Afternoon Tea Reflections: Dickens' Legacy, Snowy Comforts, and New Jersey's Changing Tides—Echo News TV LLC with K Britt
- Karen Brittingham-Edmond
- 5 hours ago
- 13 min read
12 January 2025
Variety News & Press Releases
Gerald Dickens: A Living Tribute to 'A Christmas Carol' and Its Enduring Legacy
New York, NY In a season graced by tradition and reflection, Mr. Gerald Dickens, great-great-grandson of Charles Dickens, has stepped forward as a living tribute to his legendary ancestor's timeless message. For more than three decades, Mr. Dickens has carried the mantle of "A Christmas Carol," performing the classic tale as a one-man show for audiences worldwide. His dedication shines as an act of faith, honoring both his family and the enduring values at the heart of Dickens' masterpiece.
Miss Vasquez's report highlights the profound impact of Gerald Dickens' tribute. His performances do more than retell a beloved story—they revive Charles Dickens' urgent moral call against classism, greed, and social indifference. Through Scrooge's transformation from a selfish figure to a humble and compassionate soul, the narrative demonstrates the possibility of ultimate repentance and change. Mr. Dickens' portrayal echoes the redemptive spirit of Jesus Christ, testifying to the hope that even the hardest of hearts can be renewed.
Echo News TV LLC recognizes with deep respect and honor Gerald Dickens' enduring commitment. His step of faith in sharing this legacy is a blessing to audiences old and new, ensuring that the story's message of generosity and transformation continues to shape hearts and minds. The legacy of "A Christmas Carol" remains as relevant today as when it first appeared—a beacon of compassion and possibility for all.
The original reporting for this piece is credited to Miss Jennifer Vasquez and Channel 4 News, titled “'A Christmas Convo': A sit-down with Charles Dickens' great-great grandson | NBC New York," aired 23 December 2025.
Snowflakes & Comfort: New Jersey Braces for Two Wintry Storms, Families Cozy Up with Classic Recipes
Monmouth County, NJ - Echo News TV LLC, inspired by Veronica Flesher's 12 January 2026 weather report for the Middletown Patch, brings a snowy, cozy update to New Jerseyans as the state prepares for the possibility of two coastal storms this week. With accumulating snow on the horizon and temperatures primed for wintry precipitation, families across the Garden State are encouraged to cherish the warmth of home, delicious food, and each other.
According to Ms. Flesher's report, a jet stream dipping into the eastern U.S. is setting the stage for a coastal storm by Thursday, with the potential for a second system later in the weekend. Forecasts remain uncertain, with scenarios ranging from light snow showers in the northwest to a widespread snowstorm blanketing New Jersey. AccuWeather Lead Long-Range Meteorologist Paul Pastelok notes that the strength and track of the first storm will greatly influence the second, and both could miss the state entirely – but residents should be prepared for wintry surprises. https://patch.com/new-jersey/middletown-nj/s/jxlho/coastal-storms-bring-2-chances-of-snow-to-nj-this-week?utm_source=alert-breakingnews&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=alert&user_email=8b63617579edf54cbadf7183154015d85784f08e1cf6f4064784661f1b651b81&user_email_md5=e90707a6228d470c252bb1bc33689a6b&lctg=6571e20423b29a937d012200
The National Weather Service echoes the uncertainty, reminding New Jerseyans that temperatures and storm tracks will dictate whether snow, rain, or a wintry mix prevails. As details emerge, Patch will provide timely updates to keep residents informed.
While the weather outside may soon be frightful, the warmth inside can be delightful. Echo News TV LLC offers two family-friendly recipes for gathering around the kitchen table and savoring the comfort of home during these snowy days.
Homemade Hot Cocoa
Ingredients:
4 cups milk (whole or 2%)
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
Instructions:
In a medium saucepan, whisk together milk, cocoa powder, and sugar over medium heat until well combined and hot but not boiling.
Add chocolate chips, stirring until melted and smooth.
