Newark mourns the loss of trailblazing former city councilwoman Mildred Crump

NEWARK, NJ – The Newark community is mourning the loss of a “trailblazer” who became the first Black woman elected to the City Council: Mildred Crump.

Crump, a former city councilwoman in New Jersey’s largest city, died Sunday. She was 86.

Crump also broke a barrier as the first female president of the Newark Municipal Council. She was also a longtime community activist and was praised as a “consummate and consistent advocate for women, children, seniors, the disabled, working families and those in need.”

Crump’s son, C. Lawrence Crump – who currently holds the position of council president once held by his mother – shared the news of her death on Sunday.

“She loved doing what she did… being a public servant to the people,” he wrote.

Several of Crump’s colleagues mourned the death of the longtime Newark resident.

Gov. Phil Murphy said he and first lady Tammy Murphy were saddened to learn of Crump’s death, calling her a “giant, trailblazer and dear friend.”

“Throughout her life, Mildred has broken barriers and been accustomed to being first – both professionally as the first Black Braille teacher in New Jersey and in her political career as the first Black woman elected to the Newark City Council and the first woman to serve as its president,” Murphy said.

“As an exemplary public servant, Mildred skillfully advocated for the most vulnerable in her community and worked to advance New Jersey’s women, children, seniors, families and residents with disabilities,” the governor added.

Lieutenant Governor Tahesha Way also mourned Crump.

“Throughout her distinguished career in public service, Mildred broke down barriers and paved the way for countless people, including me,” Way said. “I am praying for Mildred’s family and loved ones during this difficult time. We will miss her very much.”

“Everyone who knew Mildred Crump or was touched by the heart and mind feels deep sadness at her death today,” wrote Newark Mayor Ras Baraka. “Yet we cannot deny that our sadness is overshadowed by deep gratitude for how she used her considerable gifts and talents to make the world a better place. Her life was filled with countless acts to improve the lives of people not only here in Newark but around the world.”

“The fact that she was the first black woman to achieve many stages in life is just a byproduct of her belief in the righteousness of uplifting others, and when we remember her in the years to come, her name will be first as someone who resisted.” “She overcame all obstacles to chart her own course and pave the way for the rest of us,” Baraka said.

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