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University News
February 24, 2022

Staying Focused on Social Justice

Black Alumni Advisory Council brings social justice activists the “Jersey Four” to campus

Posted in: Communication and Media, Nursing, University

Photo of Montclair State University Professor of Justice Studies Jason Williams on stage with members of the Jersey Four
(L to R) Justice Studies Professor Jason Williams moderated the panel on racial profiling with survivors Rayshawn Brown, Jarmaine Grant and Danny Reyes of the Jersey Four.

Twenty-three years ago, Rayshawn Brown, Jarmaine Grant, Keshon Moore and Danny Reyes, were headed to North Carolina to pursue their dreams of attending a four-year college and playing professional basketball. But their dreams ended when they were pulled over by police on the New Jersey Turnpike and all ended up shot by police. Now known as the “Jersey Four” their story continues to resonate today, particularly in the wake of so many high-profile killings by police, including George Floyd and Breonna Taylor.

Three of the Jersey Four – Brown, Grant and Reyes – participated in a panel discussion on February 16, 2022, at the Montclair State University School of Communication and Media, hosted by the Black Alumni Advisory Council and moderated by Justice Studies Professor Jason Williams, a social justice activist and criminologist whose research focuses on racial and gender disparities and abuse in the legal system.

“It’s a sad reminder that we’re still here dealing with these issues today,” Willams said after the event. “It’s a powerful rallying call to be ever vigilant about police violence.”

Unlike many racial profiling run-ins with police, the Jersey Four are alive to tell about it. During the 23 years since their lives forever changed on the turnpike, the men have actively worked toward social justice for all and strengthening their communities. “Their resilience and perseverance has so much impact,” Williams said. “It says you can overcome these incidents, make something of yourself and pay it forward by giving back.”

They have worked hard, both physically and emotionally, to overcome the trauma of that night in 1999 and the dreams deferred, but it left scars.

“It’s hard for me to talk about. I still ask the question, ‘Why did it happen to me?’” Brown told the audience. “I never did anything wrong. I’m still really hurt by it.”

The four have worked with major nonprofit organizations in the tri-state area, and today are officially incorporated with their own J4 Pass 2 Assist Foundation, to help youth in their communities. Their story is also the subject of a documentary that is currently in production.

“We need to tell our story because we have to create the difference for the future,” Reyes, who lives with a bullet lodged in his stomach, said during the panel discussion. “We can never let up when it comes to equality and civil rights.”

As a result of their case, police cars now have cameras and the four continue to push for reform. Grant said he is often asked whether he is in favor of abolishing the police.

“We need police officers,” he said. “We just need reform. … A lot of changes need to happen to improve the police experience in America.”

Justice Studies Professor and moderator Jason Williams, forefront, listens during a question from the audience.
Justice Studies professor and moderator Jason Williams, forefront, listens during a question from the audience.
Jason Williams reaches out to Rayshawn Brown, who was emotional recounting the night 23 years ago that he and the other panelists were shot by police during a traffic stop.
Jason Williams reaches out to Rayshawn Brown, who was emotional recounting the night 23 years ago that he and the other panelists were shot by police during a traffic stop.
The event included scenes from a documentary in production on the Jersey Four. The Rev. Al Sharpton helped lobby for justice for the Jersey Four, who were represented by Johnnie Cochran.
The event included scenes from a documentary in production on the Jersey Four. The Rev. Al Sharpton helped lobby for justice for the Jersey Four, who were represented by Johnnie Cochran.
Danny Reyes, foreground, speaks while Jarmaine Grant, center, and Rayshawn Brown listen
Danny Reyes, foreground, speaks while Jarmaine Grant, center, and Rayshawn Brown listen.
Audience members, including President Jonathan Koppell and Montclair State Foundation Board Chairman Greg Collins in the front row, listen to the story of the Jersey Four.
Audience members, including President Jonathan Koppell and Montclair State Foundation Board Chairman Greg Collins in the front row, listen to the story of the Jersey Four.
(L to R) Jarmaine Grant, Danny Reyes, Rayshawn Brown, President Jonathan Koppell, Professor Jason Williams and University Foundation Chairman Greg Collins, pose momentarily without masks for a photo.
(L to R) Jarmaine Grant, Danny Reyes, Rayshawn Brown, President Jonathan Koppell, Professor Jason Williams and University Foundation Chairman Greg Collins, pose momentarily without masks for a photo.