Remove from heat, stir in vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.
Pour into mugs and top with whipped cream or marshmallows. Enjoy the warmth!
Rustic Family Chili
Ingredients:
1 pound ground beef or turkey
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 green bell pepper, diced
1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
2 tablespoons tomato paste
2 teaspoons chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
2 cups beef or chicken broth
Instructions:
In a large pot over medium heat, brown the ground meat, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess fat.
Add onion, garlic, and bell pepper. Cook until vegetables are tender.
Stir in diced tomatoes, beans, tomato paste, and all spices. Mix well.
Pour in the broth, bring to a simmer, and cook, uncovered, for 30–40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened and flavorful.
Serve hot with cornbread or over rice. Gather the family and enjoy!
As snowflakes begin to fall, may New Jersey families find comfort in humble homes, hearty meals, and each other's company. Echo News TV LLC extends thanks to Veronica Flesher and the Middletown Patch for keeping the community informed and inspired, whatever the weather may bring.
Politician Lawerence Hamm & The People's Organization For Progress Press Release: "GROUPS ENDORSING MARTIN LUTHER KING MARCH INCREASES TO MORE THAN 200 MARTIN LUTHER KING MARCH WILL PROTEST, RACIAL INJUSTICE, ICE KILLINGS, VENEZUELA WAR, ATTACKS ON VOTING RIGHTS"
Newark, NJ - The Martin Luther King March of Resistance will take place on Monday, January 19, 2026, at 12:00 noon, starting at the Martin Luther King Statue, 495 Dr Martin Luther King Jr Blvd in Newark, New Jersey. The march is sponsored by People’s Organization For Progress (POP). It has been endorsed by 210 grassroots, civic, community, labor, religious, racial and social justice organizations so far.
“A week ago our march had 125 endorsers. A week later we have more than 200. This is encouraging and indicative of people’s desire to fight back,” Lawrence Hamm, Chairman, People’s Organization For Progress stated.
The march will highlight a broad range of issues including racial and economic injustice, attacks on voting rights, killings and brutality committed by ICE agents, the Trump administration’s war on Venezuela, genocide in Gaza, U.S. bombing of Nigeria, and other foreign policy issues.
“The purpose of the march is to demonstrate our commitment to the goals and ideals of Dr King and the Civil Rights Movement, and our opposition to the racist, fascist, unjust and undemocratic policies of the Trump administration at home and abroad,” Hamm said.
“We are marching to express our outrage about the murder of Renee Nicole Good, Keith Porter and other victims of ICE brutality, Trump’s attempts to establish a dictatorship, attacks on democracy, civil rights, voting rights, and civil liberties, and draconian budget cuts to social programs,” Hamm said. “We are marching to protest the invasion of Venezuela and kidnapping of President Maduro, the bombing of Nigeria and other countries, the ongoing genocide in Gaza, and imperialist policies toward Haiti,” he said.
“NAACP Newark stands with POP and the endorsing organizations involved in this stand for justice. By marching, we are taking a stand,” Deborah Smith Gregory, president of the branch stated. Amanda Birnbaum, a member of the march planning committee, pointed out the diversity of the organizations and people supporting the march.
“This march is a way to create visual evidence of the breadth and diversity of our coalition. Few things are as powerful as a multitude of different types of bodies all coming together in common purpose,” she said. “So many among us want to march, but cannot safely show up. It is on us who are able, to use our bodies to represent and protect those sisters and brothers. Marching feeds and sustains the humanity in all of us,” she said.
“The policies of the Trump administration are antithetical to everything that Martin Luther King stood for. They are perpetuating poverty, racial and class inequality, imperialism, and war, which Dr. King was opposed to,” Hamm said. “The president’s domestic and economic policies benefit the rich and hurt the rest of us; the middle class, working people and the poor. And he is pursuing a racist, white nationalist, and white supremacist agenda to stifle and impede the progress of black people and other people of color,” he said.
