About
Revive & Renew NJ CDC

Empowering individuals. Strengthening communities. Creating lasting change.

Revive & Renew NJ CDC envisions thriving, resilient communities where all individuals experience emotional, spiritual, and physical well-being. Through holistic support, equitable access to opportunity, and community-centered empowerment, we seek to build a future in which people are uplifted, connected, and equipped to lead healthy, stable, and fulfilling lives.

Our Story

Revive & Renew NJ CDC was founded with a vision to create meaningful, lasting change in underserved communities. Rooted in service, faith, and advocacy, the organization was built to address the real challenges individuals and families face every day — from housing instability to financial hardship and access to essential resources.

What began as a commitment to serve has grown into a movement focused on empowerment, equity, and opportunity. Through strategic partnerships, grassroots initiatives, and community engagement, Revive & Renew NJ CDC continues to expand its reach and impact across New Jersey.

Meet The Team

Executive Director

Dr. Weldon McWilliams IV,
A Trailblazer in Education, Activism, and Faith

Meet Dr. Weldon McWilliams IV, an esteemed pastor, profound academician, and a
vanguard in community transformation. Graduating from the Wappingers Central
School District in 1997, Dr. McWilliams has since navigated an illustrious path, marked
by academic excellence and societal impact. He holds a B.A. in Africana Studies from
SUNY Stony Brook (2002), an M.A. in African American Studies, and a Ph.D. from
Temple University (2010).

Dr. McWilliams' academic journey led him to Dutchess Community College, where he
enlightened minds as an Associate Professor of History. His commitment to societal
upliftment is evident through his foundational roles in pivotal organizations like the
Rockland Clergy for Social Justice and the Black Lives Matter chapter in
Rockland/Orange County. A dedicated member of the Spring Valley, NY branch of the
NAACP, Dr. McWilliams has always been at the forefront of advocating for justice and
equality.

In a spiritual journey paralleling his academic pursuits, Dr. McWilliams became the
pastor of Christ Temple Baptist Church in Paterson, NJ, in 2018. Under his guidance,
the church has not only grown in membership but also in its outreach and impact on the
local community.

Dr. McWilliams' vision transcends the walls of the church. In 2019, he convened a
groundbreaking meeting to forge a Black political agenda in Paterson, leading to the
birth of the grassroots organization 'Platform Over Party'. His advocacy for a Living
Wage and Guaranteed Income in Paterson is a testament to his unwavering
commitment to economic justice, earning him an appointment on the city's Guaranteed
Income Task force. His efforts culminated in the launch of a Guaranteed Income Pilot in
Paterson in July 2021, a significant milestone in the fight against poverty.

Currently chairing the Department of Black Studies at SUNY New Paltz since 2021, Dr.
McWilliams continues to shape minds and inspire future leaders. His research delves
deep into Black Liberation Theology, the African American religious experience, Black
Manhood, and Political and Social Movements. A proud father of four and a sought-after speaker nationwide, Dr. McWilliams' narrative is not just of academic and spiritual leadership, but of a life dedicated to societal transformation. Invite Dr. McWilliams to your event and be part of a dialogue that challenges, inspires, and empowers.

Board of Directors

Chairperson

Kay Banks

Secretary

Zellie Thomas

Treasurer

Keona Thomas

Member

Karen Brooks