Black NJ mayors: Boycott Trump properties over Muslim comments

A group of 20 black mayors from throughout New Jersey is calling for a boycott of Donald Trump's casions, golf courses and other assets throughout the state.

“Donald Trump's very vocal support for a total and complete shutdown of Muslims entering the United States is unconstitutional, un-American and dangerous," the NJ Black Mayors Alliance for Social Justice said in a statement. "We can’t let our fear of terrorism cause us to forget who we are as a nation."

The group includes about a dozen mayors.

The group wrote in its statement Trump's recent comments are ""beyond the pale."

"They are more than racist, bigoted and offensive. They threaten our security by giving ISIS a powerful new tool to use in recruiting new terrorists here in America and around the world," it wrote. "They threaten the millions who peacefully practice Islam in our country and who contribute to its greatness. Donald Trump is asking us to give up the freedoms that Americans have fought and died for since the founding of our nation."

Trump owns golf courses in Pine Hill, Bedminster and Colts Neck. He began buying property in Atlantic City in the late 1970s and eventually opened the Trump Plaza, Trump Castle and the Trump Taj Mahal. He no longer has a significant financial stake in the city, but his name remains on the Trump Taj Mahal.

The black mayors group wrote it is "critical for our leaders to demonstrate in every possible way that Donald Trump does not speak for America."

"The New Jersey Black Mayors Alliance for Social Justice urges all Americans, our citizens, businesses, clergy, cities and states to boycott Donald Trump’s casinos, golf courses and other assets," it wrote. "Trump is paying for his campaign with his own money. So, if we continue to spend money at his businesses, we empower him to make his vile statements. Let the boycott begin!”

According to the group, its membership includes all of New Jersey's black mayors:

• Ras J. Baraka (Newark)
• Frank Minor (Logan)
• Adrian Mapp (Plainfield)
• Eric Jackson (Trenton,)
• Lester Taylor (East Orange)
• Tony Vauss (Irvington)
• Angela Garretson (Hillside)
• Jeff Hamilton (Paulsboro)
• John Washington (Penns Grove)
• Derek Armstead (Linden)
• Lizette Parker (Teaneck)
• Albert Kelly (Bridgeton)
• Carolyn Chang (Westampton)
• Rick Taylor (Pennsauken)
• Jesse L. Tweedle (Pleasantville)
• Dwayne Warren (Orange)
• Barbara Wallace (Washington Township)
• Charles Washington (Salem)
• Mary Ann Wardlow (Lawnside Township)
• Michael Blunt (Chesilhurst)