The demonstration will begin with a rally at the Martin Luther King Statue. Following the rally protesters will march to the Federal Building, 970 Broad Street, and then back to the King Statue where there will be a closing rally. Speakers at the rally will include representatives from a wide variety of organizations that endorsed the march. They will discuss their opposition to various Trump administration policies and relevant political, economic, and social justice issues.
About the People's Organization for Progress
POP is a volunteer, grassroots, multi-issue organization working for racial, social, economic justice and peace since it was founded 42 years ago. It has held annual observances of Dr King’s birthday almost every year since it was organized and has held marches in his honor over the past 37 years.
The coalition is looking for additional organizations to endorse the march. Those that wish to do so should contact POP at (973)801-0001.
The Martin Luther King March of Resistance has been endorsed by 210 organizations so far including: Local 108 Retail Wholesale Department Store Union RWDSU UFCW AFL-CIO, New Jersey Poor People’s Campaign, Nu Family Foundation Inc, Teaneck Peace And Justice Vigil, Seniors In Action, Let’s Save Paterson, Ceasefire Now NJ, Garden State Equality, Newark NJ Civilian Complaint Review Board, The HUBB Arts And Trauma Center, JFK Democratic Club - Franklin Twp Somerset County, Resistencia en Accion NJ, Corey Teague, WSM Associates, CHS Construction, CS2 Developers, River Sand Development, District 1199J, Sophia Inclusive Community, New Jersey Black Issues Convention, Latino Action Network, New Jersey Alliance for Immigrant Justice, New Jersey Communities for Accountable Policing, New Jersey Peace Action, Unitarian Universalist Faith Action NJ, Food & Water Watch, Unitarian Universalist Beacon Summit Congregation - Social Action, Leonia Vigil for Peace & Justice,Justice for Drew Coalition, Essex County Federation of Democratic Women, Mt Airy United Fellowship of Philadelphia, PA, 350 NJ-Rockland, Greater Newark Chapter of the National Action Network, Justice & Unity Coalition, Refuse Fascism - NJ Chapter, South Ward Democrats, Young Professionals For Justice, United Church of Christ of Montclair, Irvington Branch NAACP, Bomba’s Barbershop, Party for Socialism and Liberation-NJ Chapter, Women Who Never Give Up, Radical Elders, Action 21, October 22 Coalition To Stop Police Brutality, Repression, And The Criminalization Of A Generation, Bergen County Black Caucus, New Brunswick Area Branch NAACP, Black Lives Matter-Elizabeth, Newark Interfaith Alliance, American Friends Service Committee Prison Watch, MAN VILLAGE Men’s Support Group, St James AME Church, REFAL Inc., Daughters, Friends, And Sisters In The Lord For Africa, MAL Civic Association, PAL-Awda NY/NJ, National United Youth Council, BET HaSHEM YHWH, St Paul AME Church-Kenilworth, SOMA Action, The Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Committee of Elizabeth, NJ, Muslim League of Voters of New Jersey, Islamic Alliance, Good Deeds, West Orange for Humanity, The African American Alliance USA, NJ Anti-Violence Coalition, Urban League of Union County, Israel Memorial A.M.E Church, The Wei LLC, The Northern NJ Socialist Party, Jews for Palestinian Right of Return, Black Cops Against Police Brutality, Inc., FightBackBetter News Editors, Mothers Against Forced Foster Adoption, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc.