Dedicated to Community
Throughout Newark, Heath, Granville, and the greater Licking County Area we serve
Who We Are
The Community Alliance for Racial Justice is founded upon the principles of unity and anti-racism.
Two Newark residents came together to form CARJ amidst renewed energy for the Black Lives Matter movement in 2020. Executive Director, Jamie Holderman, and Community Coordinator, Josh Jenkins, have partnered with others who work or reside in Licking County, Ohio to create a sustainable organization to build equity.
The Community Alliance for Racial Justice is dedicated to serving Black families through advocacy, education, civic engagement, and celebration. We are committed to fostering an atmosphere centered around unity and anti-racism to strengthen race relations in our community.
Jamie Holderman
Board of Directors
- Konrod Morris, First Federal Savings
- Janae Davis, Licking Memorial Health
- Sally Heckman, First Federal Savings
- Steven Rockwell, Edward Jones-Financial
- Talya Greathouse, Licking Memorial Health
- Emily Nemeth, Denison University
- Lee Heckman, Reese Pyle Meyer PLL
- Cory Gregory, CoryG Fitness
- Barry Connell, Retired Newark Police Chief
- Marc Montella, Newark City Schools
- Amanda Rechel, LISW-S
- Olivia Biggs, Licking County Health Department
Josh Jenkins
Our Approach
We Work to Serve and Build Unity
CARJ believes that all lives can’t matter until Black lives matter. We know that it benefits every member of the community to pursue equitable living for our Black citizens through education, civic engagement, and equipping them with supportive tools and resources.
Our commitment is to community building with an emphasis toward advocacy and empowerment for Black families in this community. Working together with other community organizations, we can better serve our Black population.
The birth of our organization coincides with Juneteenth, and we will be inviting community members to join us for an annual Juneteenth celebration to commemorate Black freedom and achievement.
— Our Mission
The Community Alliance for Racial Justice is dedicated to serving Black families through advocacy, education, civic engagement, and celebration.
— Our Vision
We are committed to fostering an atmosphere centered around unity and anti-racism to strengthen race relations in our community.
— Our Story
Jamie and Josh met at a Black Lives Matter protest in downtown Newark, Ohio. The two discovered a shared passion for uniting people and decided to work together with others who sought to support and strengthen their community. CARJ was formed as a 501(c)(3) in June 2020.