Friends and Family,

Thank you for your unwavering support. The recent incident involving New Jersey’s Lt. Governor’s Chief of Staff, Sam Parker, is one of the most concerning displays of misuse of power I have ever encountered. Her actions have not only raised serious questions about the abuse of authority but also highlighted a troubling disregard for the principles of accountability and justice. Public officials, especially those entrusted with significant influence, must understand that their privilege carries a profound responsibility—not a license to cause harm or avoid accountability.

More importantly, what message are we sending to New Jersey’s Black community when a high-ranking official can abuse their power without consequences and refuse to offer a public apology? This failure to address such misconduct undermines the Democratic Party’s claim to be the party of justice, fairness, and equity. It feeds into the growing disillusionment among Black voters, many of whom already feel ignored and undervalued by those in power. If the party truly wants to energize and mobilize Black communities, it must demonstrate through action—not just rhetoric—that it listens to our concerns and holds its own accountable.

In the era of Trump, when the stakes for democracy and justice are higher than ever, we cannot afford to turn a blind eye to abuses of power, regardless of political affiliation. This moment demands leadership, accountability, and a commitment to restoring public trust. That begins by addressing this incident head-on and ensuring that our public officials represent the values they were elected to uphold.

As of now, Chief of Staff Sam Parker has not issued a public apology, which demonstrates a lack of accountability and a concerning disregard for the well-being and trust of New Jersey citizens, particularly within the Black community. It’s NEVER okay to call the police on innocent Black people.

Timeline of Advocacy

1. Social Media Post 

I’m sharing this experience to shed light on what happened with Sam Parker and how her actions reflect entitlement and a misuse of power in a Black-centered space. Her behavior isn’t just about one incident—it’s part of a larger issue of anti-Blackness that we see far too often, especially from people in positions of authority. By telling this story, I’m holding her accountable and emphasizing the harm caused when individuals act without respect or understanding toward Black communities. I’m also calling for people like Parker to reflect, seek help, and participate in undoing anti-Blackness training so we can prevent situations like this from happening in the future.

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/oqP2qG2gJy7m1PCT/?mibextid=WC7FNe

2. Social Media Post 

This is my effort to explain to my followers what happened on November 20, 2024, and to call once again for Chief of Staff Sam Parker to issue a public apology. It is disheartening that Black people must fight even for something as basic as an apology for an incident that could have easily turned deadly. There is a long and painful history of law enforcement being weaponized to threaten, bully, and intimidate Black people, and this pattern must stop. I am again calling on Chief of Staff Sam Parker to do the right thing and publicly apologize.

3. Social Media Post 

New Jersey has a troubling history of neglecting the Black community while expecting Black voters to support public officials who fail to prioritize our concerns. Who is truly fighting for us? How do we achieve justice? Where can we demand accountability when harm is done to us? Reflecting on Marsha P. Johnson’s legacy, we are reminded of her powerful teachings on resisting injustice and challenging dehumanizing and unjust practices.

4. My letter to the Lt. Governor Tahesha Way Requesting Investigation into Chief of Staff Sam Parker for potential abuse of power.

After several unsuccessful attempts to secure a public apology from Chief of Staff Sam Parker, I found it necessary to escalate my concerns by reaching out to her boss, the Lt. Governor of New Jersey, to request a formal investigation.

While Chief of Staff Sam Parker’s actions were undoubtedly disrespectful and inappropriate, the broader concern lies in her apparent misuse of authority.During my event, she leveraged her position to involve the Lt. Governor’s police detail in an attempt to have me removed from the stage—without any justification, reasoning, or logic.

This raises critical questions: Why would a person in such a prominent position divert law enforcement from their primary duty of protecting the Lt. Governor to address a personal dispute? Why would one of the highest-ranking Chiefs of Staff in New Jersey believe it is acceptable to use police officers to intimidate and pressure an innocent citizen?

These are serious matters that warrant thorough scrutiny. Is this an isolated incident, or part of a larger pattern of behavior? Does Chief of Staff Sam Parker have a history of leveraging her authority for personal grievances? A full investigation is necessary to provide answers and ensure accountability. Let’s see what happens next…

Dear Lt. Governor Tahesha Way,

I am formally requesting an investigation into your Chief of Staff, Sam Parker, for potential abuse of power in her efforts to involve the Lieutenant Governor’s police detail against me—a private citizen. While the officers did not act improperly, Ms. Parker’s use of her position to intimidate, bully, and threaten me raises serious concerns about the misuse of authority and the erosion of public trust in government.

I had no prior relationship with or knowledge of Ms. Parker, either as an individual or a political figure. However, on November 20, 2024, during my private event at 1545 Pacific Avenue, Atlantic City, NJ, Ms. Parker approached me aggressively and demanded that I leave the stage. When I refused her unsubstantiated demands, she escalated the situation by threatening to involve law enforcement to remove me.

We have witnessed far too many instances where individuals in positions of privilege call on the police to intimidate and bully citizens, particularly Black individuals. Such actions have led to violence and, in some cases, deadly force, undermining public trust in law enforcement. In this case, however, it was not just a private citizen misusing law enforcement, but a high-ranking public official in New Jersey.

You pledged to the people of New Jersey to honor the legacy of the late, great Sheila Oliver by dedicating yourself to fighting tirelessly for the forgotten families of our state. I respectfully urge your office to take this matter seriously. No individual in a position of authority should be allowed to misuse government resources, including law enforcement, to settle personal grievances, act on biases, or pursue hidden political agendas.

New Jersey must demonstrate a commitment to holding public officials accountable for any abuse of power. It is crucial for Black citizens in New Jersey to know that justice, fairness, and accountability are attainable. The outcome of this investigation will determine whether our citizens can believe that justice is obtainable or whether powerful individuals are shielded from accountability, no matter the harm they cause to the public.

Your office has an opportunity to set a national example for transparency and accountability, demonstrating that no one is above the law, particularly as we approach 2025 and the transition to a new federal administration. Before we can pursue justice on the national level, it must first be seen here in New Jersey. I look forward to hearing from you and receiving an update on the progress of your investigation.

Thank you,

Minister Archange Antoine, M.Div.

CC:

– Governor Phil Murphy

– Colonel Patrick A. Callahan of NJ State Police

– Legislative Black Caucus Chairperson Sumpter

– Senate President Scutari

– Assembly Speaker Coughlin

January 13, 2025