Photo Courtesy of the City of Newark
T
he year 2014 feels like a lifetime ago. President Barack Obama was in office and Pharrell Williams’ “Happy” played regularly on every radio station. Americans showed cautious concern about the Ebola virus as it bubbled a continent away. Meanwhile, we mourned the deaths of Michael Brown and Eric Garner at the hands of police officers. The more things change, the more they stay the same. Ras J. Baraka became Mayor of Newark in 2014 and inherited a city at a crossroads with a $93 million budget deficit and the highest crime rate in nearly fifteen years. Many viewed Newark as another Detroit— a city that had lost touch with its remarkable potential. Seven years later, Newark is a different place partly due to a double-digit drop in the crime rate and efforts to increase the city’s economic outlook with corporations like Audible, Panasonic, Mars, and others now calling Newark home. And while many changes can come at a cost, like over-policing and gentrification, protecting the people of Newark from both, ranks high on Baraka’s list of priorities. I asked how he worked to include the citizens of Newark in his efforts to raise the city’s economy. “It’s difficult. We put systems in place like inclusionary zoning ordinances that require affordability. We create an equitable growth commission to set guardrails for different things we do in the city. We try By to create opportunities for Black and brown businesses . . .” he explained. “We’re trying to build wealth here, raise the standard of living, and give people the opportunity to have access to resources at the same time as the city is developing.” At a time when the subject of policing has been a polarizing one, Baraka’s efforts to find balanced solutions stand out. A staunch advocate for a Citizen’s Complaint Review Board with subpoena power, he also supports the city’s police force. “I’m from Newark. I know the people in these communities, people’s grandmothers and mothers. They want to feel safe in their own neighborhoods. The notion of we’re not going to have a police department just doesn’t work here.” He continued, “You Cover and Content page photos by JMartin Productions have to fight crime, so we do that in a two-fold way. We do it by supporting the police department, but also by creating initiatives—community led initiatives that help
NEWARK ISSUE 2021
CONTENTS 32
38
Mayor Show It’sNewark Mayor Baraka’s Ras J. Baraka
His Show S It’s EShane CPaul NeilT I O N S
Money................................... 22 Health ................................... 43 Ras J. Baraka became Mayor of Newark
Education 52 in 2014............................. and inherited a city at a crossroads with a $93 million budget58 Culture.................................
ON THE COVER:
Rev. Dr. David Jefferson, Sr. is dedicated to serving God and his community G TPC_Nov_2021_WF2.indd 14
&also inside Publisher’s Desk............................. 8 Guest Editorial ................................... 12 Guest Editorial ................................... 14 Fitness Doctor ................................. 46 The Last Word .................................. 72 4
The Positive Community Newark Issue 2021
deficit and the highest crime rate in nearly
Features
fifteen years. Many viewed Newark as another Detroit—a city that had lost touch with its remarkable potential.
Larry Crump Honors His Mother.................................... 10 Essex County Exec Honors Community Leaders............ 16 Rev. Dr. Soaries on Retirement and Investing........... 22 Are NJ Democrats Listening Now?........................... 24 Sistahs in Business in Newark ................................. 26 Weiss Joins Newark Alliance.................................. 30 GCBNJ See Success................................................. 35 Civil Rights Leaders Birthdays Celebrated............. 36 UMBA Takes Social Action........................................ 37 Newark Beth Israel’s Alma Beatty Health Fair............. 43 Amerigroup: Brick City’s Newest Resident.................... 51 Kean University President Installed................................. 52 Berkeley College Commemorates 90th Anniversary...... 54 Juneteenth Freedom Cruise............................................ 58 Pillar College Hosts Pastors Appreciation Event........... 60 Eric Adams Fundraiser................................................ 65 11/22/21 5:43 PM
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