When I first walked through the black doors of 24 Rector Street as a nervous and guarded high school freshman, little did I know that this historical building would become the cornerstone of my artistic journey. Over the years, the NJPAC Arts Education Program housed within these walls has shaped me into the artist I am today, providing invaluable guidance and opportunities that I will cherish for a lifetime.

This isn't just any old building. This, my friends, is the Cathedral House, a landmark steeped in rich history and vibrant cultural significance. It was here in 1967 that the pivotal Black Power Conference took place, marking it as a site of remarkable historical importance. This moment was a huge step in the Civil Rights movement, a step closer to winning the battle for equality and respect to be rightfully given to us Black Americans. Its walls have echoed the voices, stories, and experiences of generations before me, each contributing to the tapestry of Newark's community.

The New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) is constructing a new campus, a development that promises advancement but should not come at the cost of erasing our cultural heritage. The planned demolition of Cathedral House is a step towards losing an irreplaceable legacy—an act that is simply unjust. It wasn’t long ago when I drove by and saw a tiny piece of this building torn down. I still feel angry just replaying the scene in my head. As someone who is a part of this beautiful, rich legacy, I am obliged to stand up and say, “This building must remain rooted in the ground, never to be beaten down like my people have for centuries.”

Preserving this building and adapting it into an art gallery would honor both tradition and progress. It would allow future artists and community members to engage with its unique history, while also fostering new artistic expressions within.

Newark's identity is deeply tied to its historical sites, which serve not only as reminders of our past struggles and triumphs but also as beacons guiding our future growth. Preserving the Cathedral House for an art gallery aligns both with maintaining our historical integrity and promoting our community's cultural vibrancy.

Join me in urging local leaders, the Newark City Council, and NJPAC to reconsider their decision to demolish Cathedral House. We must advocate for its preservation so that its stories can continue to inspire and shape the artists and leaders of tomorrow. Your signature can make a difference in protecting this vital piece of Newark's heart and history. Please sign this petition to support the preservation of Cathedral House and its transformation into a thriving art gallery.