“A trailblazer who opened doors for generations”

Newark

By: Richard L Smith

Newark and the nation mourn the loss of Mildred C. Crump, a pioneering figure in public service and an enduring symbol of resilience and self-determination.

The former Newark City Council president who died over the weekend leaves behind a legacy that transformed her community and inspired generations.

Leaders at the local, state and federal levels have expressed their heartfelt condolences to Crump’s family, friends, colleagues and the countless people touched by her life’s work.

Crump’s tenure in public office, which spanned from 1994 to 1998 and again from 2006 to 2021, cemented her place as a trailblazer in history.

She was the first black Braille teacher in New Jersey, the first black woman elected to the Newark City Council, and the first woman to serve as president.

Their impact reached far beyond the chambers of government.

As a young professional, I had the privilege of hosting Councilwoman Crump’s local television show at the Cablevision studios on Central Avenue from 1997 to 2008.

I immediately saw her passion for connecting with the community evident in every show as she sought to amplify voices that often went unheard.

Her influence also reached the halls of West Side High School, which I attended in the early 1990s. Crump, a passionate advocate for education and accessibility, provided invaluable support to a blind student, demonstrating her lifelong commitment to helping those in need.

A social justice advocate, Crump’s three-decade career has been marked by his tireless advocacy for tenants’ rights, educational equity and women’s empowerment.

She worked tirelessly to open doors for marginalized communities without losing sight of her mission to help others.

East Orange Mayor Ted Green said the following:

To her son Larry Crump: May your mother’s remarkable legacy inspire you as you advance her vision for a brighter Newark. Mildred C. Crump was not only a leader, but also a beacon of hope and progress. Her indomitable spirit will remain enshrined in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing her.

May this extraordinary woman rest in eternal peace and may her light shine forever in the city she loved so much.