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Ande Richards

@anderichards.bsky.social
202 followers 169 following 92 posts

Managing Producer, Diversity of Voices at Mosaic. Full-time caretaker of an 89-year-old firecracker, watcher of too many home improvement shows and NJ resident in appreciation of our diverse communities.

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Ande Richards @anderichards.bsky.social · 06/10/2026
Who is believed, who is protected and what makes an investigation fair? Josie Gonsalves, Patricia Campos-Medina and Julie Roginsky examine misconduct, political power, race and accountability in this week’s Mosaic. tinyurl.com/5yrpvtc8 #NJMosaic #WomenInPolitics #Accountability #NewJersey
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Ande Richards @anderichards.bsky.social · 04/10/2026
An honest note: A duplicated headline and a few typos slipped into this week’s Mosaic. I own them. I’m also proud of its reporting on accountability, nuance and political power. Thank you for reading — and for your grace. link.nj.com/view/6512e37... #politics #DaleCaldwell #Spiritualhealing
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Ande Richards @anderichards.bsky.social · 03/10/2026
The findings against Dale Caldwell matter. So do questions about the investigative process, the views of people who know him and the effect on his family. My latest reports what happened when supporters welcomed him at an East Orange church: tinyurl.com/bdeaars3 #DaleCaldwell #Mosaic #Politics
nj.com
‘Let’s show him love’: Supporters embrace Dale Caldwell after resignation
At an East Orange church gathering, allies challenged aspects of the investigation that ended Caldwell's tenure as lieutenant governor and urged him to continue his public service.
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Ande Richards @anderichards.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
Who benefits from the transition to a more sustainable economy — and who is still being left out? This week’s Mosaic looks at equity, accountability and young people pressing businesses to move beyond promises. tinyurl.com/yc5crx73 #MosaicNJ #Sustainability
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Ande Richards @anderichards.bsky.social · 27/09/2026
Aliya Baker, 22, is raising a toddler and helping care for her father, who has cancer. She wanted health care training but couldn’t afford it. A free CNA program gave her a way forward. Read the story here: tinyurl.com/yc5crx73 #MosaicNJ #HealthCareCareers
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Ande Richards @anderichards.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
“Caring for myself is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation, and that is an act of political warfare.” — Audre Lorde A necessary reminder that caring for ourselves helps us continue caring for others. tinyurl.com/2rchayj8 #MosaicNJ
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Ande Richards @anderichards.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
Health shapes how we work, care for others and participate in our lives. This week’s Mosaic brings together reporting on health and a free CNA training program opening doors for N.J. students. tinyurl.com/2rchayj8 #MosaicNJ #health #selfcare
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Ande Richards @anderichards.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
Baraka, McIver and Caldwell face very different forms of scrutiny. Treating their cases as equivalent obscures what each demands. Black leadership doesn’t require protection from scrutiny. It requires consistent standards. tinyurl.com/mr2y2r75 #MosaicNJ
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Ande Richards @anderichards.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
Brick City Memorial Park gives Newark families a peaceful place to remember people lost to violence — and ensures their names aren’t reduced to statistics. Wanda Goodman told me: “We didn’t forget your loved one.” tinyurl.com/mr2y2r75 #NewarkNJ #MosaicNJ
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Ande Richards @anderichards.bsky.social · 13/09/2026
“If they don’t give you a seat the table, bring a folding chair.” Shirley Chisholm
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Ande Richards @anderichards.bsky.social · 12/09/2026
Falling homicide numbers in Newark cannot tell us whether every program works, every neighborhood feels safer or how families carry loss. This week’s Mosaic looks beyond the statistics at prevention, remembrance and accountability. tinyurl.com/mr2y2r75 #MosaicNJ #NewarkNJ
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Ande Richards @anderichards.bsky.social · 06/09/2026
“It’s like Summer Jam, but with a message.” Mayor Ras Baraka explains how 24 Hours of Peace fits Newark’s violence-prevention strategy — and where communication gaps can still leave room for deadly conflicts. My Q&A for Mosaic: tinyurl.com/mt8a5za5 #NewarkNJ #peace
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Ande Richards @anderichards.bsky.social · 04/09/2026
This week, I’m looking back at the people and stories we’ve shared in Inside NJ.com’s Mosaic — and asking you to help shape what comes next. Which story stayed with you? What should I cover more? tinyurl.com/cvz292zt #communityvoices #njnews #mosaicnj
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Reposted by Ande Richards
Christopher Webb @cwebbonline.com · 03/09/2026
This iconic 1971 photo of Gloria Steinem and Dorothy Pitman Hughes has always said so much without saying a word. Two women. Two raised fists. One shared fight for equality. Dorothy passed in 2022. Now Gloria is gone too. Two giants who helped change America. Rest in power, Gloria. ✊🏼✊🏾
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Reposted by Ande Richards
Adam Kinzinger @adamkinzinger.substack.com · 03/09/2026
When I spoke out about the conditions aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln, my inbox got flooded from service members and their families. The Guard and Reserve were built to be the force that you call up when the nation truly needs it. That is not what’s happening in the war with Iran. (Link below)
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Ande Richards @anderichards.bsky.social · 04/09/2026
#GloriaSteinem’s death brings me back to 2018, when I interviewed her at Los Angeles City College alongside DACA recipient + immigrant rights activist Samantha Ramirez-Herrera. Two generations advocating for Dreamers. A moment I’m grateful to have documented for the Los Angeles Collegian.
