Ironbound Community Corporation Joins NAACP and Others at Emergency Press Conference Opposing Harmful Federal Legislation

Newark, NJ — On July 2, Ironbound Community Corporation (ICC) stood in firm solidarity with the NAACP, the People’s Organization for Progress (POP), and a coalition of advocates at an emergency press conference outside Newark’s Federal Building. The gathering was a direct response to the proposed “One Big Beautiful Bill”—a sweeping federal measure widely condemned as harmful to low-income, immigrant, and marginalized communities.

“This will affect EVERYONE,” said ICC CEO Hazel Applewhite. “It’s an insult to our community. We must stand up, speak out, and urge Congress to reject this bill.”

Speakers warned that the legislation would slash funding for essential services, including healthcare, food assistance, and housing. Larry Hamm, Chairman of POP, called it “a direct attack on nearly every major social program that supports not just the poor, but working families and the struggling middle class.”

Applewhite, a longtime advocate for economic and racial justice, emphasized the need to dismantle systemic barriers and invest in community-rooted solutions that promote equity and opportunity.

ICC remains committed to protecting the rights and dignity of Newark’s Ironbound and surrounding communities, and will continue working with local and national partners to oppose any legislation that threatens justice and equity.

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