Newark Mourns African-American Activist: Robert 'Balozi' Alexander Harvey

NEWARK, NJ — New Jersey community organizer and activist Robert "Balozi" Alexander Harvey – a staunch supporter of African-American relations in the Newark area - has passed away, according to city officials.

Newark Mayor Ras Baraka issued the following statement about Harvey’s passing on Friday:

“I join the citizens of Newark, the local and global community of pan-African nationalists and the many nations in the African Diaspora in mourning the passing of Balozi Robert Alexander Harvey, an extraordinary community organizer and activist in New Jersey and beyond. Balozi's life was a love story with Africa and with Newark and its people.

"Few have done more to build bridges between African nations and the Black communities of America. As a businessman and diplomat, Balozi Harvey facilitated hundreds of millions of dollars in trade between Africa and the United States, developing trade and investment relationships between American small, minority, and women-owned firms and developing nations. As a teacher, organizer and mentor, he opened the eyes of youth in Essex County to African history, values, and culture, preaching that knowledge and understanding of our African heritage are necessary to instill pride and self-confidence in our young people.

"In Newark, we remember Balozi Harvey as Mayor Ken Gibson's partner in opening up trade between Newark companies and African and Caribbean nations. We remember him for his work as a trusted advisor to local governments in promoting cultural diversity, affirmative action, job training, and economic development. He built an amazing collection of African art not to enrich himself or his family but to help African-Americans to appreciate the richness and depth of our heritage. Balozi was a partner in my work and that of my family to use the arts as a powerful instrument for social justice and racial equality. He was a renaissance man who crammed three lifetimes into one. Balozi Harvey will be sorely missed but he made sure that thousands here and in Africa have the determination, skills and knowledge to carry on his life's work. Our prayers go out to his family at this time."

Photo: Essex County

Send local news tips, photos and press releases to eric.kiefer@patch.com