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Ande Richards @anderichards.bsky.social · 29/08/2026
Tamara Harris faced a choice: move to Charlotte with her employer or bet on her side business. She chose New Joy Farm. She now brings animals to children — while challenging assumptions about who can own a farm. Reare more - Inside NJ.com’s Mosaic. tinyurl.com/5c43zxrt
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Ande Richards @anderichards.bsky.social · 28/08/2026
A $110 pony changed Richard Anderson’s life. He became a trucking entrepreneur, minister, social worker, realtor and farmer — then founded Crazy Faith Riders to preserve Black cowboy history. My latest Mosaic: tinyurl.com/5c43zxrt #MosaicNJ #BlackCowboys
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Ande Richards @anderichards.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
Cynthia Harris asked North Plainfield businesses to help local children start school prepared — they answered. Her book bag drive shows what can happen when one community connector brings people together. Read her story Inside NJ.com’s Mosaic: tinyurl.com/45t6y4wr #NorthPlainfield #MosaicNJ
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Ande Richards @anderichards.bsky.social · 24/08/2026
@bsky.app Dr. Edward Egan calls it “medicine in the shadows.” His street-medicine team treats people wherever they are physically located. The work begins with medical care — but it depends on trust. Our Q&A: tinyurl.com/2ywsbacr #StreetMedicine #HealthEquity
tinyurl.com
Meet the N.J. doctor who treats patients under bridges instead of in a hospital
Dr. Edward Egan's street medicine program is reaching New Jersey's most vulnerable residents where they live, no appointment, insurance or ID required.
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Ande Richards @anderichards.bsky.social · 23/08/2026
A little Sunday light from this week’s Mosaic: “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” Mahatma Gandhi #SundayInspiration #QuoteOfTheWeek #MosaicNJ
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Ande Richards @anderichards.bsky.social · 21/08/2026
“Nobody deserves to be alone.” That belief guides Jill Pitman — as a union organizer, advocate and mother raising her children to look out for others. Meet Jill: tinyurl.com/4fbh2phe #OrganizedLabor #MosaicNJ #Advocacy
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Ande Richards @anderichards.bsky.social · 20/08/2026
This week in Inside NJ.com’s Mosaic, I focused on “do-gooders.” Meet union organizer and social justice warrior Jill Pitman; Dr. Edward Egan, who takes medicine to the streets; and N. Plainfield’s outreach arm, Cynthia Harris, whose book bag drive is uniting local businesses.tinyurl.com/45t6y4wr
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Ande Richards @anderichards.bsky.social · 18/08/2026
@bsky.app Last week’s Mosaic poll tinyurl.com/bdhmt62v asked what N.J. civil rights groups should prioritize over the next 5 years 43.5% Truth, repair and racial wealth gap 28.3% Democracy and voting rights 26.1% Criminal justice reform 2.2% Educational and economic opportunity What's your take?
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Ande Richards @anderichards.bsky.social · 15/08/2026
@bsky.app ELIZABETH: Donations are urgently needed for Colombia earthquake relief. Drop off medical, sanitation and personal-care supplies from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday 8/15 and Sunday 8/16 at: 📍262 Morris Ave. 📍1050 Elizabeth Ave. Zelle: MorrisAveLDA@gmail.com Details: tinyurl.com/bdec4hu6
tinyurl.com
Elizabeth community mobilizes to send earthquake relief to Colombia
After a 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck Colombia, Elizabeth resident David Orozco rallied the city's Colombian community to collect and ship relief supplies to affected regions.