- Team Gamma Omicron Zeta, African American Public Policy & Advocacy Group, KnowTheIssue.Org, Morristown Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, Essex Times, African American Reports, Jumpstart Community, NJ National Action Network, For The Love of Newark, December 12th Movement, Public Service Governance, New Jersey State Industrial Union Council, South Orange-Vailsburg United Methodist Church, National Action Network, Operation Grow Inc., Metropolitan A.M.E. Zion ChurchJersey City, New Jersey, New Jersey Black Empowerment Coalition, IUPAT DC21, National Awareness Alliance, South Jersey Progressive Democrats, Merchantville Democratic Committee, Unitarian Universalist Church In Cherry Hill, New Jersey for Bernie, St John Baptist Church, Jackie Robinson Little League, MapSO Freedom School, North NJ Democratic Socialists of America, Seton Hall University - Africana Studies Program, Faith in NJ, Veterans For Peace Chapter 021, The Foundation of Shakiaa Garrett, The Women Advisors to the Council of Imams, Sistars In Service, NAACP: Oranges & Maplewood, Weequahic Park Association, Urban League of Essex County, North Jersey Black Caucus for Social Justice, Jewish Voice for Peace-Northern NJ Chapter, Holy Renaissance Ministries United Church of God, Initials Entertainment & Productions LLC, M. Carr Enterprises, Avenging The Ancestors Coalition, Camden City African American Commission, All Politics R Local, Our Revolution New Jersey, Venceremos Brigade NY/NJ, FARD United, South Ward Environmental Alliance, New Jersey Institute for Social Justice, New Community Corporation, Parents of Murdered Children Grief Support Group, Greater Unity Faith Tabernacle, UMAA Network: Advocacy & Action, African Diaspora for Justice, Newark’s Impact, The Clergy Coalition for Liberation, Interfaith Action Movement, Men Make A Difference of New Jersey, NAACP Newark, Mothers of Murdered Sons & Daughters (MOMSAD), Black Lives Matter Paterson, New Jersey Education Association, Public Employees Supervisors’ Union, Elombe Brath Power Advocacy, Unapologetic Amateur Looking for Experts in Africanism, Green Party of New Jersey, The Gregory Thomas Foundation, International Black Women’s Congress, First Baptist Church of Carteret, St. Peter's Missionary Baptist church in Newark, Mt. Olivet Baptist Church in Newark, United Missionary Baptist Convention of New Jersey, Ministers Conference of Newark and Vicinity, Organization Of Unity & Empowerment, Love Ministries, Mesmerizing Eyes, American Civil Liberties Union of NJ, Utility Workers Union of America Local 601, The Phillip Pannell Foundation, Newark North Jersey Black Churchmen, Clear View Baptist Church, Social Action Committee of the Ethical Culture Society of Essex County, Metropolitan Baptist Church, Royal Men Foundation, Pax Christi, Union Baptist Church of Montclair, The Young Voters Association, Justice for Bernard Placide, Greenfaith International Inc, Omega Psi Phi - Upsilon Phi Chapter, First Bethel Baptist Church, Newark Special Police Officers Association, Go Pro Radio, Justice for Drew JC, The East Orange Old Guard, Committee To Eliminate Media Offensive To African People (CEMOTAP), Greater Mt Zion AME Church - Trenton NJ, Salvation and Social Justice, National Action Network South Jersey Chapter, HPAE Local 5094, Greater Victory Church of Harlem, Justice For The Unjustly Incarcerated, Masjid Hadi - Imam Rahman Muhammad, Ambassador Builders Ministry, New Life Body of Christ, Interfaith Community Outreach, Institute for Peace and Leadership USA, Leonia Fired Up, NAACP of Hunterdon County, Justice and Unity Campaign, Frontiers International Plainfield Area Club, New Me Help Center, The Law and Policy Group Inc, Rally Forward, The Association for the Study of Classical African Civilizations-Newark NJ, Waterspirit, Positive Community, Historic Renovation Association Inc., Whitesboro Historical Foundation, Greater Asbury Park Historic Revival Project, Whitesboro Historic Preservation Project, Elorm Ocansey Ministry Foundation, Transformation International Chapel, Newark Anti-Violence Coalition, Echo News TV LLC, International Concerned Family and Friends of Mumia Abu-Jamal, Mobilization4Mumia, P.E.A.C.E. (Parole Elder Abuse Concerns Everyone), March4Mumia.org, Community of Friends in Action, Source of Knowledge, Church of Jesus Christ Apostolic of East Orange, Northern New Jersey Association of Black Social Workers, Institute Of The Black World 21st Century, Sankofa Leadership Academy.
