The organizer of an event that Lt. Dale Caldwell attended, and that was cited in an anonymous letter sent to the state in early May that accused him of ethics violations, says she was never contacted about Caldwell’s actions — and that she feels Caldwell acted appropriately throughout.
Read the full version:
Full version of anonymous three-paragraph letter, dated May 6, that led to Caldwell probe
Felicia Simmons, one of the organizers of the Whitesboro Black History Gala on April 18, said she was surprised when a Sept. 9 story in the New York Times said Caldwell brought uninvited guests to the events, insisting they be admitted without paying for a ticket.
“After I read the New York Times article and learned that his guest had been repeatedly contacted by investigators, I asked myself: ‘Why weren’t we, the organizers, contacted?’” Simmons said in a press release for a group called Let The People There Be Heard.
“I was there. I was involved. I know the communications I received and what I witnessed. There is a difference between asking legitimate questions and allowing an incomplete narrative to become accepted as fact.”
In a separate release, issued by the Whitesboro Historical Foundation, Simmons detailed her interactions with the Lt. Governor.
“I was one of the people directly involved in coordinating the 2026 Whitesboro Black History Gala,” she wrote. “I was the contact with the Lieutenant Governor’s office, and I received an email informing me that guests would be attending. I also received a phone call from members of his staff regarding the space that would be needed.
“So, when I hear the suggestion that Dr. Caldwell simply “showed up with guests,” I believe that characterization deserves to be questioned. The investigation and public discussion should include the people who actually organized and coordinated the event. That includes me, Rev. Elorm Ocansey, Assistant Pastor, Transformation International Chapel, and Mrs. Shirley Green, Executive Director, Whitesboro Historical Foundation.
“We were honored to have Lieutenant Governor Caldwell attend the Whitesboro Gala and recognize the historical significance of Whitesboro. His presence was meaningful because Whitesboro represents an important part of New Jersey’s history, a community whose story deserves to be remembered, respected, and brought into the wider public conversation.”
Simmons began her statement by detailing her long association with Caldwell.
“I have known Dr. Dale Caldwell and his father for many years. In all that time, I have seen nothing but integrity, commitment and a genuine concern for people and community,” she wrote.
