Jersey City has been called “Chilltown” by homeboys in the know, “Wall Street West” by city officials lauding corporations coming to town with the dough, and even “New York’s Sixth Borough” by transplanted New Yorkers.
“I think Jersey City should be called City of Freedom.” – Celia Oleniak
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Celia Oleniak
Oleniak is a lifelong Jersey City resident who lives with her teenage daughter, Samantha. Oleniak currently works as a senior associate at the financial firm UBS in Weehawken.
“I think Jersey City should be called City of Freedom. That’s to remind people of the immigrants who landed in Ellis Island, which is located in Jersey City. And the Statue of Liberty is also located within Jersey City’s borders. I also think about my father who came from Ireland and came through Ellis Island before he ended up in Jersey City.”
Frances Roberson
Roberson is a resident of the Booker T. Washington housing complex in downtown Jersey City, and has lived in Jersey City for over 35 years.
“I wish it could be named Peace Village because that’s what we really need in Jersey City – peace. Everybody should get together here, to be all of one accord especially with all the violence and economic problems.”
Shaun Dickson
Dickson is a senior at Lincoln High School in the city’s Bergen-Lafayette section, and is a defensive end for the school’s football team.
“Why not call it Jersey’s Finest? I think people who live here do all they can do to help each other and support each other in the community.”
Gloria Gipson
Gipson was born and raised in Jersey City. Gipson has received accolades for her many poems about Jersey City, in particular ones about Liberty State Park, which she calls “her favorite place” in her hometown.
“I would say it is the Town with a Voice and a Choice. I think because of the corruption and everything, people want to talk about changes, but it is not productive if you don’t exercise your choice to make changes.”
Tom Murphy
Murphy lives in the city’s Heights section with his wife and two sons. He is a retired Jersey City fireman who does volunteer work around the world on various housing initiatives.
“I really can’t come up with a suggestion for a new nickname for Jersey City. This is not a good time to be negative with all the arrests made last July and the economy, and I love this city too much.”
Ricardo Kaulessar can be reached at rkaulessar@hudsonreporter.com.