effects this over-criminalization has had on countless communities across the nation. This has led me to focusing on challenging the over-criminalization and incarceration of New Jersey residents by engaging in a deeper analysis of the statutory framework that has led to this issue and new tactics that can bend the curve on its proliferation. 

• You can influence someone’s life directly and often quickly.
• You can contribute to the betterment of an individual and society at large.
• You can become a better you by placing someone else first.
• You can better appreciate the effects of a mentor on your dreams, aspirations and successes.

Each of the aforementioned points are key takeaways from the joy of being a mentor to someone, whether personally or professionally. Furthermore, mentoring is a proven strategy that is integral for long lasting and positive development of our youth.

On Monday, January 15, we will celebrate a holiday dedicated to one of America’s greatest leaders of the 20th century: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Public remembrances often evoke some emotion in all of us, leaving us with a strong sense of history as we ponder a specific person or event, seemingly frozen in time. The Martin Luther King Jr. holiday is different. While it honors the man for his impact, influence and achievements in civil rights for all people, it offers something more.

It would be difficult to volunteer a word that has more potential for raising a reflexive concern than the term nuclear. While we know the benefits that nuclear energy provides — plenty of affordable, reliable energy to the world — we allow, privately at least, to fall into the valley of doubt, skepticism and fear about its continued use.

The Holiday Spirit is difficult to define. I don’t mean that in the typical dictionary approach but rather in the everyday personal interpretive sense. Ask 10 people what it means, and it will probably vary, though I suspect the theme — fellowship, family and faith — would form some general basis of agreement. (Even the Grinch who grumbles about the holidays can find “comfort” in a reason to complain.) Anecdotally, people seem to be a bit more “lifted” in spirit and personality. You’ll often hear a Happy Holidays or a greeting of Merry Christmas.

The deadline for a vulnerable segment of our population is closing in and the result of congressional inactivity could be devastating. I am referring to the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), which is in peril. Nationally, nearly 9 million youngsters (and about 370,000 pregnant women) receive care through CHIP.

December is Universal Human Rights Month. It began out of the ugliness, terror and cruelty of World War II. In the wake of that devastation and documented cruelty, the United Nations came to a thoughtful, strategic and empowering decision. They issued the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) Dec. 10, 1948, which codified a standard for the treatment of everyone.

It was a horrible year. For Republicans not named Chris Brown. If you’re a Democrat, you probably thought 2017 was great.