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Ande Richards @anderichards.bsky.social · 14/08/2026
“We need to be fighting and building at the same time.” Henal Patel, the first woman and first Asian American to lead the N.J. Institute for Social Justice, spoke with me about leadership, racial justice and building something better during a time of backlash. Story on Mosaic: tinyurl.com/4fcnev8u
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Ande Richards @anderichards.bsky.social · 14/08/2026
Thanks for sharing this story Joan. Infrastructures are falling apart as we continue to embrace old ways of mistreating our planet - sigh.
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Ande Richards @anderichards.bsky.social · 13/08/2026
6 people experiencing mental health crises have been killed during encounters with N.J. police since 2021. In every case, a grand jury declined to indict the officers involved. Check out my Q+A with NJISJ interim President Henal Patel Read more: Inside NJ.com’s Mosaiclink.nj.com/view/6512e37...06
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Ande Richards @anderichards.bsky.social · 10/08/2026
Despite heavy rain, community members gathered in New Brunswick one year after police fatally shot Deborah Terrell, 68, during a mental health crisis. Terrell needed help. Instead, she was killed. More this week in Inside NJ.com’s Mosaic. #DeborahTerrell #PoliceAccountability
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Reposted by Ande Richards
ProPublica @propublica.org · 06/08/2026
NEW: Elvis Brooks was exonerated after 42 years in prison. Civil rights attorneys called his case an egregious example of a wrongful conviction. But the Louisiana Attorney General maintains he is guilty — and thus doesn’t qualify for any compensation from the state. with @veritenews.org
propublica.org
He’s Eligible for Up to $480,000 After Being Wrongly Imprisoned for 42 Years. The State Says No.
Elvis Brooks’ case was an egregious example of a wrongful conviction, civil rights attorneys said. But Louisiana’s attorney general maintains that Brooks and other exonerees are guilty — and therefore...
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Ande Richards @anderichards.bsky.social · 07/08/2026
3 words. I asked people to describe Ryan Haygood. Here's what I heard: • Courageous. Visionary. Leader. • Thoughtful. Inspiring. Generous. • Inclusive. Authentic. Balanced. • Genuine. Visionary. Builder. What 3 words would you hope someone uses to describe you? Read the story: tinyurl.com/5dwhuaj3
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Ande Richards @anderichards.bsky.social · 06/08/2026
Ryan Haygood is leaving NJISJ for the @splcenter.org This week's Inside NJ.com's Mosaic features reflections about Ryan — and the impact of one teacher, one documentary and one unexpected turn in life. Read the profile on Mosaic: tinyurl.com/5dwhuaj3 #Journalism #SocialJustice #NJ
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Ande Richards @anderichards.bsky.social · 01/08/2026
Young chefs at the Paterson Boys & Girls Club showed off their culinary skills in a “Top Chef”-inspired competition, complete with celebrity judges. And the local Stop&Shop donated $50,000! Read more in at Mosaic.nj.com. Subscribe to Inside NJ.com's Mosaic at link.nj.com/join/6fj/sig...
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Ande Richards @anderichards.bsky.social · 30/07/2026
Does anyone remember Melba Moore? (If you are of a certain age, you certainly do!) The Tony Award winner and four-time Grammy nominee released a new song, “Love Wins Every Time,” this week which I’m liking more and more with each listen - More in Thursday’s Mosaic. #MelbaMoore #Music #NJcomMosaic
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Ande Richards @anderichards.bsky.social · 29/07/2026
@joanhussey1.bsky.social How did you know know Snoopy is my favorite?!
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Ande Richards @anderichards.bsky.social · 29/07/2026
One of the best parts of this job is getting a front-row seat to moments like these. I spent part of last week at AileyCamp in Newark watching young people discover confidence, discipline and joy through dance. Here's a brief glimpse.
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Ande Richards @anderichards.bsky.social · 27/07/2026
Happy summer folks! It's been a while. I've been heads down reporting and building Inside NJ.com's Mosaic, a weekly newsletter about the people and issues shaping NJ. I'm going to start sharing more — interviews, notebook moments, story ideas and the occasional surprise. Good to be back.
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Ande Richards @anderichards.bsky.social · 10/05/2026
Newark native Christopher Taylor went from dancing at house music gatherings in city parks to performing with the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. A story about culture, sacrifice, spirituality and the grandmother who helped guide his path. tinyurl.com/w7k2zmfu #Newark #Dance #AlvinAiley #NJPAC
tinyurl.com
His grandmother’s house music and Newark culture: The making of an Alvin Ailey dancer
Christopher Taylor credits his grandmother and Newark's rich Black cultural heritage for his journey to the world-renowned Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, where he performs this Mother's Day weeke...
