Cory Booker Launches National “STAND” Book Tour at NJPAC With Jon Bon Jovi Moderating a Powerful Conversation on American Leadership and Hope

New Jersey will once again take center stage in a major national cultural and civic conversation as U.S. Senator Cory Booker launches the national tour for his new book STAND with a special event in Newark. The kickoff appearance will feature a wide-ranging discussion moderated by New Jersey music icon Jon Bon Jovi, creating a rare moment where politics, storytelling, leadership, and culture intersect on one of the state’s most respected performing arts stages.

The event will take place as part of NJPAC’s acclaimed Conversations Series, bringing together two influential New Jersey voices—one from public service and the other from music and philanthropy—for a dialogue that promises to explore the deeper meaning of civic engagement, American identity, and the power of individual action in shaping the nation’s future.

For audiences across the Garden State who follow theatre, live performances, cultural events, and thought-provoking public discussions, the event reflects the kind of programming that continues to position New Jersey as a major destination for arts, ideas, and live experiences. Readers can discover additional cultural programming and performances happening across the state through the Explore New Jersey Theatre section, which highlights productions, speakers, and creative events throughout the region.

A National Book Tour Begins in Newark

Launching a national book tour in Newark carries symbolic significance for Senator Cory Booker, whose political career has been deeply rooted in the city. Before serving in the United States Senate, Booker spent years as the mayor of Newark, working closely with residents to address economic challenges, housing issues, education initiatives, and community revitalization.

That experience shaped much of the perspective he brings to STAND, a book that examines how individuals throughout American history have demonstrated courage, moral conviction, and resilience in moments when the country faced difficult choices.

Rather than focusing solely on political theory, Booker’s work tells human stories—profiles of leaders who stood up for principles, often at great personal risk, in order to advance justice and opportunity.

The Newark event will introduce the book to audiences through a live conversation format, allowing Booker to expand on the themes of leadership, optimism, and civic responsibility that run throughout the pages of STAND.

Jon Bon Jovi Joins the Conversation

Moderating the discussion will be Jon Bon Jovi, one of New Jersey’s most globally recognized artists and a longtime advocate for social change through philanthropy.

Bon Jovi’s presence adds an important dimension to the event. Beyond his decades-long career as a GRAMMY Award-winning musician, he has become widely respected for his work through the Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation and the JBJ Soul Kitchen initiative, which focuses on addressing hunger and food insecurity through community dining programs.

The collaboration between Booker and Bon Jovi represents a meeting of two leaders who have each used their platforms in different ways to support communities and advance civic engagement.

Their conversation is expected to explore the intersection of service, leadership, and public responsibility—topics that resonate deeply within both the political and cultural spheres.

The Message Behind STAND

At the center of the evening is Booker’s new book itself, which challenges readers to reconsider how they think about American history and civic responsibility.

STAND draws inspiration from influential figures who reshaped the nation through acts of courage and determination. The book reflects on leaders from different eras and movements who stepped forward during pivotal moments in American history.

Among the individuals highlighted in the work are:

President George Washington, whose leadership helped shape the nation’s earliest democratic principles.

Congressman John Lewis, whose lifelong commitment to civil rights demonstrated the power of nonviolent resistance and moral conviction.

Suffragist Alice Paul, whose advocacy played a central role in securing voting rights for women.

Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, whose historic appointment represents a milestone in the evolution of the American judiciary.

Environmental justice advocate Ron Finley, whose grassroots activism promotes food access and community empowerment.

Disability rights activist Jennifer Keelan-Chaffins, whose activism helped push the nation toward stronger protections for people with disabilities.

Through these stories, Booker invites readers to reflect on how everyday citizens can contribute to shaping the future of their communities and the nation.

The book’s core message centers on the idea that the American story is still being written—and that each generation has the opportunity to help move the country closer to its founding ideals.

NJPAC’s Conversations Series Continues to Bring Major Voices to New Jersey

The Newark event also highlights the growing importance of NJPAC’s Conversations Series, which has become one of the state’s premier forums for discussions featuring influential authors, artists, and public figures.

The series brings nationally recognized leaders to New Jersey audiences for live conversations that blend intellectual engagement with the energy of a performing arts environment.

Events like this reinforce NJPAC’s role not only as a home for music, theatre, and dance but also as a platform for meaningful dialogue about culture, leadership, and the challenges facing modern society.

Support for the Conversations Series comes from organizations such as the Blanche and Irving Laurie Foundation, whose philanthropic contributions help make these programs possible.

Newark as a Cultural and Civic Stage

Hosting the launch of Booker’s national tour in Newark reflects the city’s continuing evolution as both a cultural center and a place where major national conversations take shape.

In recent years Newark has become a hub for arts, music, theatre, and civic dialogue, attracting audiences from across New Jersey and the broader New York metropolitan area.

Events at NJPAC frequently bring together leaders from government, business, entertainment, and activism, creating a dynamic environment where ideas and culture intersect.

For New Jersey residents, the opportunity to witness discussions involving nationally influential figures in their own state underscores the importance of the Garden State’s role in shaping national conversations.

A Night That Blends Literature, Leadership, and Live Performance

The launch of the STAND tour is expected to draw audiences interested not only in politics or literature but also in the broader themes of leadership and civic engagement.

Attendees will have the opportunity to purchase pre-signed copies of the book, offering fans and readers a chance to take home a piece of the evening’s experience.

But beyond the books themselves, the event represents something more meaningful—a shared moment where public figures, artists, and community members gather to reflect on the values that shape the country.

Through stories of courage, perseverance, and leadership, the discussion aims to inspire individuals from every background to think about how they can contribute to their communities.

New Jersey at the Center of the Conversation

With two of the state’s most influential figures sharing the stage, the evening promises to be one of the most compelling cultural events of the season in New Jersey.

The partnership between Cory Booker and Jon Bon Jovi reflects the Garden State’s unique ability to produce leaders who shape national conversations in politics, music, philanthropy, and civic life.

As Booker begins his national book tour with this conversation in Newark, the event sends a clear message about the power of dialogue, storytelling, and shared ideals.

In a time when public discourse can often feel divided, the conversation surrounding STAND aims to remind audiences of something fundamental: the American story is built not only by famous leaders but also by everyday people who choose to stand up for what they believe in.

And on this stage in Newark, that story begins its next chapter.