NJ Flags Lowered For Calvin West, Trailblazer From Newark

NEWARK, NJ — Calvin West was many things to his hometown of Newark and the state of New Jersey. West – the city’s first African American councilman-at-large – was a dedicated public servant, an intrepid journalist, a booster for senior citizens and a mentor to several prominent politicians in Essex County.

On Monday, Dec. 9, West’s home state paid tribute to the legacy the recently deceased leader left behind, lowering flags to half- staff in his honor.

In his executive order, Gov. Phil Murphy offered a tribute to the many ways West has impacted the Garden State.

"Calvin West was a fixture in Newark politics for parts of seven decades, beginning in 1954 as the founder of the Central Ward Young Democrats and later serving as treasurer of the Essex County Young Democrats… In 1966, at the age of 33, Calvin West became the first African-American to be elected councilman-at-large in Newark… Calvin West later served as an aide and political adviser to former Newark Mayor Sharpe James and worked in the gubernatorial administrations of governors James McGreevey, Richard Codey and Jon Corzine."

After his retirement, West kept active in the Newark community, serving as a high school mentor, Newark’s representative for the National Organization on Disability, vice president of the political action committee of the 100 Black Men of New Jersey and director of the Carlton B. Norris Youth Association.

Some of West’s other contributions include:

• Was vice chairman of the Newark Municipal Utilities Authority
• Served as an auditor for the Division of Local Government Services and the Alcoholic Beverage Commission
• Was employed as a correspondent for the Newark Evening News and the New Jersey Afro-American newspapers
• Was a member of the Newark Senior Citizens Commission
• Served as member of the Newark Insurance Fund

West was raised in the city’s old third ward. He graduated from Newark public schools, attended Bloomfield College and Cooper Union College in New York, and later served in the United States Army.

West died on Dec. 2. He was 87.

• See related article: Pioneering Newark Politician Passes Away

Those who paid tribute to West after his death included Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, who wrote:

“The people of Newark today mourn the passing and loss of one of Calvin West, a Newark native who became the first African-American to win citywide office when he was elected to an at-large Council seat. [West] fought to rebuild our city and the hopes of our people, with wisdom, warmth, and compassion. He became a respected leader in both Newark's history and our state, serving as an aide to three governors. Our prayers go to his family.”

Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo Jr. called West a "great leader" who mentored generations of young leaders, including himself.

"Calvin was always looking out for the Newark, the community he loved and his friends," DiVincenzo said. "I am deeply saddened and will miss Calvin's friendship and insight."

Senate President Steve Sweeney called West a “trailblazer” who dedicated his life to the causes that advanced the rights of others.

“[West] helped shape the modern history of Newark as a leader and a constant champion for the city’s progress,” Sweeney said. “Calvin served his country, the State of New Jersey and the City of Newark with a selfless spirit, a kind heart and a helping hand.”

Senate President Pro Tempore M. Teresa Ruiz also released a message of condolence about West's passing:

"When the history of Newark, Essex County and the state of New Jersey is told, we will hear about a trailblazing man who paved the way for a generation of leaders. Calvin West was a Democratic stalwart, a mentor to so many and a partner to anyone who needed the advice and counsel of an elder. Calvin was a no-nonsense, tell-it-like-it-is person, and above all else, a lover of life. We will celebrate you and miss you."

West's passing comes just a few months after Newark lost another political pioneer, Ken Gibson, the city's first black mayor.

• See related article: Newark Mourns Passing Of Ken Gibson

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