At last night’s City Council meeting, the Mayor and Council recognized April as Autism Acceptance Month, featuring a special video message from actress and advocate Holly Robinson Peete. The proclamation reaffirmed Hackensack’s commitment to a community where neurodivergent residents are respected, supported, and empowered to thrive.

Robinson Peete, a mainstay of the Hallmark Channel and internationally known to television audiences for her starring roles in 21 Jump Street and Hangin’ with Mr. Cooper, has long used her platform to champion the neurodivergent community. Along with her husband, Rodney Peete, she co-founded the HollyRod Foundation in 1997 to support families affected by autism following their son RJ’s diagnosis.

Her advocacy is further highlighted in her NAACP Image Award-winning children’s book, My Brother Charlie. Inspired by her son, the book offers a heartwarming look at autism through a sibling’s eyes, celebrating the unique “superpowers” and diverse talents of children on the spectrum, from a special way with animals to a gift for music, while teaching young readers the importance of patience and unconditional love.

In her message to the Council, Robinson Peete thanked city leaders for their public recognition. “When a city chooses to see and uplift individuals with autism, it sends a powerful message to families: you belong here,” she said. “I wouldn’t change RJ for the world, but I would always try to change the world for RJ.”

The City’s proclamation defines the month as a time to celebrate the “humanity, agency, and diverse talents of our neurodivergent neighbors,” emphasizing that true acceptance means moving beyond clinical labels.

Leading the Way in Inclusion

The Mayor and Council also spotlighted local initiatives that demonstrate the value of an inclusive workforce, including:

• Greens Do Good: A sustainable vertical farm where autistic residents lead the way in agricultural innovation.
• Spectrum Designs: A local business showcasing the professional skills and contributions of neurodivergent employees.
• The Blue Envelope Program: A Hackensack Police Department initiative designed to facilitate clearer, more empathetic communication between officers and neurodivergent drivers.

The City of Hackensack encourages all residents to celebrate this month by learning, listening, and taking action to make the community more inclusive for all neighbors.