This Is My New Jersey

I love to share the stories of fellow New Jerseyans who are doing their best to be a positive role model, lift up their local community, or bring light to an important issue. I’ve written about Mayor Lora, advocate for the Italian American community, Patrick O’Boyle (yeah, I know, the name), Firefighter Daniel Vasquez, and Detective Joseph Azcona. Well, I would like to add someone to this list – Najee Jihad.

Who is Najee Jihad?

I came across Najee the same way most of us find new people nowadays – his profile appeared on my feed. This young man is using the hardships he has faced in his life to lift up those around him. He shared the story of him being shot in the face and surviving.

He chose to make his mess his message.

I could feel his need to share his story as a warning to others and he now works to bring a positive message to Newark and the greater community.

I have seen videos of him talking to children on the street, highlighting businesses and nonprofits and resources in the area, and resources that are available to those in need. Unfortunately, he also brings news of violence, fires, and other sad occurrences in the area. But he always does his best to bring a word of positivity and hope with it.

“Turn Down the Temperature and Walk Away”

No matter what post you read or video you watch, Najee’s messages are consistent – “turn down the temperature and walk away.”

As a life-long hot-head, I will admit this is a hard thing to do. What is important is that no matter who you are, you work to be a little better each day; give up the poison of hate and division. We have more in common than what divides us. Sins like pride, anger, and hate easily multiply, and organizations like mass media, social platforms, and the political machine would rather have us all fighting with each other as a form of distraction, so they can continue to betray us.

We all have different opinions, heritages, and beliefs. We all don’t have to agree with each other completely. The concept of “agree to disagree” feels like it was acceptable a very long time ago. We can acknowledge, celebrate, and love each other without having to go along with every single belief. As an Italian Catholic, I’ve seen first hand the best way to settle differences is over a meal. President Theodore Roosevelt would take political adversaries on fishing trips and use the calming natural environment to bring down temperatures and settle hostilities.

Instead of a meal or fishing, Najee is taking his message directly to street to find ways to pave a positive path in the City of Bricks – for all the right reasons.

From one fan of Essex County to another – grazie Najee!