By Gothic Times staff —
KARNOUTOUS HALL— Urban Politics 213 is class that brings in political players from the community to talk about the political process and activism at large in this city.
Taught by Assistant Dean Fran Moran, Urban Politics dissolves the walls and textbooks and brings in the subjects themselves to be objectified, studied, and scrutinized by the students. They receive a first hand experience and a behind-the-scenes view of what it means to be a player in local politics.
According to Moran, “Only [at the local] level do you get to meet your elected officials.” Chances are you might follow Obama on Twitter but you’re not shaking the man’s hand any time soon.
At a time when the youth vote (ages 18-29) hovers at around 20%, it’s important to be reminded of what’s at stake for the community. Bringing in people who are directly responsible for shaping the future of Jersey City to the classroom may just be the jolt to action students need to get involved.
One of those subjects was Ivan Freire, a research assistant to Mayor Jerramiah Healy and Jersey City University alum.
“I came to [Urban Politics] because I have a deep interest in doing something in the community.”
That same deep interest drove Freire to manage the “Green Task Force” initiative. It’s an initiative that developed the “Adopt-a-Lot” program in Jersey City. A hugely successful program springing urban gardens to what otherwise would be dusty lots. NJCU has its own version of it as some our cafeteria food is grown in the GSUB terrace.
“Get involved,” exclaimed Freire to as he took over the class from Moran. Freire graduated from NJCU in 2006 and immediately went to work for the Mayor’s office. As an unpaid intern. He struggled to even get his foot in door and after 6 months of trying he was in and now he shares his insider perspective. “The city and the university should build a better a relationship,” explains Freire.
Freire has bridged the gap between political science student to political science operative and if this class is as successful and as engaging as it appears on a cold wet Wednesday evening then the 27 faithful that showed up should produce another future agent of change.
“How can we turn inner city schools into suburban schools,” asked Anthony Ramirez a 26history major.
Ramirez points out to inequality as one his main reasons behind taking urban politics in his junior year. “Jersey City needs a lot of improvements and I want to improve the quality of life in the inner city.”
Ramirez has been influenced to the point where he’s trying to start a soccer clinic with the goal of creating change among the city kids.
The class also goes on the road and visits city council meetings. In two weeks they will get a chance to interact with Councilman Steve Fulop, a Mayoral candidate for the next election.
