Newark Mourns Passing Of 1st African American Mayor, Ken Gibson

NEWARK, NJ -- Ken Gibson, the first African American mayor of Newark, has passed away, officials reported earlier this week.

Gibson served as mayor of Newark from 1970 to 1986. Many of his admirers respected him for his calm, pragmatic leadership style and for unifying a city torn apart by race riots and political corruption.

• See related article: Ex-Newark Mayor Kenneth Gibson Honored During Black History Month Celebration

Current Newark Mayor Ras Baraka said that the city is mourning one of its trailblazers.

"Ken Gibson became the first African American mayor of a major city on the eastern seaboard," Baraka said. "He led in a tumultuous and difficult time as the city tried to recover from the Newark Rebellion. He was helpful to me as I became mayor of our city and helped me with the transition."

Baraka said that Gibson will be remembered in his effort to live up to his words, “Wherever the country is going, Newark will get there first.”

According to Baraka, Gibson "set the stage for every African American elected official in this state."

"We stand on his accomplishment and grow from his challenges," Baraka said. "We wish his family well. On behalf of the residents of this city, we say thank you Mayor Gibson for your years of sacrifice and service."

Essex County Executive Joseph DiVincenzo Jr. also mourned Gibson's passing.

"Ken Gibson is part of Newark's history," DiVincenzo said. "He led the city during a difficult time, worked hard to find common ground and his contributions laid the foundation for Newark's recovery. Ken was a true Newarker who influenced me as a public servant and, most importantly, he was a friend."

During a 2017 ceremony in Gibson's honor, Reva Foster, chair the New Jersey Black Issues Convention (BIC), said that his hard work and courage helped pave the way for President Barack Obama.

"Sixteen years he and his family sacrificed so that we can have what we do today," Foster said of Gibson.

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