For more information, contact the People's Organizations for Progress at (973)801-0001.
(BPRW Press Release) From Paralysis to Ph.D.: Rodney Flowers, "Professor X," Launches Historic Study on Leading Through Crisis
After defying medical odds to walk again, the bestselling author and scholar calls on Black executives to validate the science of Adversity-Driven Leadership™.
LEONARDTOWN, MD – In a field often dominated by traditional perspectives, Rodney C. Flowers, Ph.D. Candidate, is bringing a fresh, rigorously researched voice to leadership development. Flowers has launched a doctoral study on Adversity-Driven Leadership (ADL)™, specifically seeking to include the experiences of diverse mid-level-to-senior-level executives.
The study investigates how leaders use "Internal Technology"—mindset, emotional regulation, and spiritual purpose—to overcome the "Capacity Gap" in modern organizations. By recruiting a diverse cohort of participants, Flowers aims to ensure that the resulting framework reflects the unique resilience often found in underrepresented leadership. "Representation in research matters," says Flowers. "Diverse leaders often face unique forms of adversity. This study is an opportunity to validate the 'Nurturing' and 'Resilience' strategies that have long been the hallmark of our community's success." Click here to participate in this study: https://rodneyflowers.mykajabi.com/research-lp
About Rodney C. Flowers
Rodney C. Flowers is a three-time international bestselling author, strategic consultant & facilitator, and a pioneering scholar in the field of leadership development. Known widely as "Professor X" for his extraordinary recovery from a prognosis of permanent paralysis to walking again, Rodney dedicates his work to proving that adversity is a catalyst for evolution, not an endpoint. A proud initiate of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated, Rodney blends deep lived experience with rigorous academic research. He is currently a Ph.D. Candidate in Transpersonal Psychology at Gateway University, where he is finalizing his groundbreaking dissertation on Adversity-Driven Leadership (ADL)™. Through his consulting and speaking, he equips organizations to master their "internal technology"—helping leaders navigate high-pressure environments with the same resilience he used to defy medical odds.
Echo News TV LLC Shadows and Sirens: A Weekend of Fear and Loss in New Jersey
Referencing Miranda Levingston's 12 January 2026 report, "ICE Raid, Massive Apartment Fires, 2 Shootings: NJ Weekend.”
Middlesex & Camden County, NJ - This past weekend, New Jersey communities were shaken by a string of alarming incidents, each highlighting underlying tensions and vulnerabilities across the state. Miranda Levingston's detailed coverage brings to light a sobering reality—one that demands both empathy and urgent attention.
Federal immigration authorities swept through Morristown on Sunday, arresting several residents in an ICE operation that left the neighborhood on edge. Social media posts captured the presence of supposed ICE agents on Speedwell Avenue, fueling fear and uncertainty throughout the community. For many, the aggressive tactics have reignited anxieties about safety, belonging, and the unpredictable reach of federal enforcement.
Tragedy compounded as gun violence claimed the lives of two teenagers in separate incidents in Edison and Sayreville. In Sayreville, a 16-year-old boy was arrested after reportedly shooting and killing a 17-year-old peer from East Brunswick late Friday night. The communities affected now mourn young lives lost to violence, searching for answers and healing in the aftermath. https://patch.com/new-jersey/middletown-nj/s/jxlg2/ice-raid-massive-apartment-fires-2-shootings-nj-weekend?utm_source=local-update&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=alert&user_email=8b63617579edf54cbadf7183154015d85784f08e1cf6f4064784661f1b651b81&user_email_md5=e90707a6228d470c252bb1bc33689a6b&lctg=6571e20423b29a937d012200
Meanwhile, fire ravaged an apartment complex in Gloucester Township early Saturday morning, its cause under investigation as suspicious. Flames tore through the Lake View Apartments' leasing office, escalating to a two-alarm emergency. In another devastating blaze, a three-alarm fire on Washington Street in East Orange displaced at least 80 residents and hospitalized dozens, including two firefighters. The American Red Cross has stepped in to assist families left homeless in the bitter winter cold.