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Ande Richards @anderichards.bsky.social · 03/05/2026
Newark: it’s time to vote for your next mayor. Join me for a Mayoral Candidates Conversation on Mon, May 4, 6–8 PM at Sport Club Portuguese. Hosted by Newark NAACP, ICC & NJEJA. Questions for Mayor Baraka or the six confirmed contenders? Send me a note. Read more here: tinyurl.com/5cs8txa6
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Ande Richards @anderichards.bsky.social · 07/04/2026
5 women led the fight against the NJ Radium Corp back in the 1910s + 20s. Poisoned by radium while painting glow-in-the-dark watch dials, their case helped change labor laws by establishing workers’ right to sue employers over unsafe conditions. Story on Mosaic - tinyurl.com/35nnyfn6 #RadiumGirls
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Ande Richards @anderichards.bsky.social · 04/04/2026
So who’s fighting the good fight in #NewJersey? Meet John Butler, #ACLU-NJ’s new advocacy director shaping the state’s #civilrights agenda. Butler is focused on engaging communities, empowering unlikely voters and pushing for meaningful reform. Read my Q&A w/Butler tinyurl.com/3hxrb3p4 #Democracy
tinyurl.com
Meet the new ACLU-NJ advocacy director shaping N.J.’s civil rights agenda
ACLU-NJ's new political advocacy director John Butler discusses immigrant protections, voter engagement and why being present matters most.
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Ande Richards @anderichards.bsky.social · 31/03/2026
I love the diversity in this photo—different faces, one purpose: reclaiming the promise of America and standing together against those who would unravel it. Read more here: tinyurl.com/3y33k6zv #NOKINGS #NEWARK #MAYORBARAKA #PROTESTS #PEOPLESORGANIZATIONFORPROGRESS
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Ande Richards @anderichards.bsky.social · 29/03/2026
From segregated housing to the world stage, #ArtCarrington’s journey is powerful. During apartheid, he was labeled an “honorary white” just to compete. Now, 79, this tennis legend has been honored with new courts named for him in his hometown of Elizabeth NJ. Read more: tinyurl.com/35ybun9j
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Ande Richards @anderichards.bsky.social · 26/02/2026
@georgetakei.bsky.social I saw that you commented on a post that referenced a couple I wrote about and their ICE ordeal. Here is the full story for reference tinyurl.com/546ru8yp. Thank you. #supportjournalism
tinyurl.com
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Ande Richards @anderichards.bsky.social · 25/02/2026
Immigration enforcement and court procedures are shifting fast. Asylum can be cut off. Bond denied. Even approved cases aren’t safe. Verify your lawyer. Get copies. Don’t trust guarantees. Read more on Mosaic tinyurl.com/fshunc5c #KnowYourRights #ImmigrantVoices #LegalAdvice #ImmigrationLaw
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Ande Richards @anderichards.bsky.social · 23/02/2026
@joanhussey1.bsky.social Thanks for getting the point of the story - so many people have used it to attack the couple which was not my intention.
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Ande Richards @anderichards.bsky.social · 23/02/2026
Abdellatif, originally from Morocco, has lived in the U.S. for 38 years. A lawyer’s mistake led to his arrest by ICE. He spent 4 months detained and twice narrowly avoided deportation. He and his wife once self-proclaimed MAGA supporters shared their harrowing story. Read: tinyurl.com/546ru8yp
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Ande Richards @anderichards.bsky.social · 05/02/2026
"Riot: From Rebellion to Redemption" narrated by the late Andre Braugher, features interviews with former mayors, activists, and residents, offering sharply different perspectives on the 1967 Newark Uprising. Read more here tinyurl.com/yc3ctzek Watch on #NJPBS at 8 p.m. #newark #PBS
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Ande Richards @anderichards.bsky.social · 01/02/2026
There are so many tangential money-making schemes that come into play with this purge of our community members.
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Ande Richards @anderichards.bsky.social · 01/02/2026
Jorge Martinez and Carlos Rivas founded #NJWondersFoundation to turn their love of soccer into real opportunities for kids. And they're starting the first season of #NJWondersFC, a new semi-pro team representing Elizabeth! Read more here: tinyurl.com/y7jxc42s
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