The confluence of these events—aggressive immigration enforcement, senseless violence, and devastating fires—has left New Jerseyans reeling. As the community rallies to support its most vulnerable, Echo News TV LLC urges readers to remain vigilant and compassionate. The weekend's tragedies serve as a stark reminder of both the fragility and resilience that define our neighborhoods.
Echo News TV LLC: Law, Identity, and Power: Analyzing the Intersecting Currents of Policing, Bias, and Political Engineering in New Jersey
Referencing Carly Baldwin's 10 January 2026, Middletown Patch report "Sayreville Man Charged With Attempted Murder After Police Say He Rammed Car Into Police Cars.”
East Brunswick, NJ - The events of last Friday, as reported by Carly Baldwin, present a stark and complex portrait of law enforcement challenges in modern New Jersey. The arrest of Rennard Roseburgh, a 32-year-old Jewish man from Sayreville, on charges of attempted murder, aggravated assault, and eluding law enforcement, comes amid heightened scrutiny of both criminal behavior and law enforcement response. According to East Brunswick Police Chief Frank LoSacco, Roseburgh's actions—fleeing police, dragging an officer, and ramming multiple occupied patrol vehicles—constituted not only a grave threat to public safety but also a direct assault on those sworn to protect the community.
In the legal aftermath, local authorities have reinforced a zero-tolerance policy toward resistance to lawful police authority, emphasizing that any form of endangerment or evasion will be met with prosecution and severe penalties. The department's official stance, as released Saturday, underscores an unyielding commitment to the rule of law and the sanctity of the judicial process over street-level confrontation. https://patch.com/new-jersey/middletown-nj/s/jxk3a/sayreville-man-charged-with-attempted-murder-after-police-say-he-rammed-car-into-police-cars?utm_term=article-slot-1&utm_source=newsletter-daily&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=newsletter&user_email=8b63617579edf54cbadf7183154015d85784f08e1cf6f4064784661f1b651b81&user_email_md5=e90707a6228d470c252bb1bc33689a6b&lctg=6571e20423b29a937d012200
However, this incident must also be viewed against the broader, evolving context of bias incidents and the contested dynamics of policing. Recent data from the New Jersey Attorney General reveals a troubling 22 percent year-over-year increase in reported bias incidents, with 2023 marking nearly 2,700 reported cases—the highest in decades. While these statistics predominantly track bias more broadly, they suggest a climate of rising tension and mistrust, impacting both community members and law enforcement alike.
Overlaying these local developments is a national discourse shaped by the militarization of federal enforcement agencies, particularly ICE, whose aggressive tactics have been directed at both citizens and immigrant populations. Critics allege that this posture is a legacy of political and religious coalitions—most notably the Southern Baptist Confederate Evangelical "Sanctuary Movement" and its financial and ideological support from Trinity Broadcast Network founders and the Christian Coalition. This nexus of influence is credited with shifting the Republican Party in a manner that, some argue, has enabled the manipulation of demographic power through large-scale immigrant encampments designed to alter electoral dynamics, particularly in ways that disadvantage Black American voters. The assertion is that such strategies foster caste-like hierarchies, with insourced Hispanic and Middle Eastern populations assimilated into white nationalist frameworks, threatening long-standing principles of equity for all American citizens, Black or White.
This academic and legalistic analysis of the Roseburgh incident, when situated within the accelerating trends of bias, the rise in police discipline cases, and the broader tactics of federal and political actors, raises urgent questions about the trajectory of justice and belonging in New Jersey. The case serves as both a warning and a call for rigorous, equitable application of the law—one that resists both vigilantism and the abuses of institutional power.
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